The Fort Worth Fire Department has identified the two firefighters injured when a garage roof collapsed during a fire incident on Wednesday.
The fire, which originated shortly before 11 a.m. on Williams Street in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside, was detected by Fort Worth Fire Department Engine 11 as they returned from the shop. While the Fire Alarm Office received multiple calls from neighbors, Engine 11 arrived promptly at the scene.
As the crew approached the structure, the garage roof suddenly collapsed, trapping a firefighter, prompting the first mayday call. “The sound of a ‘mayday’ tone over radio traffic signifies an immediate need for assistance,” fire officials noted in a social media post, emphasizing the urgency of such situations.
Firefighter Caleb Halvorson was quickly rescued from the debris by fellow firefighters within two minutes and was taken to Parkland Hospital with multiple injuries, including burns. He remains in the burn unit. Halvorson has served with the department for three years.
Lieutenant Troy Gallagher, who aided in the rescue, was also injured and sent to the hospital. He has been with the department since 2001 and was treated and released.
A second alarm was raised to manage the fire effectively, involving 42 fire apparatus and nearly 90 personnel. The fire was under control in about an hour, with the entire operation lasting three hours. No residents were home during the fire, and no other injuries were reported. The fire’s cause is under investigation.
Fire officials expressed gratitude for community support and prayers for the injured firefighters and their families during this challenging time.
