WPFFA president gives update on Wilmington firefighters injured in building explosion

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s been two days since a ruptured gas line caused an explosion that damaged a veterinary hospital in Wilmington, and we’re learning more about the firefighters who were injured.

After a driver struck a gas line, causing a gas explosion at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, several Wilmington firefighters checked the building to ensure no one was inside and to measure gas levels.

Five firefighters were hurt when the building exploded.

One suffered injuries to his shoulder, another had a sprained ankle, and two more were checked for concussions.

A fifth firefighter suffered third-degree burns to the front and back of his hands.

He’s recovering at the Burn Center at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill.

Jordan Pettid is the president of the Wilmington Professional Firefighters Association and travled to Chapel Hill to see his injured colleague.

“So actually seeing him in the Burn Center, I don’t know, I was kind of speechless,” Pettid said. “So it was just a little bit of a quiet moment, like seeing each other. But he was like very, very thankful and generous for everything everyone’s doing for him and reaching out.”

He said his injured colleagues have a long recovery ahead.

“Between everyone, its probably anywhere from next tour, which is about a week, with our schedule all the way up to 6 to 8 months. A very extended recovery time for everyone, and then, just with the mental health, we got to make sure we’re paying attention to that.”

Pettid said that no official GoFundMe account has been set up, so if you see one, it’s likely not legitimate.

Two comedy shows will be held at Station Number 2 on South Fifth Avenue in Wilmington on August 24th, with all proceeds benefitting the injured firefighters.

A third show will be held in September.

You can donate directly to the Firefighters Association.