Firefighter Shot After Heat From The Fire Caused Loaded Gun To Discharge

A Wisconsin firefighter was critically injured after a gun discharged inside of a burning building. Justin Fredrickson, 35, was operating a hose line to help put out the fire when the heat from the flames caused a loaded gun to go off. The bullet traveled through the home's exterior wall and struck Fredrickson in the abdomen.

"The loaded firearm discharged due to heat conditions caused by the fire, not by the intentional actions of a person," Cornell Area Fire Department Chief Dennis Klass said.

He was rushed to a local hospital and then airlifted to the Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire. He has undergone three surgeries since the incident, which occurred on February 19. Fredrickson, who is a 16-year veteran of the fire department, is still in the intensive care unit as he recovers from the gunshot wound.

"Justin is still currently in ICU and resting comfortably. Justin is in good spirits and on the road to recovery. The family would like to thank everyone for the continued thoughts, prayers, and kind words," Cornell Area Fire Department Assistant Chief Matt Boulding wrote on Facebook.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content