Firefighter Rescues 8-Month-Old From Basement Fire in Twinsburg

TWINSBURG – Firefighter/paramedic Josh Jarzab rescued an 8-month-old boy from a basement fire Sunday on Simsbury Drive, with body camera footage showing the dramatic rescue just three minutes after the fire department arrived on scene.

The homeowner called 911 around 12:20 p.m., saying “Hello, hello, we have a fire in the basement with a baby in the basement.” He had already escaped with two other young children and kept trying to get back inside to save the baby, but smoke and heat were too intense.

Police Sergeant Patrick Quinn and Officer Jeremy Vecchio arrived first and attempted entry but were driven back by heavy smoke conditions in the finished basement. The rescue occurred eight minutes after police arrival and 12 minutes from the initial 911 call.

Jarzab said when his crew arrived, they were focused and determined. “I didn’t hear anything except there was a baby in the basement,” he said. Firefighters found the baby boy in a basement room protected by a closed fire-rated door, which prevented smoke from reaching him.

The infant was rushed outside and treated immediately for smoke inhalation. He responded very well to treatment and was transported by Solon Fire Rescue to UH Ahuja Medical Center with an EMS medical control doctor present. The baby was discharged later that afternoon in good condition.

Several police officers and the homeowner were evaluated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation. The family’s two dogs and six cats were all found safe.

Structural damage was contained to the basement, with minor smoke damage throughout the home. The Red Cross is helping the family with temporary housing and living expenses. Damages are estimated at over $90,000.

The fire remains under investigation. Multiple departments assisted including Solon Fire, Macedonia Fire, Oakwood Fire, Aurora Fire, Hudson Fire, Hudson EMS, Streetsboro Fire, and Northfield Village Fire.

Here is a video about the fire from Fox 8 News.