BRONSN, MI (WTVB) – Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says the investment made by the community to make sure firefighters have the proper equipment prevented one of his captains from suffering serious injuries Wednesday afternoon.
Bronson firefighters had to put out a vehicle fire on U.S. 12 near the Capri In Drive just before 4:00 p.m. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. The driver and her three children managed to get out safely.
Although firefighters put the fire out within minutes of their arrival, an explosion took place when water sprayed inside the vehicle came into contact with magnesium used in the vehicles construction near the dash area.
A Bronson Fire Captain suffered second degree burns to a small area on his neck. The injury was treated by Lifecare Ambulance.
Wilber says the injuries would have been much worse had he not been wearing all of his personal protective equipment.
He pointed out it cost over $10,000 to outfit just one firefighter with the required personal protective equipment.