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Richelle Bailey
The McDowell News

Dec. 30--Even though it was dark and the air was filled with a thick, smoky haze, Travis Piercy knew what hit him.

"There was that initial hit and then we were just being peppered with brick," he stated. "I thought the whole side was caving in."

Piercy, a lieutenant and 11-year firefighter with Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, and Sugar Hill-Montford Cove Fire Chief Craig Walker were hurt early Friday morning while battling a house fire on Mashburn Branch Road.

A block-brick wall collapsed and flying debris rained down on the two men.

Piercy suffered scrapes and bruises and was treated and released from Memorial Mission Hospital.

About eight hours after the incident Friday, Piercy was limping around the fire department, talking to fellow firefighters and taking calls from well-wishers.

"I'm very sore and very lucky," he grinned.

Unlike Walker, who suffered a severe concussion, Piercy said he could remember everything that happened.

He recalled that firefighters had been at the scene about an hour Friday morning and had the fire knocked down. He and Walker were standing at the basement, Walker slightly behind him and an exhaust fan beside them both. They were hosing down the basement, the area investigators say was the likely origin of the blaze.

Piercy stated that he heard a noise and knew immediately what it was. Before he could react, brick was pouring on both men.

"The first thing I though about was (Walker)," he said. "I wanted to make sure he was OK. With firefighters, we go in together, we come out together."

Other firefighters were there immediately to rescue them, and paramedics were on the scene within minutes. Members of the McDowell County Rescue Squad, as well as an off-duty paramedic, began treatment.

When asked if he thinks about being hurt on duty, Piercy stated, "I do, and I don't."

"You know it could happen to you, but you try not to dwell on it," the lieutenant stated. "We put our lives on the line, so all we can do is expect the worst and hope for the best."

Piercy didn't realize how tragic the situation could have been until he got back to the fire department and saw the exhaust fan with its big gashes, broken metal blades and tattered screen.

"I see that fan and I wonder how I'm still standing," he stated.

Travis and his brothers grew up around the fire department. Their dad has been a member for more than three decades. Two of Travis' three brothers are also firefighters.

He said this one incident hasn't drowned his love of helping others.

"I would go back out there right now," he said. "I wouldn't hesitate for a minute."

To see more of The McDowell News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.mcdowellnews.com. Copyright (c) 2007, The McDowell News, Marion, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
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