McDowell County, WV (WOAY) – One firefighter is dead, and another is injured while responding to a structure fire in Mcdowell County, WV.
McDowell County 911 received a call on Monday evening of a structure fire in the Jolo area. Volunteer fire departments from Bradshaw, Raysal and War were all dispatched to the call.
While travelling to the fire, 54-year-old Deputy Chief Jeffrey Lawson of the War fire department became ill and stated to the driver of the fire truck that he needed medical attention. The driver turned the vehicle around and started driving to Welch Community Hospital. Along the way they met up with an EMS unit and transferred the Lawson to the ambulance. While on the way to the hospital the Lawson became unconscious, and CPR was initiated. Deputy Chief Lawson was pronounced dead at the hospital.
At the fire scene, while fighting the fire 51-year-old Bradshaw VFD firefighter Gary M. Coleman collapsed with difficulty breathing and smoke inhalation. Coleman was flown to CAMC General Division in Charleston via aeromedical helicopter from a loading zone in Iaegar. He has been treated and released following an overnight stay at CAMC General Division. The structure that was on fire is also the residence of Mr. Coleman.
