Three Broussard Firefighters Injured While Battling New Year’s Day House Fire

Three Broussard firefighters are recovering from injuries sustained while fighting a house fire in Milton on New Year's Day.

According to the Broussard Fire Department, the firefighters were providing mutual aid to the response efforts of a house fire at 115 Santa Cruz Drive just after 2:00 am on Wednesday.

Captain Erick Mannting, engineer Cole Champagne, and firefighters Nicholas Stancliff and Juston Chretien were struck by debris from an exterior wall that collapsed.

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Mannting and Stancliff were initially trapped by debris and called for help. Both were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.

Mannting suffered serious neck and leg injuries. Stancliff was evaluated and later released from the hospital.

Chretien suffered minor leg injuries while Champagne was evaluated on scene and was not injured.

“Firefighters constantly face danger and unexpected circumstances when containing a house fire,” said Broussard Fire Chief Bryan Champagne. “We hope all three firefighters will make a full recovery.”

“Our brave Broussard firefighters put their lives on the line to help others every day,” said Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque. “I am grateful for their heroic efforts and wish them a speedy recovery.”

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A drive to help these firefighters and their families during the recovery process will be conducted through the Broussard Fire Department Facebook page. (However, nothing has been posted yet.)