Child rescued, 2 firefighters injured while battling Dayton apartment fire Saturday

DAYTON — Two Dayton firefighters were hospitalized for injuries while battling a fire that broke out in a Dayton apartment building Saturday.

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The fire broke out in a complex on Lakebend Drive near Troy Street around 1 p.m. Saturday. Firefighters were initially dispatched on reports of a person trapped and unable to get out of the building.

Multiple people were assisted out of the three-story apartment building when Dayton firefighters arrived. Firefighters also had to use a ladder to rescue a child who was on the third floor of the building and unable to get out, Dayton Fire Capt. Brad French said in an emailed statement to News Center 7 Monday.

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A man who spoke with News Center 7 Saturday said firefighters rescued his child after he was awoken by people telling him to get out of the building.

“I wake up and hear somebody outside screaming, ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” said Sherod Smith. “I’m like, let me look out the window. I go to the front door and look out the door but it’s pitch black. I can go out this way and there’s only one way out.”

No one inside the apartment building was injured in the fire. However, two Dayton firefighters suffered injuries described as minor while they were battling the fire. Both were taken to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment, French said.

The fire caused significant damage to one unit while surrounding units sustained smoke and water damage from the fire. Only the occupants of one unit were displayed by the fire and damage.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, French said.

Additional details were not released.

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