Hundred Volunteer Fire Company assisted Marion with a recent structure fire.
See story on page 6
Wheeling firefighters arrive to a fully involved home.
See story on page 8
Station 80 Nitro Fire Department 851 responded to a car fire.
See story on page 10
Stonewood
Engine companies arrived to an outbuilding fully involved and a single-wide trailer heavily involved.
See story on page 16
Kanawha County firefighters were alerted for a reported structure fire.
See story on page 20
The Fayette Township Fire Department (OH), wasassisted at a vehicle fire by the 811th Ordnance Company (WV).
See story on page 22
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Several years ago, my fire department asked me to become involved with their driver qualification committee. Having served as a certified NYS Driver Education Instructor for 20-years, I felt I would enjoy being part of our Emergency Vehicle Operation course. So, for two full days I attended EVOC training that was provided through my department's insurance company. When I returned home, our chief set up a full committee to implement following the guidelines set forth by VFIS. The recommended guidelines included classroom time, a competency course, and a road course.
The training started with in-class instruction. Our insurance company provided us with a thumb drive that contained numerous videos and lessons for presentation to our students. I should point out that even our seasoned drivers had to participate in the class. It was the seasoned drivers who added and shared their experiences with the younger drivers. Their real-life experiences added realism to the in-class lesson. It should also be noted that this course was to be given every other year. Our committee decided that since new drivers were always being added to the list, we would present an updated lesson throughout the year at department meetings.
In addition to classroom learning, all drivers had to take the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle
Operator Course). This course soon became known as the “cone-course.” Since we marked the parking lot with paint, it was easy to set up the cone course throughout the year. Once the member finished the EVOC course, we left the parking lot to go on a road course. The course challenged the thought process of the driver. Our fire district has a few railroad crossings and railroad overhead tracks that have the maximum height requirement marked on the overpass. We made it a point to stop and take note of the maximum height requirement. Since our vehicles are marked in plain sight with that measurement in the cab of the truck, students know they must share that measurement with the evaluator.
In general, the course we set up was approved by our Board of Fire Commissioners. We are into this program for several years now, and we are continually tweaking the program so it stays current. If a driver leaves the department and comes back a few years later, it is easy to take a standardized road-test to re-familiarize the driver on the trucks on which he used to be qualified. Usually, the individual is fine with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Remember that all emergency vehicle operators should take EVOC. I also encourage officers to take the VFIS course to Train the Trainer.
Are we finished? Well not exactly. EVOC is
a program that shows the chauffer how to safely operate the piece of equipment that is being driven. PERIOD! Further training is needed to learn how to safely operate at a working call. What 's next? Read John Salka’s article on The Engine Company Chauffer: Part 1 The article is in the July 1997 Firehouse Magazine
Getting our responders safely to a call is important. Knowing what to do when you arrive on scene is equally as important.
Drive Safe!
- Dennis
Recently, Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched to Harry S. Truman Drive in Company 46's area forfire from the third floorof an apartment building. Engine 46 arrived to fire showing from the third floorand fire through the roof. Just before the Rescue Engine arrived, Battalion 1 started the second alarm. Rescue completed searches on the third floorbefore the roof collapsed and the build-
ing was evacuated. Engine Company 33 was dispatched on the working fire dispatch and stretched a line to the rearwhere they operated forthe majority of the incident. The company operated forapproximately fourhours before returning to the Landover Road firehouse.
Wheeling firefighters operated at a structure fire, reported just after1420, on Kenny Street in North Wheeling on April 5, 2023. Firefighters arrived to the home fully involved. An adjoining home was saved, but the fire building was expected to be a total loss.
- Photos courtesy of Wheeling FD
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci is issuing a call forMarylan ders to check theirsmoke alarms afterinvestigating two fatal fires in Carroll County within hours of each otheron February 20, 2023. Just after0830, WestminsterVolunteerFire Department and nearby departments were called fora reported fire at the Boston Inn on Baltimore Boulevard afterotherguests observed smoke coming from one of the rooms. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a nearly self-extinguished fire and a 48-year-old male victim inside. The victim was pronounced deceased, and Deputy State Fire Marshals investigated the cause. Investigators believe the fire occurred hours earlierbefore the otherguests called 911. At around 1420, Taneytown VolunteerFire Company and surrounding depart-
ments responded to Daisy Drive fora dwelling fire involving a twostory, middle-of-the-group townhouse with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived within minutes and learned a motherand her three-year-old daughterhad escaped; however, the grandmother was trapped upstairs. Firefighters entered the home and located the 68-year-old victim. Life-saving efforts were started, and she was transported to Carroll Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Deputy State Fire Marshals have confirmed both fires to be unrelated.
- Photos courtesy of Carroll Fire News; submitted by Office Maryland State Fire Marshal
Ajoint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division continues aftera house fire claimed the life of a Garrett County man on March 29, 2023. At around 0900, DeerPark Community Volunteer Fire Department, BittingerVolunteerFire Department, and surrounding departments were alerted fora house fire on UpperGreen Glade Road in Swanton. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire throughout the two-story home, and it was reported a person was possibly
still inside. It took 25 firefighters nearly two hours to control the two-alarm blaze; however, the home eventually collapsed. After several hours, with the assistance of heavy equipment, firefighters and investigators located a 19-year-old victim within the remains. The Red Cross was assisting five otherfamily members who were not home when the fire broke out; upwards of 14 pets also perished in the fire.
- Submitted by Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
At 2050 on March 28, 2023, Company 8 (Reynoldsville), Engines 71, 91 (Salem), and 111 (Spelter), along with HCES, were alerted fora structure fire on Chicken Farm Road in Reynoldsville. Engine 72 staffed with fourresponded in two minutes with Tanker7 staffed with two followed. Engine 82 arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rearof a single-story dwelling and all occupants out. Engines stretched lines and cross-lays and began the interiorattack,
finding heavy fire throughout most of the attic space as well as the rearof the home. Engines 91 and 111 supplemented manpoweras well as performing vertical ventilation. The fire was placed under control and, afterextensive ventilation and overhaul, units returned home at 2302. Mt. Clare Engine 52 covered.
- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
On March 18, 2023, at 0746, Kanawha County’s Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were dispatched to the Campbells Creek Drive Area 3 fora house fire. Chief 3, Utility 3 and Engine 32 arrived to smoke showing from a single-story house. Aquick knockdown by crews contained the fire to a bedroom; the house was vacant and no utilities were connected to the structure. The fire was considered suspicious. Units that responded were Malden Engines 32 and 31 and Utility 3; Rand Engine 42; Belle Engine 53; and KCEAA511.
- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
At 0331 on March 20, 2023, Company 12 Stonewood, Engines 71 and 11 Anmoore, and 511 Bridgeport along with Anmoore EMS were alerted fora structure fire on Coal Mine Lane in Stonewood. Truck 7 staffed with three responded in three minutes with Unit 74 staffed with two. Engine 122 and Truck 7 arrived to an outbuilding fully involved and a single-wide trailerheavily involved with exposures and live powerlines down. The trailerwas determined to be vacant. Multiple handlines were placed in service forfire suppression and exposure protection with Ladder521 laying in from a nearby hydrant and placing an additional 1-3/4 inch cross lay and Engine 121 providing additional manpower. Fire suppression efforts were hampered until Mon Powerarrived on scene. The fire was held to the original two structures with two structures receiving heat damage. Shinnston Engine 102 covered.
- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Shortly before 0100 on March 11, 2023, Baltimore County westside fire units were alerted fora garage fire in the 9400 block of Manor Forge Way off Lyons Mill Road in Owings Mills. Baltimore County Fire Department Engine 18 and Truck 18 from the Randallstown CareerStation and Liberty Road VolunteerFire Company Engine 464 arrived to heavy fire showing from a first-level garage in a three-story townhouse. Faced with a significant volume of fire, which was extending into exposures on eitherside of the main fire building and also threatening townhouses across the street, Engines 18 and 464 deployed deck guns, while firefighters stretched hose-
lines and Truck 18 set up forladderpipe ops. With heavy fire in three residences and a gas-main involved in fire, command requested a second alarm, bringing additional units. including mutual aid, from Carroll County to the scene. Firefighters threw multiple ladders on the Alpha side, and multiple lines were used in the townhouse of origin as well as exposures. The aerial bucket from Pikesville Tower323 was deployed to provide an overhead view of the fireground and BGE was requested to the scene to assist with cutting off the gas. The fire was underinvestigation by the Fire Investigation Division. - Fire News photos by Mike Schwartzberg
On February 25, 2023, at 0601, Kanawha County’s Station 26 Sissonville and Station 3 Malden were dispatched fora trailerfire on Sissonville Drive at Whittington Road. Engine 264 advised of a single-wide trailerfully involved. Crews went to work to contain the fire in the trailer, which had been vacant forsome time. Units responding were Sissonville Engines 263, and 264, Tanker's 262 and 267, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3 ,KCEAA175 and KCSD.
On April 4, 2023, the Charlestown VolunteerFire Company responded to the 900 block of Carpenter’s Point Road in Perryville, Cecil County, fora structure fire. Approximately 30 firefighters operated on scene for30 minutes before command declared the alarm undercontrol. No injuries were reported. The fire was ruled accidental due to a brush fire extending into the structure. - Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire
On March 24, 2023, at 0703, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand, and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora structure fire on Campbells Creek Drive. Utility 3, Chief 3 W.L. ‘Squeak’ Peterson arrived at 0709 reporting a camperfully involved with an exposure to a house on the B side. Engine 32 arrived and crews extinguished the fire. It was determined that homeless people had been staying in the camper.
- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
On March 22, 2023, at 0224, Kanawha Countiy Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora house fire in Area 3 at Big Coal Fork Drive. Utility 3 and Chief 3 W.L. ‘Squeak’ Peterson arrived to a single-story house well off with exposure issues on sides B and D. Engine 32 arrived and crews went to work to extinguish the blaze. Rand Engine 42 reverse laid a four-inch supply line from the scene to a hydrant a 1000-feet up Big Coal Fork Drive. One occupant was treated on scene fora minorinjury by KCEAA. The fire was determined to be accidental and due to a space heater.
- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Shortly after2030 on April 1, 2023, Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services units were dispatched to the 200 block of East Second Street in downtown Frederick fora building fire. First arriving crews reported fire through the roof and a rapid intervention dispatch was initiated. With wind conditions causing the fire to spread quickly and access issues making it difficult forcrews to get to the main fire floor, a second alarm was dispatched bringing over 100 firefighters from across Frederick County to battle the blaze. Members worked arduously, facing difficulties in maneuvering apparatus to access the building due to the location and narrowness
of Chapel Alley, but were able to keep the fire contained to the main building and place it completely out in just underfourhours. Crews remained on scene forseveral hours overnight placing wateron hot spots and cleaning up. The location was formerly known as the Visitation Academy and was vacant while underrenovation. No injuries were reported. The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Off ice investigators have deemed the fire accidental, theirinvestigation revealing that heavy winds caused the gutters to blow away from the building on the Chapel Alley side, and come into contact with powerlines. - Fire News photos provided
Just before 0200 Kentland Tower33 was alerted to respond as the first-due truck to the 5500 block of Ruxton Drive. While en route, Public Safety Communications received reports of people trapped. Tower33 arrived just behind the first engine. Engine 6 arrived to a two-story split foyerwith fire showing. The interiorteam from Tower33 made entry and started to search the second floorforthe reported trapped occupants. Due to the gas-fed fire, conditions deteriorated and command evacuated all units. Shortly afterevac,
the roof collapsed on to the second floor. Crews operated from the exteriorfora short period before making entry to extinguish the top floorfire and continue the search formissing occupants. Crews on the first floorheld the fire at the gas meterwhile waiting for Washington Gas to arrive. Two priority 4 victims were located in the house. Crews operated foroverfive hours before returning to the firehouse.
The Fayette Township Fire Department (OH), was alerted fora vehicle fire on US-52 westbound in front of a carwash. While responding, crews received information that a military vehicle was on the scene. Engine 5 and Rescue 1 responded, and upon arrival, found the 811th Ordnance Company (USAR) on the scene with
theirfire apparatus had knocked down the fire. The 811th was returning to its base in Rainelle (WV), noticed the fire and turned around. The Fayette Township Fire Department greatly appreciated theirassistance with traffic control and fire suppression on scene. - Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD
Baltimore City firefighters responded to a building fire on West Saratoga Street on February 24, 2023. Ashed was ablaze in the rear of the rowhome and may have been ignited by a downed powerline.
On March 19, 2023, at 1814, Salisbury Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to an accident with rolloverand ejection at the intersection of Route 13 and Priscilla Street. Crews arrived to find a two-carcollision with one carpartially wrapped around a utility pole. The driverof the carwas ejected from the vehicle. Both drivers were transported to Tital Health in Salisbury fortreatment. Salisbury City Police was on scene and investigating the cause of the crash. Witnesses advised the othercarwas traveling at a high rate of speed and flipped overtwice afterthe crash.
- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall
Ateam of investigators from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating a dwelling fire that claimed two lives in the 21700 block of Cabot Place in Lexington Park. The first 911 call was received at 0119, when an occupant woke up to smoke and discovered a fire in the basement. The person who discovered the fire and two others escaped the two-story home. On arrival, firefighters, were told two people were still trapped inside. They laterlocated the two vic tims , a male and a female, on the second floor. It took 40 firefighters from the Bay District VolunteerFire Department and surrounding departments to control the one-alarm blaze. St. Mary’s Metropolitan Commission, the local waterand sanitary department, assisted with removing several feet of water, so investigators were able to safely enterthe home and begin investigating.
- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal
At approximately noon on March 4, 2023, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerreceived multiple calls with reports of a house fire in the 500 block of Schley Avenue. Within minutes they began receiving emergency calls fora vehicle explosion along Route 15 south in the area of Rosemont and Schley avenues. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services units arrived on scene within minutes and confirmed one tanker truck hauling flammable liquid was completely engulfed with extension to three homes and three automobiles in the 500 block of Apple Avenue. The incident also led to a large brush fire along the Route 15 corridor. Asecond alarm was requested to bring addition-
al resources to assist the multiple crews that were deployed to bring each fire undercontrol. All fires were deemed undercontrol with in 40 minutes. The tankerdriverdied as a result of the incident. One house located on Apple Avenue suffered extensive damage which displaced the occupants; two otherresidences received minorfire damage. Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of the Environment, the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Hazardous Materials Team and the Frederick City Department of Public Works confirmed that hazardous material was contained priorto reaching Carroll Creek.
- Submitted by Sarah Campbell
Charleston Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic James W. Spencerwas honored forhis heroic actions on January 30, 2022, to save two people who were trapped inside a residence which was engulfed in fire. Spencerused a ground ladderto enterthe second floorof the house —despite the extreme risk to his own personal safety —navigating heavy fire and smoke conditions to rescue the two occupants who were trapped in a room adjacent to the main body of the fire. On March 11, 2023, Spencerwas awarded the West Virginia Medal of Valorforhis “heroic and expeditious actions.” During the March 20 City Council meeting, Spencerwas recognized with a proclamation.
- Photo courtesy of Charleston FD
Recently, five Sissonville firefighters traveled to Ripley to participate in the Tunnel to Towers Ripley 5K run. This organization helps fallen first responders and military families of a loved one who passed away. Sissonville’s firefighters brought home the trophy forhaving the most firefighters in gear.
- Photo courtesy of Sissonville FD
