Lt. Michael England, recovering from surgery after suffering burns and a broken leg in a flashover, says he entered the burning home believing people could be trapped

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Londonderry Lieutenant Michael England, who suffered a broken leg and burns after a flashover during a house fire on Oct. 2, says he entered the burning building because he believed people might still be trapped inside.

In a statement addressed to his community, England said he made the decision based on the information and circumstances he faced in the moment, with the possibility that someone needed help weighing heavily on him as a firefighter, a lieutenant and a father. He said he stands by the decision and is prepared for the incident to be reviewed as part of the department’s standard process.

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“I made the decision I believed was necessary for the reasons I had in that moment, and I am at peace with having made it,” England said.

England described the moment his crew had to extinguish flames on him and watch him stand up injured before turning back to continue fighting the fire. He said he could not be prouder of how his crew responded, taking care of him and each other while bringing the fire under control.

He also urged people not to lose sight of the family whose home was destroyed in the fire, saying they deserve compassion and respect as they recover from the loss.

England said he is recovering from surgery and looks forward to returning to work.

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