Local News

Godfrey Firefighter Dies from Injuries in Structure Fire

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:38:55 CST

The identity of the firefighter who was killed during Tuesday's structure fire near Bethalto has been released.

According to the Godfrey Fire Protection District, Capt. Jake Ringering died as a result of injuries he suffered when part of the structure he and other firefighters were attempting to extinguish collapsed. Ringering was a member of the Godfrey Fire Protection District.

Luke Warner, who is also a firefighter with Godfrey, suffered injuries and is currently in the hospital and recovering after undergoing surgery. He has two broken legs and other non-life threatening injuries.

According to a release from the Godfrey Fire Protection District, both firefighters were injured when a portion of a brick wall struck each man after part of the structure collapsed. Capt. Ringering was 37 and had been a member of the Godfrey district since 2010. He began his service as a firefighter with the East Alton Fire Department in 2001. He leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Tuesday's blaze occurred between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. at 4064 Culp Road in the Fosterburg Fire Protection District. The incident is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's office.