Blackfoot firefighter expected to survive and make full recovery after being seriously injured in shop building fire

The fireman seriously injured Wednesday while battling a fire west of Blackfoot is expected to survive and make a full recovery, according to Blackfoot Fire Chief Bryon Howell.

Howell said the entire Blackfoot Fire Department was extremely concerned about the injured fireman and everyone is deeply relieved that he's expected to be OK.

The fireman was airlifted to a local hospital after the large header of a garage door at a burning farm shop building fell on top of him, Howell said.

The fire at the shop building at 1656 West and 200 North in the Rockford area was reported around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday after individuals at the farm started a controlled burn near the front of the building that quickly spread out of control, Howell said. Wednesday's strong winds blew the flames directly onto the shop building, setting it on fire.

Blackfoot Fire Department firefighters arrived at the scene and began battling the blaze that was already gutting the shop building. The Fort Hall and Firth fire departments soon arrived to assist.

The Blackfoot Fire Department fireman was injured by the falling header after the firefighters had extinguished most of the flames and were essentially putting out the remaining hot spots, Howell said.

An emergency helicopter was called in and landed at the scene to airlift the injured fireman to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls where he was listed in stable condition as of Wednesday night.

The fireman's name and details about his injuries haven't been released but he's expected to undergo surgery at EIRMC to repair the damage to his body caused by the large and very heavy header.

After the injured fireman was airlifted to EIRMC, firefighters made sure the flames were fully extinguished before leaving the scene around 7:10 p.m.

There were no other injuries and the fire was contained to the shop building after spreading to it from the adjacent controlled burn.

The shop building and all the equipment inside it were declared to be a total loss as a result of the fire, authorities said.

Following the blaze Howell said local residents should definitely not ignite controlled burns during this time of year, especially on windy days.