Spirit Airlines Flight 259 was diverted to an airport in Jacksonville, Florida, after a battery from a passenger's item caught fire in an overhead bin, airline officials said.
[Ads /]
Flight cabin fills with smoke after battery fire in overhead bin
Rocco Chierichella, a retired FDNY firefighter of Engine 19, now residing in Port Orange, Florida, jumped into action when his wife woke him up screaming "fire."
The ex-firefighter, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, woke up instantly, smelled the smoke and ran towards the origins of the fire.
Describing the smoke fire and fire, Chierichella says, "I kind of took charge, that's my nature."
As other crewmembers tried to extinguish the fire, Chierichella used his own hands to pat down the smoke-filled backpack.
Chierichella says he realized what it was.
[Ads /]
ALSO READ | Little Italy cheese shop closes its doors after 130 years; announces New Jersey store
Beloved Little Italy cheese shop closing its doors after 130 years
"It was some kind of electrical device with a battery attached to withstand wire," he said. "So, my initial instinct was like, what is that, you know, you know, post 9-11 world you gotta wonder."
Officials later told him that it was a vape pen charger that caused the fire.
Once crewmembers were able to control the situation, Chierichella went back to his seat. He and several others were taken to an area hospital for evaluation.
[Ads /]
Chierichella suffered second degree burns. Fortunately, aside from the minor injuries, the plane landed without incident.
He says he is "grateful for the crewmembers and pilot" and for making it on the ground safely.
Spirit Airlines offered him transpiration and reimbursement for his flight.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Follow us on YouTube
* More local news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts