Two Firefighters Hurt in Collapse at Riviera Beach Fire

RIVIERA BEACH, MD – Two Anne Arundel County firefighters were treated for injuries Tuesday afternoon after a floor collapsed under them at the scene of a townhome fire in Riviera Beach, authorities said.

Firefighters were called just before 1 p.m. Tuesday to a dwelling fire in the 1000 block of Chestnut Haven Court in Riviera Beach. Firefighters found heavy smoke from the rear of the dwelling and a fire in the basement of the middle-of-the-row home.

As additional firefighters began to enter the home from a back deck to search for occupants, the floor below them collapsed. Two firefighters fell from the first floor into the basement, where they were removed by other firefighters in the basement and a Rapid Intervention Team.

The two firefighters -- a 43-year-old man from the Brooklyn Park station and a 38-year-old man from the Glen Burnie station -- were taken by paramedics to Shock Trauma, where they were treated and released.

The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. One resident has been displaced by the fire. There were no additional injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the Fire and Arson Investigation unit.

Damages are estimated at $75,000.

»Photos of dwelling fire in Riviera Beach, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Fire Department