Fire News West Virginia, Mar./Apr. 2024

Story on page 12.

- Fire News photo by Caleb McDonald

Suspicious Fire in Meadowbrook Area

The fire is considered to be suspicious due to the house being vacant for sometime.

See story on page 4

Coal Truck Fire Stopped

The Logan Fire Department was dispatched to US 119 for a loaded coal truck with the cab fully involved.

See story on page 7

Abandoned Church Fire… Again

The Logan Fire Department responded to the Orville Holiness Church for a fully involved structure fire.

See story on page 10

All Out Safe in Hurricane Blaze

Afire destroyed a two-story home in Putnam County.

See story on page 17

Hepzibah Residential Fire

Multiple companies were alerted for a structure fire on Lyon Avenue in Hepzibah.

See story on page 22

Flatbed Hauling Two Cars

All on Fire

Franklin Community and Bethany responded to a report of several vehicles on fire.

See story on page 26

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2-YearOld Dies in Cascade Blaze

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division continue to investigate a fast-moving Washington County fire that killed a child and sent two others to hospitals on January 5, 2023. The Smithburg Community VolunteerFire Company and surrounding departments, including Frederick County Fire and Rescue and Franklin County (PA) firefighters, responded at 1820 to a reported dwelling fire in the 20600 block of Military Road in Cascade. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the home was converted into ap artments, with a 24-year-old female and a one-year-old who was injured and othertenants stating anotherchild was still inside. The fire was upgraded to two alarms, bringing nearly 75 firefighters to the scene. The injured female was flown to MedStarWashington Hospital Centerby Maryland State Police Trooper5, and the child was taken by ambulance to Meritus Medical Center. Firefighters and investigators laterlocated the otherchild inside the secondfloorapartment. No otherinjuries occurred, and eight othertenants were displaced. The victim was believed to be a two-year-old resident of the apartment where the otherfamily members were injured. The fire’s origin and cause remain underinvestigation; investigators have been unable to locate working smoke alarms.

- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal Office

Suspicious Fire in Meadowbrook Area

On December31, 2023 at 0651, Kanawha County’s Station 2 Pinch VolunteerFire Department, Station 3 Malden VFD, Station 27 WVANGwere dispatched fora reported house in Area 2 on Beech Street in the Meadowbrook Area. Pinch Engine 21 arrived at the scene with a fully involved house fire, Malden Engine 32 caught the hydrant at Meadowbrook Drive and laid in 900 feet of four-inch supply line. Crews worked forabout an hourto extinguish the blaze. The fire is considered to be suspicious due to the house being vacant forsometime. The investigation was turned overto the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. Units that responded were Pinch Engine 21, Squad 2, Utility 25, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, WVANGEngine 274 and KCEAA149.

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

Christmas Day Blaze in Fruitland

On Christmas Day 2023, fire crews from Fruitland, Salisbury, Allen, Delmarand Pittsville responded to a working house fire on Coulbourn Mill Road in Fruitland. Crews arrived to find heavy fire from the rearof the home. Fourdogs were rescued from the blaze.

Crews worked 90 minutes to bring the fire undercontrol. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Finzel 2-Alarm House Fire

Firefighters from multiple agencies operated at a second-alarm house fire on Beall School Road in Finzel, recently. The Easter n Garrett VolunteerFire Department Chief was in charge of the incident. - Photo courtesy of the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department

Coal Truck Fire Stopped

The Logan Fire Department was dispatched to US 119 fora loaded coal truck with the cab fully involved. The fire was extinguished before it reached the coal in the trailer.

- Submitted by Calab McDonald

East Baltimore Vacant Dwelling Fire

On November3, 2023, around 1130, Box 33-60 sent DC Engine 10, St Mary’s E 52, PGEngine 833, WorcesterEngine 701 (RIT), DC Engine 16, Allegany Engine 161, Howard Truck 2, DC Truck 13, PG Air800, Anne Arundel Battalion Chief 1, and DC Safety Officerto East Madison Street fora reported building fire. DC Car5 arrived to a two-story, end-of-the-row, vacant dwelling with smoke showing from the second floorand roof. Engine 833 laid a supply line in and

lines were stretched where crews knocked down a fire on the second-floorfront. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes and units remained on scene forabout 90 minutes mopping up.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

** Note: Mutual aid companies covering forBaltimore City while they attended funeral of Capt. Rinaldo from Engine 46.

Fire Damages Northwest Baltimore Dwelling

At 1531, on November3, 2023, Box Alarm 40-73 toned for Frederick Engine 31, Naval District of DC Engine 42, Annapolis Engine 351 (RIT), Harford Engine 315, Allegany Engine 15, Carroll Truck 2, PGTruck 821, DC Battalion Chief 6, Howard Battalion Chief 60, and Baltimore County Safety Officer6 to Liberty Heights Avenue fora reported dwelling fire. DC Battalion 6 arrived to a two-story, single-family, dwelling with smoke showing on the first floor. DC Engine 15, Calvert Engine 34, DC Rescue 3, Queen Anne

Tower34, and Baltimore Co Air11 were added to the box. Several lines were stretched, knocking down the bulk of the fire in about 15 minutes. All searches were negative and companies were out about two hours completing mop up and overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

** Note: Mutual aid companies covering forBaltimore City while they attended funeral of Capt. Rinaldo from Engine 46.

Abandoned Church Fire… Again

The Logan Fire Department (LFD) responded to the Orville Holiness Church fora fully involved structure fire. Interiorops were shut down due to the extent of fire upon arrival. Previous

knowledge, via several otherfires of the structure. LFD responded with two engine companies, two squad companies and a rescue company.

- Submitted by Calab McDonald

Early Morning Fire in Clarksburg

At 2138 hours on January 8, 2024, Company 8 (Reynoldsville VFD), Engines 71, 91 (Salem VFD), and 151 (West Milford VFD) were alerted fora structure fire on Sycamore Road in Clarksburg. SpelterVFD Engine 112 was also added to the assignment. Engine 71 staffed with three, responded in three minutes with Tanker7 staffed with anothertwo personnel arriving shortly after. Engine 81 arrived to find a fully involved single-story dwelling with all occupants out. Crews placed multiple 1-3/4 inch handlines in service for

a defensive attack. Engine 71 arrived and laid into 81 forwater supply and assisted with fire suppression. Tankers 7 and 9 supplied units on scene with wateruntil 112 secured a nearby hydrant. Manpowerfrom 71, 82, 91, 153 and 112 assisted with fire extinguishment, extensive overhaul and clean up before returning home just before 0100 on January 9, 2024. Salem EMS 696 transported one patient to United Hospital Center.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Horse Barn FireAll Horses Out Safely

On November30, 2023, the Wicomico County 911 Centerbegan getting reports of a large plume of smoke on the east side of the county. They then alerted Station 6 Parsonsburg, Station 1 Salisbury and Station 7 Pittsville fora barn fire on Old Ocean City Road. Engine

16-1 arrived to find a horse barn fully involved with a large grass fire nearby, as well. Crews were able to bring the blaze underc ontrol in under10 minutes. No horses were injured in the blaze.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Check YourFurnaces

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Exposures Saved at Logan City Fire

November13, 2023, the Logan Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Pine Street in downtown Logan fora fully involved three-story condemned apartment building. First-due crews were on scene within three minutes. LFD responded with two engine

companies, two squad companies and a rescue company. The fire was extinguished with no fire damage to exposures.

- Submitted by Caleb McDonald

2 Fatalities at Dupont City Blaze

On February 4, 2024, at 0346, Kanawha Counties Station 5 Belle VFD, Station 3 Malden VFD and Station 6 CedarGrove were alerted fora structure fire in Area 5 at Holbrook Court in Dupont City. Units arrived and made a quick search and located two victims in a rearbedroom and quickly extricated them. Crews worked for around three hours on scene. There were no otherinjuries reported. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal Office was investigating the fire. Units that responded were Belle Engine 52,53, Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, CedarGrove Engine 62, KCEAA511, 151, 155, KCOEM 990, WVSFMO 3 and 17.

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

JupiterAluminum Industries Fire

On the evening of November19, 2023, the Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department was alerted foran industrial structure fire at JupiterAluminum Industries in Beach Bottom. The first arriving units confirmed a working fire, with fire showing from the exteriorduct work. Multiple mutual aid companies were requested to the scene.

- Submitted by Gerald McClain

All Out Safe in Hurricane Blaze

Afire destroyed a two-story home in Putnam County early on January 3, 2024. Dispatchers said the blaze broke out on Mary Street in Hurricane around 0400. According to fire crews on the scene, flames were showing from the second floorwhen they arrived. Hurricane Fire Chief Mike Hoffman said. “There were two people in the home and three dogs, everybody got out safe.” said Hoffman. The family awoke to fire alarms going off and their home filled with smoke. Fire crews from Putnam, Kanawha, and Cabell counties responded to the scene. The cause of the fire was unknown.

- Photos courtesy of Hurricane FD

MajorDamage in McCoole Fire

Ahomeownerand two firefighters suffered minorinjuries when a blaze broke out at a Della Street home in McCoole, stated the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The 1315 fire was ruled accidental and started in a rearunfinished bedroom when vapors from spray foam insulation ignited. The fire caused about $200,000 damage to the two-story structure and adjacent vacant residence. The Potomac Fire Company of Westernport led the firefighting effort, which also brought crews from Mineral and Garrett counties to the scene. The injured firefighters were treated by med ical personnel at the scene and there was no word on the homeowner’s condition. The family was assisted by the American Red Cross and a Go Fund Me account is accepting donations forthe family.

- Photo courtesy of the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department

Fully Involved on Arrival

On October10, 2023, Logan Fire Department was dispatched to the abandoned Yuma Suites fora fully involved working structure fire. Upon arrival the fire had spread to an abandoned restaurant adjacent to the suites. LFD responded with two engine companies, one laddercompany, one rescue company and two squad companies. Two firefighters sustained minorinjuries and were treated at the scene.

- Submitted by Caleb McDonald

Quick Stop in Rattlesnake Hollow

Investigation Continues into Fatal Christmas Eve Fire

Ateam of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Allegany Combined County Criminal (C3I), is conducting an investigation of a fatal dwelling fire on Lee Street in Frostburg that claimed of one person’s life the day before Christmas 2023. The first 911 call was received just before 0700 when the victim reported a fire in the front area of the home. Frostburg and otherfire companies responded to the two-alarm fire. It took 75 firefighters approximately an hourto control the fire. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters located a deceased occupant within the single-family dwelling. The victim has preliminarily been ident ified to be the 58-year-old female occupant. Deputy State Fire Marshal concluded the fire originated in a first-floorbedroom, and the cause remained unde r investigation.

- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal office & Cumberland Times News

Fire from 3 Floors on Arrival

On January 18, 2024, at 2030, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department was alerted fora reported house fire a t Rattlesnake Hollow. Utility 3 Engine 32 arrived at a single-wide trailerwith heavy fire showing from the rearof the structure. Crews pulled a 1-3/4 inch line and quickly contained the fire. Units remained on scene till around 2200. There were no injuries reported and the fire appeared to be accidental. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42, Utility 4, Belle Engine 52, Utility 57, KCEAA155, KCOEM 991.

The Baltimore City Fire Department battled a late afternoon blaze on December13, 2023. Units encountered fire showing from all floors of the three-story, end-of-the-row structure on Lemmon Street.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos

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

Baltimore City Battles Vacant Row House Blaze

Baltimore City firefighters battled a fire in a vacant end-of-thegroup row frame on Division Street on Friday morning December 1, 2023. Units were met by heavy fire on the first flooron arrival.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

NutterFort Stops Reynoldsville Fire

Recently, NutterFort crews were alerted fora structure fire in the 3000 block of Wilsonburg Road in Reynoldsville. Engine 71 staffed with six personnel responded in two minutes with Unit 74 following with an additional two personnel. Engines 82 and 81 arrived to find a single-story dwelling heavily involved and all occupants out. Crews placed two 1-3/4 inch cross lays in service. Engine 71 and Unit 74 assisted with an interiorattack. Otherunits provided manpowerforinteriorand exteriorfire suppression. Tanker11 and Engine 91 also assisted with watersupply. Harrison County Emergency Squad 672 was on standby.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

3-Alarm Building Fire in Downtown Frederick

At approximately 1542 on February 10, 2024, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerdispatched a call fora reported building fire in the 100 block of South Carroll Street. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue units arrived within two minutes to find a two-story building with smoke showing and quickly requested a rapid intervention dispatch. Crews began working immediately conducting searches and to getting wateron the fire As conditions worsened, they requested a second, and then a third alarm. With assistance from the Frederick Police Department the immediate area was cleared and closed to traffic. The historic building was comprised of an antique store, an apartment, and was used

forstorage. The building was connected by an elevated walkway to a building across the street. With an aggressive defensive fire attack crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to any otherbuildings. It took 120 firefighters approximately 90 minutes to place the fire undercontrol and an additional two hours to extinguish all remaining hotspots and perform overhaul. Two firefighters sustained minorinjuries but transport was not required. Frederick City Police, Frederick County Division of Emergency Management, Frederick City Emergency Management, and Frederick City MayorMichael O’Connorwere on the scene monitoring the incident.

Hepzibah Residential Fire

At 1006 on February 16, 2024, Companies 11 (SpelterVFD), Engines 41 (Lumberport VFD), 71, 101 (Shinnston VFD), and 81 (Reynoldsville VFD) were alerted fora structure fire on Lyon Avenue in Hepzibah. Engine 71 staffed with five responded in two minutes. Engine 112 arrived to find a large outbuilding used as a

- Submitted by Sarah Campbell

residence heavily involved and placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service. Engine 71 supplied units on scene with waterand assisted with fire extinguishment. The Box was held to 112, 41, 71, 101 and 111. Afteroverhaul, units returned home at 1107. HCES was on scene forstandby.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

2-CarMVAon NaylorMill Rd.

2-CarMVAwith Rollover

On December23, 2023, at 1401, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted for an MVAwith rescue at the intersection of NaylorMill Road and Salisbury Bypass. Wicomico 911 Centeradvised responding units that one of the vehicles involved flipped overand landed back on its wheels. Crews arrived to find a two-carMVA, and no active rescue. Paramedic B2 transported one patient to Tidal Health in Salisbury fortreatment. Responding units were Salisbury AC1, Rescue 1, Truck 2, Paramedic B2 & Paramedic A16.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

RMAs at I-79 MVA

Early on February 17, 2024, Nutter Fort Squad 7, Rescue 124, and Ambulance 18 handled a two-vehicle MVAon Interstate-79 north at exit 115. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, with 18 and Squad 7 obtaining patient refusals. Units assisted with traffic control until the vehicles were recovered.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

On the afternoon of December4, 2023, the Hebron VolunteerFire Department was alerted foran MVAwith rollover on westbound Route 50 in the area of White Lowe Road. Fire crews arrived to find a two-car MVAwith one caron its roof. The driverof the overturned vehicle was able to remove himself. All patients refused treatment at the scene. Westbound Route 50 was shut down to one lane during the alarm.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Pedestrian Killed in Campbells Creek Drive MVA

On January 18, 2024, at 1925, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of Campbells Creek Drive fora pedestrian struck. Units arrived to find a priority 1 patient in the roadway. KCEAAtransported the male to CAMC General Division but he succumbed due to his injuries. Units remained on scene to assist law enforcement.

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

Life Saving Awards forMVARescue

Brooklyn’s Norman Ray: 75 Years of Service

- Submitted by Gerald McClain

On January 17, 2024, Franklin Community Fire Chief Gerald McClain (center), Brooke County Sheriff’s Department Captain KylerFerguson (right) and Franklin Community resident Matt Edwards (left) were presented life-saving awards fortheiractions at an MVAthat occurred in Franklin Community in December2023. On December21, 2023, Franklin Community VFD was alerted fora multi-vehicle accident along Washington Pike. Crews arrived to find a four-vehicle collision with one juvenile severely injured and restrained. Chief McClain and off-duty Sheriff Capt. KylerFerguson and civilian Matt Edwards immediately entered the vehicle and began providing patient care to the injured party. During patient assessment Detective Gary Conley with the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department advised the crew working in the carthat it was on fire and they needed to exit. At this point Chief McClain performed a rapid extrication of the injured person and removed him to safety until Brooke County EMS arrived and transported the patient to an awaiting LZ. The injured juvenile from this accident is now home and continuing his rehab and therapy.

Nitro Gets Grant

Nitro Fire Department

Chief received a $1500 grant from 19th District Delegate Kathy Crouse recently. The department will use the funds to upgrade its communications system.

forCommo Equip

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo wil l honor the Philadelphia Fire Department with the 2024 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award for their innovations in emergency medical services. The award presentation will occur at the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 29th in Washington, DC.

The Philadelphia Fire Department was selected for its Alternative EMS Response Units (AR) that provide ALS capabilities in non-ambulance vehicles for four types of emergency medical care. Three units are SUVS staffed with paramedics and specialized care providers. One unit serving the University of Pennsylvania delivers emergency medical care and courtesy rides to students with low-acuity complaints. The fire department assigned a second unit to an area of the city with an extremely high rate of substance use disorder incidents, while a third unit responds to behavioral health emergencies. Afourth unit, a utility cart equipped with ALS equipment and a paramedic, provides rapid response to medical calls at Philadelphia International Airport. Since being placed in serv ice, these units have taken tremendous pressure off the EMS system, enabling traditional medic units to respond to other calls. Bas ed on the success of these units, the fire department intends to place mo re of them in service.

- Submitted by Patti Kidwell

In mid-January 2024, Norman Ray of the Brooklyn Community VolunteerFire Company was presented with his helmet by the Captain and B Shift of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department personnel stationed at Brooklyn. This presentation was in honor of Norman’s 75 years of service to the Brooklyn Community VolunteerFire Company. Norman joined the fire company in 1948. He served as a Lieutenant many years ago. Norman’s riding days were overin the 1960s when he was overcome by smoke on a fire on Hammonds Lane. He was also Vice President of the old 5th District Fire Association. He has been on the Board of Directors since 1975, mostly notably serving as Secretary/Treasurer. He was active with fundraisers held by the company. Norman is very knowledgeable and willing to answerany questions he can regarding the fire service.

Rand Refurbishes Pumper

The Rand VolunteerFire Department put in service this 1994 Pierce Dash, that was purchased from the Northeast Carrabus Fire Department in Mt. Pleasant (NC). The 1250gpm pumperwith 1000gallon tank was given a complete check up and cosmetic upgrade priorto going in service.

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

CFSI AND MASIMO TO HONOR THE PHILADELPHIAFIRE DEPARTMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCYMEDICALSERVICES

“With fire departments across the nation developing innovative programs to enhance their EMS capabilities, CFSI is proud to cosponsor the Excellence in Fire Service-Based with Masimo to rec ognize fire departments for their innovations,” said Jim Estepp, CFSI President. “I extend my congratulations to the Philadelphia Fir e Department for developing an innovative EMS program that is enhancing the level of emergency medical care for the citizens of Philadelphia.”

“Masimo is proud to co-sponsor the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award,” said Andy Jones, Senior Vice President of US Alternate Care. “At Masimo, we focus on the spirit of innovation just as fire departments strive to innovate in their delivery of emergency medical care. By offering industryleading monitoring solutions, we are helping fire departments improve patient care outcomes at the emergency scene, resulting in more lives being saved. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Fire Department for being honored with this award.”

For additional information about the 2024 National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, please visit the CFSI website. This event benefits the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy organizatio n designed to educate members of Congress about fire and life safety issues.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Flatbed Hauling Two Cars All on Fire

On February 5, 2024, Franklin Community and Bethany responded to a report of several vehicles on fire on Bealls Ridge Road in Brooke County. Crews arrived to find two passengervehicles on a flatbed wreckerwith fire consuming all three vehicles. Crews ma de quick work of this fire clearing within an hour.

- Submitted by Gerald McClain

Cane Fork Road House Fire

On January 9, 2024, at 1318, Kanawha County’s Station 16

Loudendale VolunteerFire Department, Station 18 Davis Creek VFD, Station 3 Malden VFD were dispatched to Area 16 on Cane Fork Road fora house fire. Crews arrived to a working structure fire with heavy fire coming from the attic. Crews worked fortwo hours to bring the blaze undercontrol and there were no injuries reported. Sadly fourpets perished in the fire. Units that responded were Loudendale Engines 162 and 165, Rescue 161, Davis Creek Engine 182, Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, Jefferson Tanker192, KCEAA591, KCOEM 990 and 991.

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

Awards at the Fireman’s Ball

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

Members of the Charleston Fire Department recently gathered for the annual “Fireman’s Ball.” During the event, the following firefighters were recognized. Captain ChristopherFletcherFirefighterof the Year; Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Martin - E MS Providerof the Year; and Firefighter/EMTQuaide McNabb -

Chiefs Medal. The event was hosted by the Charleston WV Professional Firefighters IAFFLocal 317 and attended by firefighters, retirees, members of local government, and business members who support the event.