Man rescued from Newark fire, suffers significant injuries

A Newark man suffered significant injuries after he was rescued from a fire on Tuesday evening.

According to Newark interim fire chief Brandon Metzger, crews were called to a multi-family residence at 16 W. Oak St. around 5:32 p.m. He said Newark police were already on scene ahead of their agency and were able to confirm smoke and flames were visible.

Metzger said crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the eaves on the second floor and flames were visible. After hearing reports people may have been trapped inside the building, Metzger said they quickly entered the building and found a male believed to be around 27-years-old unresponsive on the second floor.

He said the individual was taken by medics to Licking Memorial Hospital, then sent to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for additional treatment. On Wednesday, Metzger said the man suffered significant injuries, but had a good prognosis.

Metzger said two Newark firefighters also sustained very minor injuries that didn't require medical treatment.

During investigation, Metzger said they learned there were no working smoke detectors at the time of the fire. To say the injured individual was fortunate, Metzger said, was an understatement.

Metzger said the fire was deemed to be electricial in nature from an exterior wall.

In addition to Newark fire and police, Granville Township, Heath, Newark Township, Madison Township, and a scene support unit from West Licking Fire District responded to the scene.

The American Red Cross was called to the scene to provide support for the building's occupants. Metzger said the building sustained significant damage.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Man rescued from Newark fire, suffers significant injuries