Around 1200 hours, Box Alarm 38-08 was struck out for a reported House on Fire with People Trapped at 1322 Farmingdale Lane in the Elk Grove section of Chapel Oaks. Due to Tower Ladder 33 being on the fire on Nova Avenue, only Engine 331 (Kelleher OIC) was due on the Box. As Engine 331 traveled towards the reported address, a large column of smoke was visible, indicating an apparent working fire. Engine 384 (1st Due) arrived to find a one-story house with heavy fire showing in the rear and smoke from all sides. As Engine 384 laid a supply line from the hydrant, Engine 331 arrived with 5 Volunteers. As the crew from Engine 331 approached the house, numerous civilians advised them that there were two people still inside. Captain Tony Kelleher ordered his crew to advance a line from Engine 384 as he proceeded to the porch area to gain entry. As crews moved in, Captain Kelleher searched in front of the initial attack line. Without the protection of a hose line Captain Kelleher reached the fire area, he located a victim in the rear living room/hallway area. As the crew started to knock down the large amount of fire, Kelleher started to remove the victim (weighing approx. 275 lbs.) with zero visibility and high heat conditions. As Captain Kelleher reached the front door/porch area, several other members assisted the Captain getting the victim to the front yard where CPR was performed until the arrival of the EMS units. After EMS crews took over patient care, Captain Kelleher then joined back up with his crew members to continue extinguishment. Another victim was found by Engine 331's crew whose injuries where incompatible with life (DOA) and left in place for investigations. Crews also operated in the basement to extinguish a fire there. The primary search found the two victims and the secondary proved negative. There were two firefighters that received minor burns. Though valiant efforts of Captain Kelleher and other members, the female occupant later succumb to her injuries at a local hospital. The fire is under investigation and Engine 331 was released at 1327 hours.

Command