Firefighters working overtime on Ambulance 22 were first to respond to an apartment fire in Northeast. They forced entry and helped a man escape from his smoke-filled home.

Units were dispatched at 3:23 pm after a report of smoke coming from apartment 1 at 5756 2nd St., NE just north of Riggs Rd. Mike Carroll of Truck 11 and Kena Curley of Engine 22 were working overtime on Ambulance 22. Carroll heard the call as the ambulance sat at Washington Hospital Center and notified Communications that they could get there faster than other units.

When Carroll and Curley arrived, they encountered smoke coming from the apartment. Curley moved to force entry in the back of the building, while Carroll kicked in the front door. As soon as the door came open, the smoke was allowed to vent, and the unidentified man inside then ran to the door. He told the firefighters that he was unable to see and, thus, find his way to the door.

Two civilians were examined at the scene and refused transport. Firefighter Carroll injured his hand on glass while removing the door. He was transported to Providence Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The fire was caused by food being left on the stove. Damage is minimal.

Interim Fire Chief Adrian Thompson recently ordered at least 12 ambulance positions per shift in each of the six battalions be filled with firefighters to make up an EMS staffing deficit. Six EMS units were put in service last Sunday utilizing firefighters exclusively. More units will be put in service soon.