A firefighter trapped in the third floor of a Brooklyn building has suffered burns over approximately 42 percent of his body, Mayor Michael Bloomberg told those at a press conference scheduled to announce the new Cornell science campus agreement. The mayor had arrived late because of the tragic situation, which unfolded moments before the press newser was about to start.

The fireman was helped from the window of the blaze onto the extended ladder of a firetruck by a second firefighter, who can be seen in a video beating the flames out with his hands that are engulfing his comrade's heavy clothing, according to The New York Post. The two men were taken to safety. The heavily burned man as well as his burned comrade were taken to the Cornell University Medical Center in Manhattan, known for its advanced capabilities to work with burns and long experience working with the NYFD.

The fire department does not think the fire is suspicious. The building is owned by a city school teacher, the Post reported.

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