'His foresight saved 2 people': How Everett firefighters saved each other

BOSTON — A veteran firefighter is facing a long road to recovery after he was seriously burned responding to a house fire in Everett.

Two firefighters were injured when the flames broke out Friday.

Everett Fire Chief Tony Carli returned to the scene of the fire and relived the moments he nearly lost two of his men -- though they both managed to help save each other.

When Everett Fire Lieutenant Scott Dalrymple and his partner, Firefighter Josh Doyan, ran into action Friday, smoke was pouring from the house.

“By the time they made it to the top of the stairs, Scott reported bubbling paint; heavy, heavy heat up there,” Chief Carli said.

With 24 years on the force, Dalrymple recognized the oncoming danger of a flashover.

“His foresight saved two people,” Chief Carli said.

The smoke and gas suddenly ignited, and Dalrymple turned to push Doyan back down the stairs.

“Josh was the first person out, Scott stumbled on the bottom of the stairs. Josh reached in and was able to pull him out onto the porch and then drag him down here,” Chief Carli said. “When both of them exited that stairway, they were both on fire.”

Doyan had minor burns, but Dalrymple was gravely injured, with second and third degree burns on his head and body.

Chief Carli says while Dalrymple saved Doyan in the stairway, Doyan’s career as a combat veteran from two tours of duty saved Dalrymple once he got out.

“His experience in the service played a huge role in what he did for Scott that day,” Carli said.

Scott Dalrymple, a father of three, is now surrounded by family and his fellow firefighters in the hospital.

Though his recovery will be slow, the gratitude among his loved ones will last a long time.

“There’s only one thing worse that could have happened to them, and we are thankful it didn’t,” he said.

MORE: Two firefighters injured during 2-alarm fire in Everett

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