Hastings firefighters on site of the two alarm fire at 1105 Jefferson Ave., (City of Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — Hastings Fire and Rescue responded to a fire call shortly before 7 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16 at 1105 Jefferson Ave.
Two male residents were transported around 7:10 a.m. to Mary Lanning Healthcare with life-threatening conditions.
The timing of the incident was advantageous because it occurred during a shift change. So, nearly twice as many on-duty personnel responded, compared to most other times of the day.
The additional personnel on site expedited rescue and transportation of the two residents.
A dog was also rescued. The dog was given oxygen on scene and transported to TLC Vet Care.
The dog continued to receive oxygen as well as medication for smoke inhalation at TLC Vet Care and is currently doing well.
The incident was a two-alarm fire. In addition to Hastings Fire and Rescue, Hastings Rural Fire Volunteer Fire Department and off-duty HFR firefighters also responded.
Hastings Police Department, City of Hastings Street Department, Hastings Utilities, Adams County Emergency Management responded to the incident as well.
The fire was under control around 8:10 a.m. There was no other property damage.
Damages to the structure are estimated at just over $38,000.
While the cause is still under investigation, preliminary evidence shows that the fire had burned for some time, unnoticed due to the lack of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Due to the lack of these early warning devices, both occupants (one adult, one minor) were rescued from the structure by fire personnel and transported by ambulance with life-threatening conditions.
Hastings Fire & Rescue was greeted by the public at the incident with donated food.
The department would like to say thank you to Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Scooters, Delight Donuts, H&M Nutrition and Thermo King for the coffee, drinks and pizza. The firefighters greatly appreciated the fuel.
A special thank you to the numerous citizens who showed up to support Hastings Fire & Rescue. Those acts of kindness, cookies, coffee and smiles were greatly appreciated and made a huge impact.
