PAW PAW (WWJ) - A volunteer Paw Paw firefighter was killed at the scene of an emergency call on Wednesday evening after authorities say he came into contact with a fallen power line in Southwest Michigan.
According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the fatal incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. in the 42000 block of 30th Street near 42nd Avenue in Almena Township.
Officials with the Leighton Township Fire Department said in a social media post that the firefighter was operating with crews "under extreme weather conditions" when he came into contact with the wire.
He died at the scene.
“On behalf of the Paw Paw Fire Department, it is with a heavy heart that they lost one of their own tonight on a tragic incident, no fault of the Fire Fighter,” the sheriff’s office said. “The Department is asking at this time that you give them time to deal with this tragedy, and at a later date and time more information will be available. They would also ask that you respect the family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this time while they are mourning the loss. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you for respecting their wishes.”
A major ice storm slammed into the state on Wednesday, leading to many downed powerlines and fallen trees. It was not immediately clear which energy provider the power line belong to, but Consumer's Energy said they are conducting an investigation.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of this firefighter’s passing. Extreme weather events like this are difficult for numerous reasons, but few are more important than the risk many first responders and line workers take with their lives in service of their community,” Consumers Energy said in a statement. “Our internal investigation process has begun, and we are continuing to prioritize the safety of our customers, our crews, and local partners like police and fire units as we work to mitigate dangers and restore power. Our hearts go out to their family.”
As news of the incident spread, other fire departments and agencies expressed their condolences on social media
“Tonight, we kneel for his family and his brothers and sisters who worked with him. Tomorrow we will stand for him,” Dowagiac Fire Department wrote on Facebook. “Please keep our brothers and sisters at the Paw Paw Fire Department in your thoughts. We are here if you need anything.”
"We mourn with the Paw Paw Fire Department and their community over the loss a firefighter last night during an emergency incident involving a downed power line during the ice storm," Monroe Public Safety posted on Facebook.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Brothers and Sisters in PawPaw, Michigan as they cope with the loss of one of their personnel in a downed power line incident," the Clarksville Fire Department wrote. "Not many know this, but Clarksville’s Fire Chief, Paul grew up in that area. Like us, they are a volunteer department."
More information about the incident is expected to be released at a later time.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.