Fire chief: Firefighter injured in Putnam County wildfire released from hospital

POCA, W.Va. (WCHS) — UPDATED, 1:40 p.m., 4/21/23

A firefighter who was injured while responding to a brush fire in the Poca area has been released from the hospital, officials said.

David Cox, a member of the Bancroft Volunteer Fire Department, suffered deep tissue bruising, bone bruising and minor cuts after falling several feet while battling a wildfire, Poca Fire Chief Shawn West said.

The fire was reported just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday on a hillside by the Raymond City Boat Ramp.

Cox was assisting the Poca Volunteer Fire Department when the incident happened.

West said on Thursday night that the fire burned about 10 acres. No information has been provided on what started the blaze.

ORIGINAL STORY

The Poca Fire Department said a firefighter was injured while fighting a brush fire near Poca.

The fire started around 5:25 p.m. Thursday on the hillside by the Raymond City Boat Ramp.

The firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries after falling several feet, officials told Eyewitness News.

Due to the steep terrain, it took first responders about 90 minutes to take him off the mountain.

The Poca Fire Chief said the brush fire burned about 10 acres. No information was available on what caused the blaze.