Elderly man jumps out window to escape Mount Vernon fire

<p>Flames had engulfed the home and the man was hanging out of a second-story window when firefighters arrived.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 13, 2018, 3:25 PM

Updated 2,313 days ago

Share:

An elderly man jumped out of a window to escape a raging fire in Mount Vernon this morning.
Fire officials say flames broke out around 9 a.m at the large three-story Victorian home at  460 E. 4th St. 
The Mount Vernon fire chief says that when fire crews arrived, flames had engulfed the home and the man was hanging out of a second-story window. When he finally jumped, his fall was broken. 
The man was brought to the hospital with burns, but the extent of his injuries is not known at this time.
The man's nephew was also in the house at the time, but was able to escape safely. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters not only had flames to contend with, but they also lacked normal water pressure because there was a water main break in the Vernon Heights section of the city.
They add that the fire spread quickly because of the age of the house.
Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but it does not appear to be suspicious at this time. The house will likely be condemned.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas says the city will work to help the displaced residents.