Firefighter falls nearly 20 feet through roof at Navarro Pharmacy

By Monique O. Madan, The Miami Herald

12:16 p.m. EST, February 14, 2012

A major fire at a Navarro Pharmacy in Little Havana sent a Miami firefighter to the hospital Tuesday morning, according to the Miami Fire Department.

Capt. Ray Pampin, 48, was taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital after falling 15 to 20 feet.

According to spokesman Ignatius Carroll, Pampin, a 25-year veteran, was checking the roof for hot spots but fell through an area that was covered by debris.

"They were checking an area by an air-conditioning duct," Carroll said. "While doing that, he fell through a vent covered by debris. Crews called 'Mayday' and quickly treated him."

Pampin is in stable condition.

The fire was reported at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after dispatch received a call after an automatic alarm went off at the pharmacy, 1243 SW Eighth St.

"Units saw smoke coming from the doors," Carroll said. "They touched the door and knew it was a working fire."

More than 40 firefighters fought the blaze, which took more than one hour to control.

Carroll said they have ruled out arson.

"The fire was determined to be accidental," he said. "We are trying to pinpoint if machinery was placed by flammable products."

As firefighters made their way through the back storage area, they noticed a fire inside the store, and called for more help, Carroll said.

Carroll said the store would be closed for some time because of extensive damage toward the rear and second floor.

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Firefighter falls nearly 20 feet through roof at Navarro Pharmacy