On November 14th, 2019, Marion firefighters rescued a disabled man from his bedroom while his house was on fire.
The Marion Fire Department was dispatched to a home in the 2200 block of S. Waite St. for a reported smoke investigation. When the initial fire crews arrived, they discovered smoke and flames coming through an area of the home.
While moving through the house, they found 73-year-old disabled resident, George Smoot, in his bedroom. They rescued him from the burning home and called for an ambulance. Marion General Hospital Paramedics arrived on the scene, then took over the care of Mr. Smoot. After paramedics assessed Smoot, and the home’s other occupant, Mrs. Ollie Smoot, they were released to their family at the scene.
Electrical and gas lines were disconnected at the residence and multiple crews worked to fight the blaze until it was extinguished. Fire Chief Geoff Williams said the source of the fire was determined to be in the utility room near the electrical meter.
After the incident, Chief Williams commended Engine 6 B‑Shift for the rescue of the disabled resident. “These four firefighters did an excellent job. I couldn’t be more proud of them. Marion’s firefighters, committed to training, working together as a team, and saving a life. It all added up and they were the best they could be that day.”
The Engine 6 B‑Shift firefighters include Engineer Heath Duke, Engineer Monty Smith, Private Mikel Neal, and Private Nate Duke.