Ohio firefighter dies after fall through floor during blaze

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say a firefighter battling a house fire died of injuries sustained after he fell through a floor into the basement soon after entering the southwest Ohio home.

Hamilton officials say firefighter Patrick Wolterman early today became the department's first death in the line of duty since 1971. Fire department officials say he was hired in April after other firefighting experience and had gotten married this summer. No other information on Wolterman was immediately released.

Fire officials say crews responded to a fire call just after 1 a.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters rescued Wolterman from the basement, but he died in a hospital.

Relatives say the couple who live in the home are away on vacation.

Investigation into the cause is continuing.