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Fire captain severely injured fighting Ventura brush fire Sunday
Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a reported brush fire in the Ventura River bottom near the 33 freeway on Sunday, April 12.
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City of Ventura Fire Department
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A fire captain is in surgery Monday after sustaining severe but non-life-threatening injuries while suppressing a brush fire Sunday in the Ventura River bottom near the 33 Freeway, officials said Monday.
Myles Smith, a 34-year veteran at the Ventura City Fire Department, fell 10 feet into a concrete culvert. His team was subduing a brush fire that broke out in dense vegetation near a homeless encampment, the department said.
Smith was transported to Ventura County Medical Center after being treated at the scene by paramedics and firefighters.
“He’s in surgery today for treatment for multiple fractures,” said Brian Clark, fire marshall at the Ventura City Fire Department.
Smith is expected to undergo several procedures to treat injuries to the right side of his body, including the shoulder, arm, pelvis, and femur.
Investigators are still looking into what started the fire, but Clark said that it appears to be human caused.
The department has questioned an adult male who witnessed Smith’s fall and fled the scene. Investigators later determined that the man wasn't directly involved with the blaze.
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“We do not have any suspect or any other people involved and the fire remains under investigation," said Clark.
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