Fire News Kentucky 1-2025

Page 1


Nice Stop in Louisville

FFs answer a Vermont Avenue call in three minutes and 25 FFs knock it down in 30 minutes.

See story on page 9

40 Hour Confined

Space Training Class

12 members from Owensboro, Evansville and Henderson, do a 40 hour Confined Space Technician class.

See story on page 15

Georgetown Does Aircraft Training

Georgetown recruits completed the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting class at Blue Grass Airport, recently.

See story on page 17

Celebrating the Retirees

Henderson FD celebrated the careers of its retired firefighters at a special Retiree Breakfast.

See story on page 19

2 New Recruits for Madisonville

Madisonville congratulate its two newest recruits, Cashus Bowles and AJ Stokes.

See story on page 20

Murray Christmas Parade.

Calloway County Fire Rescue participated in the Murray Christmas Parade on December 7, 2024.

See story on page 22

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Dog Rescued from Lexington Apartment Fire

Lexington fire crews quickly stopped an apartment fire, extinguishing and containing it to the apartment of origin. Thankfully, no one was home, and othercrews were able to rescuae the family dog.

FD

- Photos courtesy of Lexington

Georgetown, Scott County Handle Apartment Fire

Firefighters from Georgetown and Scott County fire departments battled an apartment fire on Collins Path recently. The fire was well-developed before the first crew arrived. Crews fought hard to get ahead of the fire, saving the building from a total loss. Luckily, all occupants escaped without injury. The cause of the blaze was underinvestigation by officials. Thank to SCFD, GSCEMS, EMA and GPD fortheirassistance.

- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD

Carin Little River- How orWhen is Unknown

At approximately 0915 on November15, 2024, ECC dispatch centerreceived a notification of a vehicle that was partially submerged in Little River. Hopkinsville Fire Department (HFD), Hopkinsville Police and Public Works responded to an area downriverfrom the public library and located the vehicle. HFD rope technicians quickly assembled a plan and rigged a system to deploy a firefighterto the vehicle, where it was confirmed unoccupied. Anothersystem was put into place to assist in towing the vehicle out of the water. It was unknown when exactly the vehicle entered the water, orhow. It was ultimately removed without incident by Jones Brothers Towing. - Photos courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

Fire at Vacant Structure

Held to Point of Origin

At approximately 1844, Louisville Fire Department (LFD) crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of South 30th Street. Crews arrived within two minutes to find a vacant two-story residence with flames visible at the rear. They encountered obstacles, including boarding used to secure the house and a burst supply line caused by a vehicle running overthe line. Once entry was made, 30 firefighters brought the fire under control in about 45 minutes. Surrounding homes were protected with minimal to no damage. Louisville Arson was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Photo courtesy of Louisville FR

CCFR Responds to Multiple Structure Fire

Covington on Mutual Aid

Covington units were requested to respond to assist with a fire in Ryland Heights in the 8100 block of Wards Lane. Crews were met with heavy fire, which was brought undercontrol.

- Photo courtesy of Covington FD

On December8, 2024, at approximately 0130, Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to Scott Road, just west of the Lynn Grove community fora tobacco barn on fire. CCFR Chief Tommy Morgan requested mutual aid from Graves County to assist with tankers. Upon arrival of CCFR crews, a third barn was on fire and threatening a fourth. CCFR and GCFR were able to protect anotherbarn with minimal damage. Approximately 40,000-plus gallons of waterwas used on this fire scene. CCFR is grateful to the Mayfield Graves Fire-Rescue Squad, Cuba Community VFD and Sedalia FD fortheirquick response with needed resources. Fire personnel were on scene forapproximately fourhours before clearing the scene.

- Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR

Duplex Total Loss

But All Out Safely

Recently, Pembroke Fire crews along with mutual aid from Fairview, Honey Grove and Oak Grove responded to a structure fire. All the occupants were able to safely get out of the home and no injuries were reported. Unfortunately, both homes within the duplex were a total loss.

- Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD

Early Morning Blaze in Louisville

At approximately 0548, Louisville Fire Department (LFD) crews were dispatched to reports of a residential structure fire in the 3400 block of Vermont Avenue. Crews arrived within three minutes to find a vacant two-story residential home with heavy fire on the first floor. Firefighters made an aggressive interiorattack, battling the

blaze and searching the structure. The fire was controlled by 25 firefighters in approximately 30 minutes using multiple handlines and a large diameterhose to protect nearby houses from extension. Louisville Arson was investigating the cause.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville FR

Hazard on Mutual Aid to Jake’s Branch

The Hazard Fire Department was dispatched as mutual aid request from Jake’s Branch Fire Department to Hardburly Road fora structure fire. Tanker2 and Unit 1 respond to the scene. Upon arrival, Hazard crews deemed conditions favorable foran interiorattack, so hoselines were deployed and members of Third Shift made entry into the structure and were able to extinguish the blaze which occupied several compartments inside the home. No cause has been determined and no injuries occurred during the incident.

- Photos courtesy of Hazard FD

AuxierVolunteer Fire Department

Ashland Fire Department

Owensboro Fire Department

No Injuries at Denmark St. Fire

Louisville Fire Department (LFD) crews were dispatched fora house fire in the 500 block of Denmark Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story residence with heavy fire emanating from the second floor. Due to a swift interiorattack, the fire was brought undercontrol within 15 minutes, with 25 firefighters on the scene. Fortunately, all searches of the structure were negative, and no injuries were reported. The Louisville Metro Arson Unit was investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

- Photo courtesy of Maj. Michael Stinson and the Louisville FD

CCFR Responds to RolloverMVA

On November12, 2024, just after1730, Calloway County 911 Communications Centerreceived an automated 911 call coming from a vehicle advising that a possible rolloverMVAhad occurred nearthe intersection of Outland School Road and Old Salem Road. Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) had units on scene in less than eight minutes. Upon arrival, fire personnel found a vehicle laying on its side in a ditch with the two occupants trapped. Due to the vehicle being unstable, firefighters used stabilization struts before sending someone inside to check on the two passengers. Both were able to be removed from the vehicle without the use of hydraulic tools and both were checked out by Murray-Calloway County EMS personnel. - Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR

RolloverMVA on South Main Street

On November20, 2024, Hopkinsville Fire Department (HFD) Fire and EMS responded fora single-vehicle rolloverMVAnearthe 1900 block of South Main Street. Asingle adult occupant was able to escape with minorinjuries but was transported to JSMC by HFD EMS to be evaluated.

- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

Owensboro Takes Part in Confined Space Training

Recently, 12 members from Owensboro Fire Department, along with members from Evansville and Henderson, participated in a 40 hourConfined Space Technician class taught by instructors from the IAFF. This class taught critical skills necessary to facilitate rescues in different types of confined spaces, including underground pits, sewers, and large industrial tanks. Thank you to ourcommunity partners who allowed our group to come into theirfacilities forreallife scenarios.

- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD

13 Louisville FFs Become Instructors in Structural Collapse

Earlierthis past summer, Spec Rescue International trained 13 Louisville Fire Department (LFD) members to become instructors in structural collapse. Overthe past two weeks, we hosted our fourth 80-hourStructural Collapse Specialist (SCS) course. This session included 24 students -12 from LFD and 12 from Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District- Official - who learned and practiced essential skills forsafe operations, recovery and rescue during a structural collapse. Participants were trained in shoring and securing damaged structures, breaking and breaching various materials (steel, wood, concrete), lifting and moving heavy objects, and conducting rescues in confined spaces. This certification enhances our readiness forsafe, efficient, and effective responses to local incidents. Ourcertified members have already contributed to two significant emergency responses in ourcity and are prepared for statewide deployment when needed.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD

Aircraft Rescue Classes

Recently, Georgetown recruits completed the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting class at Blue Grass Airport using theirnew training simulator. Thank you to Blue Grass Airport for helping to train ourrecruits in the specialized skills needed when responding to aircraft emergencies.

- Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD

Elizabethtown FD Provided CPR Instruction to

City Employees

Elizabethtown Fire Department is is proud to share that they have successfully provided CPR training to the city’s employees. This training is a crucial part of the department’s mission to enhance community safety and ensure that the employees are prepared to respond to emergencies. With these life-saving skills, the team is now betterequipped to act swiftly and effectively in critical situations. Key benefits include: 1) Rapid Response: Trained employees can significantly increase the chances of survival forcardiac arrest victims.2) Community Assurance: Knowing that city employees are trained in CPR provides peace of mind to ourresidents. 3) Empowered Workforce: Ouremployees now have the confidence and skills to make a real difference in emergencies.

- Photo courtesy of Elizabethtown FD

SwiftwaterRescue Training

Recently, Owensboro SwiftwaterRescue Techs spent the day in the tail waters of Lake Nolan, putting theirskills to the test in challenging real-world scenarios. This was a great joint training opportunity that also included members of LMPD, Pleasure Ridge Park Fire, Okolona Fire, Jeffersontown Fire, Anchorage-Middletown Fire, and Louisville Fire and Rescue. - Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD

Henderson Thanks its Retirees

The Henderson Fire Department had the privilege of celebrating the incredible careers of ourretired firefighters at a special Retiree Breakfast. These heroes have dedicated years of service to our community, and today, we gathered to honortheirlegacy, stories, and the unwavering commitment they’ve shown. To ourretirees: Yourcourage, hard work, and leadership have shaped the department into what it is today. Thank you forpaving the way and inspiring future generations of firefighters. Here’s to the countless lives you’ve touched, the sacrifices you’ve made, and the family you've built. - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

Madisonville Welcomes Two New Recruits

Madisonville Fire Department would like to congratulate ourtwo newest recruits on completion of theirtraining at the Fire Academy of Kentucky. Recruits Cashus Bowles and AJ Stokes will now go on shift to work as fire suppression personnel. Congratulations men!

(Left to right): MajorWade Simons, Lieutenant Jared Southerland, Chief Jason Eli, FirefighterLogan Adams, FirefighterColton Ashby, Recruit Cashus Bowles, Recruit AJ Stokes, MayorKevin Cotton, Asst Chief Jeff Mayfield, Captain of Training Robert Dunbar, and City AdministratorRob Saint.

- Photo courtesy of Madisonville FD

Henderson Helps with Toy Collection

Members of the Henderson Fire Department at Walmart along with ourfriends from local emergency services, collecting toys for 911 Gives Hope, recently. Thank you all forsupporting this event!

- Photo courtesy of Henderson FD

Veteran’s Day Parade

Calloway County Fire Rescue stood united with ourlocal veterans, paying tribute to theirremarkable sacrifices forournation’s liberty. As always, we express ourdeepest appreciation fortheirservice to ourcountry.

of

- Photos courtesy
Calloway County FR

Murray Christmas Parade

County Fire Rescue (CCFR) participated in the

CFSI Symposium and Dinner

The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.

The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.

At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.

Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Newest Board Member

John Butler has been appointed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as their newest board Member.

John Butler is the Fire Chief for Fairfax County Government, Virginia. He is a paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore, a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University and certificates from Harvard University, the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO), and the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Chief Butler served as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President in 2023-2024, holds the Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer, and Fire Marshal designations from the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC). He is chairman of the NFA Board of Visitors; and is a board member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Butler is a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of active and reserve United States Marine Corps service, including two combat tours.

Calloway
Murray Christmas Parade, on December7, 2024. - Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR

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