VIDEO: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has completed its line of duty death report for Irmoโs fallen hero, 25-year-old James Michael Muller. In May of 2023, the Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) responded to a three-alarm fire at the Tropical Ridge Apartments in Columbia. The fire was so strong that resources from surrounding fire departments were needed, including the Irmo Fire Department. A mayday was called, requiring the nearly 60 firefighters on scene to vacate the building, according to CRFD. The building collapsed, and Muller was stuck inside. NIOSH is responsible for investigating firefighter deaths at the request of a department. Wednesday night, the Irmo Fire Department released the investigation they requested following the incident.
