Frankfort Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire in the 1300 block of West Jefferson Street at 10:09 a.m. Monday morning. Upon arrival, firefighters found the house fully engulfed in flames. Eight off-duty firefighters were called in to provide coverage for the rest of the city.
Firefighters were alerted to the possibility a child was still in the home. Search and rescue operations took place as fire suppression tactics were underway. The home was occupied at the time of the fire by a father and three children. Two of the children were able to escape the house with their father. The third child, an eight-month-old boy, did not escape and perished in the fire.
Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County EMS were both on scene to assist firefighters. One of the police officers was treated for smoke inhalation and minor facial burns. No additional injuries to rescue workers were reported.
Frankfort Fire Chief John Kirby commended the firefighters, police, and EMS for their heroic efforts to save all lives and mitigate damage saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Loss of life in any situation is horrible, but when it’s a child, it is heartbreaking.”
Frankfort’s Faith Family Church is assisting the family with temporary housing. Anyone who wishes to help the family can contact the church at (765) 659-3011
The fire is still under investigation at this time.