Dallas Fire Captain Dies Battling 2-Alarm House Fire in North Dallas
 

1^st alarm – 8:10 p.m.  2^nd alarm – 8:17 p.m.
             Under control @ 8:45 p.m.     

Firefighters arriving at the large 2-story home in north Dallas reported smoke from the 2^nd floor as they stretched their hose lines for an interior attack.  Shortly after their arrival, the fire broke through the roof and a 2^nd alarm was requested.  Firefighters made their way to the 2^nd floor, attempting to gain access to the attic area and cut the fire off.  Captain DePauw was part of the initial fire attack team and became unconscious on the 2^nd floor.  Fellow firefighters removed Captain DePauw from the structure as other firefighters continued to battle the blaze.  The fire damage was contained to the attic area, with smoke and water damage to the rest of the home, causing approximately $150,000 damage.  Captain DePauw was transported to Medical City Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:04 p.m.  It is believed that Captain DePauw suffered a massive heart attack while battling the blaze, but the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy and make an exact ruling on the cause of death.  Captain DePauw was 51 years old and joined the department on March 6, 1972, giving him over 30 years of experience.  Captain DePauw leaves behind a wife and 5 children.

 Captain DePauw is the second firefighter to lose his life battling a fire this year in Dallas.  Firefighter Vince Davis died after being trapped under a collapsed wall on February 11.