A South Carolina firefighter has died in the line of duty while battling flames that ravaged a Columbia apartment on Friday.
James Muller, 25, sustained severe wounds in the fire and was rushed to Prisma Health Richland where he was declared dead.
Muller was one of seven firefighters that were hospitalized after suffering injuries in the fire.
“It is with teary eyes and a heavy heart we announced the Line Of Duty Death of our brother, our friend, one of our instructors but most importantly one of the most caring husbands, fathers, and firemen,” a tribute from Soda City Training organization read. “He was one of the best.”
Authorities said that the deadly blaze started at Tropical Ridge Apartments near Stoneridge Drive and grew rapidly to a 3-alarm fire forcing firefighters to call for a mayday.
Many of the 60 firefighters who responded to the incident became trapped inside the structure at one point with seven sustained injuries.
Two residents of the home were successfully rescued and 19 neighbors had to be displaced.
