Firefighter from LI hurt in B'klyn blaze

An FDNY firefighter from Long Island was recovering at a city hospital after he and a colleague were enveloped by an exploding mix of gases during a blaze yesterday morning in a Brooklyn apartment, officials said.

Firefighters James Gersbeck, 52, who records show most recently lived in Port Jefferson Station, and Robert Wiedman, 32, both of Rescue 2, were searching the front area of the third floor of a residential building at 1102 Prospect Place near Prospect Park when hot gases from the fire suddenly ignited, said Chief of Department Edward Kilduff.

"The room literally lights up with fire," Kilduff told reporters. "It's almost like a fireball."

Gersbeck, who was the less seriously injured of the two, was able to get out and tumbled down a stairway while Wiedman had the presence of mind to go to the front window and wait for an aerial ladder; he was pulled onto it by other firefighters, Kilduff said.

Both Wiedman and Gersbeck were taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

Wiedman had burns over 42 percent of his body. His hometown was not available.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that both men talked with him and seemed to be in good spirits.

Fire officials Monday night said both were in serious but stable condition at Weill Cornell's burn center.

Three other firefighters who were working the fire in the rear of the apartment were treated and released, Kilduff said.

More than 100 firefighters and emergency crews responded to the scene.

No one else was hurt in the fire and the cause was under investigation, Kilduff said.

Gersbeck has two sons and a daughter between the ages of 14 and 18.

"He's doing fine," said Lori Gersbeck, his ex-wife. "I spoke to him all throughout the day. He's doing well and his kids are going to see him now."

With Zachary R. Dowdy

and AP