KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Independence firefighter died Thursday afternoon after responding to an illegal open burn.
A city spokesperson said Thursday night that crews were dispatched around 1 p.m. to the 9600 block of 33rd Street South regarding the fire.
Neighbors told 41 Action News that residents at the home were burning items in their backyard.
A responding firefighter reported shortness of breath at the scene and remained in a vehicle while the remaining crews put out the burn.
When the other firefighters returned to the vehicle, he fell unresponsive, according to the city.
Despite their best efforts, the firefighter was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
City officials initially said the firefighter remained behind in the truck and that he was found unresponsive when crews returned. An updated statement Friday clarified that another firefighter remained in the truck with him.
"The firefighter was never alone and received immediate medical attention," the city said on Facebook.
