Firefighter in critical condition

Firefighter Rick Morris was in critical condition at a Columbia hospital Wednesday after he was burned while fighting a blaze at a Sedalia home.

Morris, a firefighter of 33 years, was burned during a flashover while fighting the house fire Tuesday at 1209 S. Kentucky Ave. A flashover happens when a fire rolls over a gap because of intense heat.

Morris was taken by helicopter to University Hospital.

“(Doctors) expect Morris to make a long, slow recovery,” according to a statement issued by the City of Sedalia.

Morris suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body. He is on a ventilator, but his lungs and airway went undamaged since his self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) remained in place during the fire.

“Rick is a true professional and a leader in our department who has dedicated the last three decades of his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Sedalia,” said Fire Chief Mike Ditzfeld. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Morris family during this difficult time.”

The city is offering counseling to firefighters, as needed.

Deputy Chief Don Meier said aside from cuts, sprains and a car accident, “This is the first major firefighter injury I can remember.”

The fire started about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday while Cara M. Fauquier and two children were at home. Bill Whelen is listed as the owner of the home, according to Fire Department reports.

Morris, along with three other firefighters, were searching for the source of the fire when he became separated from the crew, reports stated.

Firefighters opened a door to the front room of the house and fire rolled out the door and over their heads. They extinguished the fire in the room.
One of the firefighters heard Morris’ safety device, which sounds when a firefighter stops moving, and found him face downward on the floor.

Firefighters pulled Morris onto the front porch and removed his gear.

Meier said Morris was wearing a new set of gear but the outerwear firefighters have is “fire resistance, not fire proof.”

The firefighters found burns on Morris’ upper body and arms, reports stated.

A Missouri State Fire Marshal investigator, along with firefighters from the Fire Department, are investigating the cause of the fire. A fire marshal is called to investigate any time a fire results in injury or death.

Meier said it appears that the fire started in the attic. Although the case is still under investigation, Meier said arson is not suspected and it’s “very possible” faulty wiring could be the cause.