Eastern Wake Firefighter Dies In Line Of Duty

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Eastern Wake Firefighter Dies In Line Of Duty

POSTED: 10:26 a.m. EDT July 14, 2005

UPDATED: 12:26 p.m. EDT July 14, 2005

Story by wral

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A Eastern Wake firefighter died in the line of duty early Thursday morning.

According to fire officials, lightning hit a tree at around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Turnipseed Road and Major Slade Road in the unincorporated Knightdale area. Firefighters responded and, when the fire appeared to be out, left the scene.

Todd Blanchard and two other firefighters returned to the scene at 12:42 a.m. after a report that the tree was still smoldering. As they walked toward the tree, a limb estimated to be 2.5 feet in diameter broke and fell, hitting Blanchard.

The two firefighters began CPR when they found that Blanchard's breathing and heart had stopped. Paramedics arrived at the scene and took Blanchard to WakeMed, but he later died at the hospital.

The incident is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office, the North Carolina Department of Labor's occupational health and safety staff and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Blanchard had worked as a full-time firefighter for Eastern Wake Fire Department for approximately two years. He came to Eastern Wake Fire Department from the Garner Fire Department.

Blanchard is survived by his parents, two daughters and a fiance. He was planning to get married in October.