DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) — Two firefighters are being treated for heat exposure after battling a fire at a Dublin apartment complex Wednesday afternoon.
According to Columbus Division of Fire Batallion Chief Jeffrey Geitter, the fire was reported at a 20-unit apartment building on Dublin Arbor Lane at approximately 2 p.m.
Because of the hot weather, the fire was upgraded to a three-alarm fire to have extra crews respond to the scene. Geitter said approximately 100 firefighters responded to the call.
The two firefighters were taken to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment, and are listed in stable condition.
“If you could imagine wearing a snowmobile suit with a backpack while exercising in this heat,” Geitter said. “Our member do their best to stay hydrated. We are aware of those risks. They’re powering through it, doing their best here, but again, that’s why we need the third alarm.”
“You could feel the heat right over here and as they tried to put out the fire, the smoke got even more, so you couldn’t breathe air,” said resident Muhammad Akhtar. “We all had to go into our homes until they were able to cool the fire down and put it out.”
No other injuries are reported.
The Red Cross is helping 30 people impacted by the fire.