GREENWOOD, Ind. — An off-duty Indianapolis firefighter is being praised for saving a woman who became trapped and unconscious on the second floor of her home as fire raged Tuesday morning.
The Indianapolis Fire Department was notified around 11 a.m. March 12 of a house fire in Greenwood.
Off-duty Captain Mark Baranko was returning to his own home from the grocery store shortly before 8:30 a.m.. While heading home, he noticed some police activity near a home in the Carefree subdivision and slowed down to take a better look, according to IFD officials.
That's when Baranko, who is a 15-year veteran of IFD, reportedly saw flames from the second floor of a two-story house.
Baranko pulled his car to the side and ran to help, according to IFD.
The homeowner was out front and told Baranko his wife was still inside the home.
After assessing the situation, Baranko quickly entered the home through a front door. He then reportedly found the stairs as heavy, toxic black smoke blanketed the entire upstairs. IFD reported there was only six inches of visibility and barely breathable air at floor level.
Baranko was forced to the floor to conduct his search and found the unconscious woman in the doorway of a bedroom in the back.
He then picked her up and carried her out the front door.
Area crews arrived on scene, and medics transported the woman to the hospital in serious condition.
Baranko provided information to the incident commander. He was not injured in the incident.
IFD Chief Ernest Malone released a statement about the rescue:
"I am proud of the heroic efforts by Captain Baranko this morning. It is not every day that you are faced with a choice to risk your own life to save another and when faced with that choice today, Captain Baranko willingly took the risk. Mark is a consummate professional who excels in his duties as both an officer, a leader and instructor. We are proud to have him as a member of our firefighting family. Our thoughts are with all those affected by today's fire and hope that the woman makes a full recovery."
White River Township Fire Department Chief Jeremy Pell also released a statement:
"I am extremely grateful for the quick actions of Captain Baranko. The outcome could have been much different had Captain Baranko not been in the area. Having worked with Captain Baranko in the past, I know firsthand that his decision to search the house is just one example of his commitment to serving others. The community has invested in this fire department. Today, a family realized the positive life changing impact a fire department can have on its community. I am extremely proud of everyone who responded to today's fire."
