Fire News West Virginia, Mar./Apr. 2023

In this issue...

Institute Assists Tyler Mt. Institute Fire Rescue members assisted the Tyler Mountain Fire Department.

See story on page 4

Marion Multi-Alarm Fire

Spelter FD was alerted to assist Winfield FD in Marion County on a multi-alarm commercial structure fire.

See story on page 6

Dairy Winkle Restaurant Burns

Crews made an aggressive interior attack and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire in about 10 minutes.

See story on page 9

Moatsville Attic Fire

Crews found a well advanced attic fire consuming most of the dwelling.

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Nutter Fork’s First Working Fire of 2023

See story on page 10 West Milford, Lost Creek, and Mt. Clare were alerted for a structure fire.

See story on page 18

Sissonville Car into Porch

Crews responded after a car crashed into a second-story porch.

See story on page 21

Wylie Donaldson, of the Odenton VFC Celebrates 70 Years of Service

Wylie celebrated his 70th anniversary of active service with OVFC.

See story on page 26

page 22

page 24

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

WinterChallenges From the Editor’s Desk

I recently checked with my local groundhogs and found that all the seasoned groundhogs had differing opinions on when winter will end. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of cold weather, while Chuckles and General Beauregard Lee are saying we will have an early spring. Since I am an optimist, I’m betting on an early spring! But, regardless of what our groundhogs think, I am staying prepared for a few more weeks of cold weather.

I grew up in the fire service. I remember my dad hated fighting fires in the cold. He always prepared his rack for winter, which included an extra wool sweater, a wool skull hat and a nylon vest. In 1960, I was a full-fledged buff. In those days I ran to fires and immediately found the Salvation Army truck, which was always present. My adopted job was to retrieve a cardboard box filled with coffee and doughnuts and distribute them to the MPOs, so that the members of the companies had a warm beverage waiting for them when they exited the fire building. I know the members appreciated my gesture offering them coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army. Truthfully, I miss the dedication of the Salvation Army. With the advancement of technology, we now have Recuperation and Care Units (RAC Units). These units respond to all-hands calls and provide members with cool

drinks and cool towels during hot weather and warm drinks during cold weather.

Several times I was asked to run to my father’s company and load up a bag of dry clothing and bring it back to the fire. It didn’t look like fun when I saw firefighters exiting a warm building in wet clothing and standing in freezing temperatures. This changed in the late 60s.

In extreme temperatures, firefighters need protection from both heat and cold at the same incident. While stretching lines and opening up a building, firefighters are exposed to the cold temperatures and, within minutes, they are exposed to extreme heat. Firefighters who are dressed for the cold are likely to become fatigued. It is common for firefighters to be sweating on the inside and covered with ice on the outside. Officers should remind members to stay warm without compromising protection.

Plan and prepare for fighting fires in the winter months. Agood pump operator has a built-in instinct that warns of the dangers of allowing their truck to freeze up. Some departments in cold climates operate with dry pumps. As they arrive on scene they allow water to enter the pump so that it can be out into operation. I recommend that new pump operators speak with a senior pump operator to review cold weather operation. You should also check with the pump

Institute Assists TylerMt.

manufacturer to see if they have guidelines for operating in cold weather.

Check with Firehouse magazine. Jim Vaughn wrote a great article called, “Preparedness and Training for Cold-Weather Firefighting.” Check out their December 2020 edition.

Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong and that springtime is less than six weeks away. In the meantime, stay warm! - Dennis

On December25, 2022 at 1355, Institute Fire Rescue members assisted the TylerMountain Fire Department, on a residential structure fire. - Photo courtesy of Institute FR

Marion Multi-Alarm Fire

On February 8, 2023, the SpelterFire Department was alerted to assist Winfield in Marion County on a multi-alarm commercial structure fire at the Clarion Inn. SpelterEngine 112 responded with five personnel. Units on scene were Marion County Company 1 (Barackville), 3 (Bunners Ridge), 4 (Fairmont City), 6 (Fairview), 8(Grantown), 10 (Monongah), 11 (Rivesville), 12 (Valley), 13 (Winfield), 14 (Worthington) and 15 (Boothsville); Harrison County Company 51 (Bridgeport), 7 (NutterFort), 10 (Shinnston), and 11 (Spelter); Mon County Company 15 (Clinton District) and 21 (Triune Halleck). Crews operated on scene forapproximately eight hours. Stonewood FD transferred to Valley FD.

- Photos courtesy of Spelter VFD

Flooding Closes Route 69

Man Dies AfterWestminsterBike Shop Fire; Investigation Continues

Hundred VolunteerFire Company responded aftersevere flooding from heavy rains caused Route 69 to be closed between Round Bottom and Church Fork recently.

Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of a Westminsterbike shop fire that led to the ownersuccumbing to his injuries afterbeing rescued by firefighters. At 0518 on December 12, 2022, WestminsterFire Department and surrounding departments from Carroll, Baltimore, York and Adams counties, responded to a building fire at Whites Bicycles located on West Main Street. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke within the building and began rescuing tenants from 10 apartments above the business. Firefighters continued theirsearch and subsequently located the ownerof the bike shop inside. Firefighters pulled him from the building, and EMS began CPR. He was transported to Carroll Hospital, where he was laterpronounced deceased. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, along with the WestminsterPolice Department, were trying to determine the cause of the fire.

- Submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal; photo courtesy of Carroll Fire News

- Photo courtesy of Hundred VFC

Harford County Man Dies from Injuries Sustained AfterCamperExplosion

Dairy Winkle Restaurant Burns

On October18, 2022, at around 2020, a passerby observed a large fire on the property of B and TServices located on Pulaski Highway. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office was the first to arrive and discovered a man with severe burns and heavy fire throughout a 30-foot campertrailerparked between two buildings. The man told responding deputies he was having problems with his heaterand that the trailerexploded. Paramedics treated the man and transported him to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, where he was treated initially forburns over60 percent of his body. He was latertransferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital ICU fortreatment, where he passed away. Aftera lengthy investigation, and with the assistance of surveillance footage, Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded that the man operated a forklift to move a 120-gallon propane tank from a garage on the property to his nearby trailer.

- Submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal; photo courtesy of Joppa-Magnolia VFC

On January 10, 2023, at 0947, Kanawha Counties Stations 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department, Station 4 Rand VFD and Station 5 Belle VFD were alerted fora structure fire in Area 3 at Campbells Creek Drive at the Dairy Winkle Restaurant. Malden Engine 31 arrived to a working fire with heavy fire through the roof. Crews made an aggressive interiorattack and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire in about 10 minutes. Due to the age of the building and fourroofs, overhaul was extensive. The remainderof the building suffered severe heat and smoke damage. The ownerof the building stated the deep fryerhad caught fire and he had tried to fight the fire priorto the fire departments’arrival. There were no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD

Moatsville Home Burns

At 0908 on January 14, 2023, Engine 71 was requested to assist Philippi, Belington and Juniorvolunteerfire departments, along with BCES, with a structure fire on Chestnut Ridge Road in Moatsville in BarbourCounty. Engine 72 staffed with five responded. Philippi Engine 42 arrived to a working fire in a single-story dwelling with an access issue due to the driveway. Crews began advancing over600 feet of attack line to begin an interiorattack and found a well advanced attic fire consuming most of the dwelling. All occupants exited safely priorto fire department arrival. Engine 72 arrived on scene as third due and sent it's manpowerto assist with the interiorattack.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Chestnut Street Fire

On January 8, 2023, Clay Fire was dispatched fora residential structure fire on Chestnut Street. Lizemore Fire was added to the assignment, and laterBig OtterFire was added, as well. Crews went interior, but afterabout 15 minutes was ordered to back out due to

a heavy fire load in the attic/roof area. Crews remained on scene for almost three hours before returning to service.

- Photos courtesy of Joseph Young, Clay VFD

Pikesville Apartment Fire

Just after0100 on December30, 2022, units were alerted to respond to Fire Box 2-23, with callers to 911 reporting a fire in the 6900 block of Millbrook Park Drive in the Milbrook Park Apartments complex in Pikesville. Of note, units who would normally be on this assignment were on the scene of an earlier dwelling fire. Baltimore County Fire Department Engine 71 from the Essex Station, filling in at BCoFD Station 2, responded and, on arrival, reported smoke conditions from the front doorof a threestory garden-style apartment building with multiple residents on balconies needing assistance. Engine 71’s crew placed a ground ladderon side Alpha, with several firefighters advancing a handline to extinguish a fire in a terrace level apartment and the lieutenant helping multiple residents, including a young child, from the second-floorbalcony. Baltimore County fire investigators responded to the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Mike Schwartzberg

NutterFork’s First Working Fire of 2023

At 1408 hours on January 4, 2023, Company 15 (West Milford VolunteerFire Department), Engines 31 (Lost Creek VFD), 51 (Mt. Clare VFD) and 71 were alerted fora structure fire on Main Street in West Milford. Engine 71 responded in two minutes with four personnel. Engine 153 arrived to smoke showing, but quickly upgraded to a working fire with a chicken coop on fire with exten-

sion to an attached barn. The barn was utilized forstorage forhay and otheritems. Engine 71 arrived as third due and supplied water to Engine 31 and sent its manpowerto assist with fire attack. Tanker7, staffed with an additional member, also responded shortly afterunits arrived on scene forwatersupply.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Malden’s First Call of ’23

On January 1, 2023, at 0951, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department was alerted fortheirfirst call of 2023 to the WVTurnpike milepost 95.5 south before the YeagerBridge for a single-vehicle accident. Chief 3 Utility 3 W.L. ‘Squeak’Peterson

Nitro Handles RolloverMVA

arrived at the scene advising of a single vehicle into the guard rail and all occupants out of the vehicle. The occupants signed refusals and the vehicle was removed by Hutch’s WreckerService.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley 'Sparky' Scott, Malden VFD

Petersburg Assists Moorefield

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Station 80, Nitro Fire Department, along with Nitro Police responded to a single-vehicle rolloveron 40th Street at 1500. The driver(the only occupant) was uninjured. The road was closed for an hour.

Petersburg VolunteerFire Company responded with Tower400 to assist Moorefield VolunteerFire Company.

- Photo courtesy of Petersburg VFC

Truck into Salisbury Home

Kent County Man Charged with Arson

The Salisbury Fire Department responded to an MVAwith injuries on Nanticoke Road in the area of Levin Dashiell Road recently. Crews arrived to find a work truck had crashed into a home. One patient was transported to Tidal Health in Salisbury fortreatment. Maryland State Police responded to investigate.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Sissonville Carinto Porch

Investigators have charged a 32-year-old man in relation to a fire on Fairlee Road in Chestertown on December31, 2022, around 0905. The involved home was a single-story, single-family dwelling with a basement and a detached garage. Over40 volunteers from the Chestertown VolunteerFire Department and surrounding jurisdictions responded to the two-alarm fire, controlling the fire in approximately two hours. The fire was originally discovered by a neighborand caused approximately $400,000 in damages. The house was currently going through the process of having the estate closed. Deputy State Fire Marshals were able to determine the fire originated from multiple areas throughout the property, and deemed the fire to be incendiary in nature.

- Submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

Baltimore Pike Commercial Building Fire Suspicious

Crews responded aftera carcrashed into a second-story porch on the 3700 block of Sissonville Drive, on December30, 2022. Luckily, there was no structural damage to the home itself, and the driver escaped with no injuries. - Photo courtesy of Sissonville FD

On January 14, 2023, firefighters from Bel AirVolunteerFire Company responded to a building fire on the 300 block of Baltimore Pike in Bel Air, Harford County. The fire was called in by a passerby and the building was reported to be vacant. Crews operated forapproximately 15 minutes before the fire was declared undercontrol. Investigators were seeking information regarding the cause of this fire, which occurred at the formerGrove Plumbing business. The structure has been vacant fora long period of time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Arson Tip Line: 410-386-3050.

- Submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

ON THE PASSINGOFFIRE ENGINEERING AND FDIC-CLARION EVENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBOBBYHALTON

It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.

“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.

Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.

Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.

Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events

“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”

Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY

“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”

Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX

“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”

Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”

Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department

“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”

Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”

Kentland VFD

FundraiserforCapon Springs Chief Gerald Brill

Chief Gerald Brill of the Capon Springs VolunteerFire and Rescu e Company in Hampshire County is experiencing a significant medical challenge. Gerald was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He will be unable to work during his treatment and recovery. The Chief is a fighter, but he needs support during his journey back to good health. To help offset family expenses, the Capon Springs community is rallying around the Brill family and has organized a fundraiser. Gerald has provided years of dedicated volunteerservice to his fire company. He is also an active memberof the WV State Firemen’s Association. Now is the opportunity to show appreciation to ourfriend and brotherduring his time of need. Please considera donation payable to Gerald Brill and mailed to P.O. Box 446, Capon Springs, WV26823.

- Submitted by Steve Austin

Operation Warm Investigation into Garrett County Fatal Fire Continues

- Photo courtesy of Clear Creek VFD

ClearCreek Fire Department along with Whitesville Fire Department worked “Operation Warm” at ClearFork Elementary School, Members of the Whitesville Fire Department and Clear Creek Fire Department had the privilege of distributing winter coats and smoke alarms to every student at ClearFork Elementary.

Ajoint investigation continues between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division into the cause of a December8, 2022, dwelling fire that claimed one life. Firefighters from Grantsville VolunteerFire Department and surrounding departments responded to Fire Clay Road and discovered heavy fire throughout a two-story, singlefamily home. Portions of the second floorcollapsed into the first floor. During a subsequent search of the home, a victim was located within the remains. Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded the fire originated within the living room, while the exact cause remains underinvestigation. The home was considered a complete loss.

- Submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

Firefighters from the Kentland VolunteerFire Department.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

- Photos courtesy of Mike Sanders

Wylie Donaldson, Odenton VFC Celebrate 70 Years of Service

On September 13, 1952, Wylie L. Donaldson, Jr., joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) at the age of 14, following in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather, who was a Charter Member of OVFC. On September 13, 2022, Wylie celebrated his 70th anniversary of active service with OVFC and he was presented a Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Services to the Citizens of the State of Maryland. From 1960 until 2021, he continuously served as either an administrative officer or a suppression officer, sometimes serving on both sides at the same time. He was Fire Chief for 16 years and was bestowed with the honor of Chief Emeritus. As Chief he was a strong proponent of training and community engagement. He was also our President for nine years and has served on nearly every company committee and is still a key member of the annual carnival committee. Wylie has also been a strong supporter of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association (AACVFA). He was the Association President for the 1998-1999 term and initiated a volunteer cadet program within the Anne Arundel County Public School System. More recently,

Wylie helped to lead efforts to greatly enhance the Length of Service Award Program to reward volunteers for their service and provide an incentive to retain active volunteers. For his service to the AACVFA, Wylie was inducted into the AACVFAHall of Fame in 1998 and was named Individual of the Year in 1994 and 2009. He was also recognized by the 100 Club of Anne Arundel County as an Unsung Hero in 2007. Wylie has also actively served the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) for several decades. He has served on numerous of committees, most notably as Anne Arundel County’s representative on the Executive Committee from 1998 until 2012 and as Executive Committee Chairman in 2011-2012. Wylie presently serves as Chair of the Convention Exhibits Committee. He is also one of the Assistant Treasurers. He is one of a few people across the state to win the three most prestigious MSFAawards: GladhillThompson Award, Marbery F. Gates Award, and the Robert H. Shimer Administrative Person of the Year Award. Wylie has been inducted in the MSFAHall of Fame as well as the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association Hall of

Apparatus from the Nitro Fire Department

Fame. He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Maryland Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service. In summary, Wylie Donaldson has made outstanding contributions to the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company and the fire service in Anne Arundel County and across the State of Maryland for over 70 years. He is a dedicated and highly effective leader and an outstanding role model for the fire service. - Submitted by Don Evick

Law Enforcement Has K9 Dogs, the Rand FD has a K-12 Dog

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD