National

Veteran firefighter dies after crew is trapped in burning home, TN department says

Jeffrey Norman, a 20-year veteran of the Memphis Fire Department, was killed on July 19, the department announced.
Jeffrey Norman, a 20-year veteran of the Memphis Fire Department, was killed on July 19, the department announced. Memphis Fire Department via Facebook

UPDATE: Fire officials believe the fire was started as an act of arson, the Memphis Fire Department announced on July 20. The fire began in a dumpster along the northwest side of the home before spreading to the carport and then the house, officials said.

The original story continues below.

One firefighter was killed and three others were injured after becoming trapped in a Tennessee house fire, the department announced.

Jeffrey Norman, a 20-year veteran of the department, was identified as the firefighter who lost his life July 19, the Memphis Fire Department said on Facebook.

“With deep grief, we announce the passing of Lieutenant Jeffrey Norman, a courageous and dedicated member of our team who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the department said. “Jeffrey was a leader and hard worker who took pride in serving his community.”

Norman and other members of his crew responded to a house fire around 11:30 p.m on July 18 in a Memphis neighborhood, the department said.

While inside the house, Norman and three other firefighters became trapped by the flames, the department said.

Crews worked to free the firefighters, but all four were seriously injured.

Norman died from his injuries, the department said, and the three other firefighters were taken to the hospital where they are being monitored.

Read Next
Read Next
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published July 19, 2023 at 12:16 PM with the headline "Veteran firefighter dies after crew is trapped in burning home, TN department says."

Irene Wright
McClatchy DC
Irene Wright is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter. She earned a B.A. in ecology and an M.A. in health and medical journalism from the University of Georgia and is now based in Atlanta. Irene previously worked as a business reporter at The Dallas Morning News.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER