Motel 6 Room and Contents Fire with 1 Rescue

On the morning of 1/23/13 Winchester Bay (SMFR, Colchester Center, Malletts Bay and Winnoski Fire Departments) was called to Motel 6 in Colchester for an activated fire alarm with a report of smoke in the building with sprinkler activation. Assistant Chief Erik Haversang, '11 and 4C3 Palmer went to the 3rd floor with the SMFR crew led by Lt. Mike Bodreau, ’14. The fire room was quickly located by the crews and upon entry, crews were met with a moderate smoke condition, sprinkler head activation, and a sharp cry for help. Haversang and Bodreau found the victim lying next to his smoldering bed, directly under the activated sprinkler with noticeable second degree burns on the left side of his body. Haversang and Bodreau quickly removed the victim out of the room and into the hallway were they were met by Lt. James McLaughlin, '10 and a hotel luggage cart. They used the cart to move the victim to the end of the hallway where they carried the him down 3 flights of stairs and requested Colchester Rescue to meet them at the bravo side exit.

The victim was placed under the care of the Colchester Rescue crew, including Paramedic Carter Neville, SMFR alumnus ’08. Carter treated the victim for second degree burns over 15 percent of his body and intubated the victim when they arrived at the hospital for treatment of the burns. Once the scene was under control and all residents were evacuated, an investigation was performed and it is believed the victim had fallen asleep smoking a cigarette in bed which caught the mattress and pillows on fire.

An excellent job was done by all responding units and especially the SMFR crew. I couldn’t be more proud of all the SMFR Firefighters who responded that morning. It was great to see all of our training and hard work come to fruition at such an important call! - Asst. Chief Erik Haversang, '11