Effingham Native Injured While Fighting Fire in Paris

An Effingham native who is part of the Paris, Illinois Fire Department was injured over the weekend while fighting a house fire in Paris.

Zack (left) with his father Howard

Zack Janis is a son of Howard and Laura Janis of Effingham. He was part of a group of Paris firefighters on a fire call early Saturday morning. In his Facebook post, Zack said he fell through the floor from the second story of the house down to the first story. Firefighters removed Janis from the house and placed him in an ambulance so he could be taken for treatment.

Janis was later released and is back at home. He wrote that he has no fractures, and is "just banged up".

Paris Fire Chief Brian Gates said it appears Janis fell through a weakened spot on the second floor. As other firefighters tried to give aid, Janis fell the rest of the way through to the first floor.

Gates said Zack is dealing with some back issues, so it's unclear when he will return to duty.

An occupant of the house was also treated for smoke inhalation but is expected to recover.