SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A San Francisco firefighter suffered a serious spinal injury while battling a large residential fire in the Marina District last week, according to loved ones. Chris Vickery fell from the third floor to the second floor while inside the burning Chestnut Street home and was rescued by his fellow firefighters.
Vickery, a husband and father of three, shattered his L2 vertebrae into several pieces in the fall, according to a verified GoFundMe page set up to help support his family. During an intense seven-hour surgery, doctors inserted 10 screws and two rods to stabilize his spine.
Over the next year, while Vickery rests without being able to do any physical work, the goal is to have the bones heal and fuse the middle six vertebrae, loved ones said.
“If all goes well, this will reduce some of the stiffness in his back and give him greater mobility long-term,” the GoFundMe stated.
Loved ones said Vickery has “always been the kind of guy to jump in, lend a hand, and do whatever needs to be done for his family and friends. Now, it’s our turn to show up for him.”
Two other firefighters were hospitalized for injuries sustained in the fire. One other firefighter made the fall along with Vickery, and another was injured during salvage and overhaul operations. The two other firefighters were released from the hospital on the same day of the blaze.
