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JP neighborhood hit again by fire; two Boston firefighters injured

E-mail|Link|Comments () December 30, 2009 12:03 PM

Boston fire department spokesman Steve MacDonald describes how a firefighter fell while searching a burning Jamaica Plain condo for occupants this morning. The firefighter suffered a broken collarbone and facial injuries. (Boston Globe video by Brian Ballou)

By John R. Ellement and Brian Ballou, Globe Staff

A Boston firefighter was injured this morning while fighting a fire inside a condo under construction in Jamaica Plain when he fell through a hole in the floor, landing on his face one floor below, a fire official said.

The two alarm fire was the latest to hit Sigourney Street where at least two arson fires have been discovered since Feb. 7, 2008. The cause of this morning's fire inside the three-story condo remains under investigation, said Steve MacDonald, Boston fire spokesman. A $5,000 reward for information was offered this March.

The firefighter from Ladder 23 was rushed to Brigham and Women's Hospital where doctors said he sustained a broken collarbone and facial injuries, said MacDonald.

"He is expected to recover,'' MacDonald said. He declined to identify the firefighter by name but said he has been on the force for about 20 years. "It is not life threatening.''

A second firefighter sustained a shoulder strain and he is expected to be released form the hospital later today, he said.

MacDonald said arriving firefighters found heavy smoke pouring out of the condo and immediately called in a second alarm. Firefighters entered and were searching the building for possible occupants when the firefighter was injured.

MacDonald said the interior is mostly just the wood framing and that large holes have been built into the flooring, apparently as the builder plans to install some type of atrium. He said the holes are about eight feet square and the injured firefighter fell through one of those holes.

MacDonald said the fire caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. He said the building appeared to be properly secured when firefighters arrived.

He said the department's Fire Investigation Unit is currently on scene and is aware of the history of fires on Sigourney street. He said this morning's fire started on the second floor. In contrast, the earlier fires were started when someone tossed burning car tires on the exterior of the buildings, he said.

"The investigators are aware that in that neighborhood over the past couple of years, there have been some arson fires,'' MacDonald said. "But right now it is still to early give a definitive cause.''