Just after noon on Friday, January 24, 2025, the Fort Worth Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team (TRT) was dispatched to assist the Burleson Fire/EMS Department with a high-angle rescue at a substation located in the 700 block of North Burleson Boulevard.
A crew of contractors working atop a 150-foot electrical tower since 9:00 AM came into contact with live electrical lines. While two contractors escaped injury and were able to climb down on their own, one worker sustained critical injuries and became stranded at the top of the tower.
Fort Worth’s TRT, accompanied by multiple units including Battalions 1 and 2, Engine 1 and 2, Medic 1, and others, collaborated with Burleson Fire Department to execute the rescue. The power in the area was turned off to eliminate further risk to the injured worker and the responders.
A plan was quickly developed to lower the victim safely. A firefighter from Burleson and one from Fort Worth climbed the tower, bringing equipment to build the necessary rope, anchor, and pulley systems. The operation was complicated by cold temperatures and strong winds, which caused the tower to sway during the rescue.
Several hours later, the team successfully lowered the injured worker to the ground. He was immediately given emergency medical care and transported to a local burn facility.
The Fort Worth Fire Department highlighted the importance of training for such complex technical rescues, where precise coordination and methodical execution are key to ensuring successful outcomes.
