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Last November, the Lehigh Valley Mansion on Barrington Lane in Salisbury Township was sold. Less than a full day after it came off the market, it was engulfed in flames. While battling the blaze in the multimillion-dollar home, two firefighters suffered burns and had to be hospitalized.

Firefighters know they may be called at any time to put their own lives and welfare at stake for their communities. If you or a loved one has suffered an illness or injury in the line of duty, contact the Philadelphia work injury attorneys at Gross & Kenny, LLP.

A Castle on Fire

The Lehigh Valley Mansion fire started just before daybreak and created an inferno in the estate’s turret-shaped grand ballroom. Lehigh County firefighters were dispatched from several firehouses as the blaze reached three-alarm status.

Salisbury Township Fire Marshal Don Sabo confirmed that two firefighters had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering burns. Other firefighters were treated on the scene for minor injuries.

Neighbors told local news sources that two busloads of people arrived at the house the night before the fire. A large party ensued, but they left the house sometime that night. The house was empty when the first fire crew arrived.

The guests and events at the party are still under investigation.

The 38,000 square-foot home, also known as Ravenwood Manor, is a castle-like mansion sprawling over the manor’s four acres. Along with the ballroom, the house featured six bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a game room, gym, movie theater, sauna, and wine cellar.

What are the Odds of Injury?

According to a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighter Injury totals in 2020 increased 7% compared to 2019’s numbers. The NFPA’s 2020 report also found:

• More than 64,000 injuries occurred in the line of duty.
• There were more than 20,000 documented cases of exposure to infectious diseases and more than 17,000 exposures to hazardous conditions.
• Injuries were more likely to occur at operational or fireground areas than other types of duties. More than 35% of all reported injuries occurred at the fireground.
• Overexertion or strain (31%) leads to the types of injury on the fireground.
• Around 40% of total fireground injuries were strains, sprains, or muscular pain.
• Almost 5,000 injuries occurred while responding to or returning from incidents.
• Training activities accounted for more than 7,500 injuries.
• More than 13,000 injuries occurred at non-fire emergency incidents.
• More than 16,000 injuries occurred during other on-duty activities.

When should I contact a lawyer?

Our community depends on Firefighters. When there is peril, we look to firefighters to save us, to protect our property. Every time they suit up and answer the call, their lives are on the line.

Firefighters work in dangerous conditions and are exposed to a vast array of risks that include:

• Burns
• Falls from heights
• Smoke inhalation
• Cancer from chemical inhalation
• Death

Healing can be arduous work. Leave the battle for compensation from insurance companies up to us. Contact the Philadelphia work injury attorneys at Gross & Kenny, LLP for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 215-512-1500.