Family gives thanks to Lakeville Fire Department after Portuguese dish results in traumatic incident with serious burns

A family on Monday expressed their thankfulness for a local fire department after coming to their aid when they needed them most.

According to the Lakeville Fire Department, on November 29th, Firefighters and EMS personnel received a report of a fire at a single-family residence located on Woodland Ridge Drive. Engine 2, Ambulance 3, Car 2, and Car 1 responded to the scene. A recall was transmitted, and supplemental staffing was provided to respond.

While enroute to the scene, the 911 operator made responders aware that the fire was extinguished but there were injuries at the scene.

Arriving firefighters found two persons with burn injuries at the scene and confirmed that the fire had been extinguished.

The incident occurred when the homeowners were serving a traditional Portuguese dish called Chouriço à Bombeiro, which translates to “firefighter’s chourico”. The dish involves the use of an open flame to cook the meat in a serving dish. As additional alcohol was being added to maintain the flame, a flash fire occurred. A gust of wind is reported to have come through an open window at this instant, causing the flashfire to spread about the kitchen.

There was an adult male and a juvenile female in close proximity to the fire at the time of the flash. Bystanders used towels, rugs, and blankets to smother the victims who were involved in fire.

Due to the severity of the injuries suffered by the adult male, a medical helicopter was requested and responded to a nearby landing zone. Lakeville Engine 1 responded from quarters to Ted Williams Camp to secure the landing zone for the helicopter. Ambulance 3 transported the injured male from the fire scene to the landing zone, where he was taken by helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital for further treatment of significant burn injuries.

The Martins Family came by the station on Monday to thank responders for their assistance following the fire.

Steve Forrester, who was visiting from Pennsylvania at the time of the fire, received significant burns and required transportation by helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital. Since the fire, Steve has been provided with aggressive wound treatment, which included skin grafts. He has since been able to travel back to his home in PA to continue his recovery. Due to Steve’s discomfort, the trip was made over two days.

In addition to physical injuries sustained by the family members, the incident has proven to be mentally traumatic to all who were present that day. The family is still struggling to shake the image of loved ones engulfed in flames.

Steve is the Program Director at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Incredibly, Steve has used his traumatic experience to benefit others going through trauma of their own. The mental health professional reports that he is better positioned to relate with, connect with, and help those in his care because of what he has and continues to experience.

Rayley Martin was also burned in the fire and received treatment at St Luke’s Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Deputy Garant, who provided care to Rayley, was amazed by her calm and controlled demeanor directly after the incident. Rayley expressed concern for the well-being of everyone around her and tried to minimize her own discomfort.

Lakeville Firefighters enjoyed the Martin Family visit and lifted their spirits.

“We couldn’t help but be proud of being able to assist the family during their time of need. The fact that they brought us giant cookies all the way from Gideons Bakehouse in Orlando Florida was just icing on the cake!”