Fire News West Virginia, September/October 2023

Extrication at Craigmoor Overturn

Companies 7 and 12 (Stonewood VFD), and Anmoore EMS were alerted for an MVAwith entrapment.

See story on page 6

Quick Knockdown on Rand Apartment Fire

Kanawha Counties Station 4 (Rand VFD) and Station 3 (Malden VFD) were alerted for a apartment fire.

See story on page 10

Institute Residential Fire Institute firefighters responded to a residential structure fire.

See story on page 19

House Fire on Rt. 25

Tyler Mountain Engine 236 and Utility 237 responded to a working house fire on Route 25.

See story on page 22

Institute Assists Westside

Institute Fire Rescue members assisted the Westside Fire Department, on a commercial structure fire.

See story on page 25

1 Injured in Quiet Dell MVA

Companies were alerted for an MVA with injuries near the 300 block of Andell Road in Quiet Dell.

See story on page 27

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Memoriam

Dennis C. Whittam

January 28, 1953 - July 7, 2023

Fire News’Editor Dennis Whittam passed away on July 7, 2023, after a 14-year battle with cancer.

We here at Fire News mourn the passing of our friend, colleague and the face of Fire News. Afull firematic service was held as this issue went to press, of which there will be further coverage in the September issue. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and and by the staff of Fire News.

The Public Safety OfficerSupport Act of 2022 What it Means forNFFF and the Fire Service Community

By NFFFCEO Victor Stagnaro and Chief Billy Goldfeder, NFFFBoard Member

On August 16, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022 into law. This new law (P.L. 117-172) makes significant changes to the Public Safety Officers’Benefits (PSOB) program - extending coverage for first responders who die as a result of suicide under certain circumstances or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of traumatic self-inflicted injury. The law is retroactive to January 1, 2019.

At the first Firefighter Life Safety Summit, held in March 2004, the national fire service organizations realized that firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support and included this when developing the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. The Public Safety Officer Support Act, predominantly promoted by our sisters and brothers in law enforcement, validates that first responders undergo psychological injuries. More must be done to build resilient firefighters, provide access to culturally competent mental health professionals and support

firefighters’mental health.

Here is what we know about the PSOB changes:

Previously, the PSOB only covered physical injuries and excluded any coverage for mental health injuries experienced on-duty.

The law expanded the definition of an injury to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorders, and traumaand stress-related disorders in cases where an officer was exposed on duty to one or more of the following types of traumatic events:

• a homicide, suicide, or the “violent or gruesome death” of a person (including a death from a mass casualty or fatality event or mass shooting);

• a “harrowing circumstance” posing an “extraordinary and significant” danger to the life of, or serious bodily harm to, any person (including a mass casualty or fatality event or

mass shooting); and

• an act of criminal sexual violence against a person.

The new law will:

• Allow those public safety officers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of traumatic service-related experiences to seek disability benefits for PTSD linked to severe trauma. It directs the PSOB to designate workrelated PTSD and acute stress disorders as a line of duty injury for eligible officers-as well as those who are permanently disabled as a result of attempted suicide; and

• Allow families of public safety officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for survivor benefits. It directs the PSOB to presume that suicides are a result of job duties in certain traumatic circumstances where there is evidence that PTSD or acute stress disorder would be the cause of the injury.

The bill can be accessed at: https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ172/PLAW117publ172.pdf.

Extrication at CraigmoorOverturn

At 2149 hours on June 3, 2023, Companies 7, 12 (Stonewood VFD), and Anmoore EMS were alerted foran MVAwith injuries and entrapment on Buckhannon Pike in Craigmoor. Squad 7 and Truck 7 responded in three minutes. Medic 717 was alerted as an additional ambulance due to initial reports of two occupants entrapped.

Anmoore 18 and Company 7 apparatus arrived to find an SUVon its top and one occupant still inside the vehicle but not entrapped. Medic 717 transported one ALS patient to Ruby Memorial Hospital while Anmoore 18 obtained one patient refusal.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Fatality At House Fire in Point of Rocks

On June 14, 2023, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerreceived multiple calls with reports of a house fire with possible entrapment in the 1700 block of Brookshire Run in Point of Rocks. Within minutes, units from Frederick County Fire and Rescue, and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue arrived on scene to find fire showing throughout a two-story singlefamily home. Aneighboring resident informed crews that they believed a resident was home and had not been seen evacuating. A

Rapid Intervention Dispatch was quickly requested as crews began to attack the fire from the exterior. The fire progressed rapidly causing the roof and floorto collapse. It took an estimated 60 firefighters around 45 minutes to control the fire and make access into the home. Adeceased adult male was located upon entry. There was no damage to any otherstructures and no otherinjuries. The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office were investigating.

- Submitted by Sarah Campbell

Busy 24 forTylerMountain FD

TylerMountain U-237 responded to Harmons Creek Road in Putnam County to assist with an approximately 30-acre brush fire that had started from the result of a vehicle fire. Crews operated forabout fourhours to contain the fire. Station 23 has responded to several othercalls forservice in the last 24 hours including, MVAs, box alarms, chemical investigations, and assistance calls.

- Photos courtesy of Tyler Mountain FD

Shed and Attic Fire on Johnson Ct.

As Kentlands Rescue Engine 33 was backing into quarters from an MVAon Route 50, the bells sounded fora reported house on fire in the 3200 block of Johnson Court. RE 33 arrived to find smoke coming from the roof of a single-story, single-family dwelling. As the company was stretching lines, one resident was attempting to enter the home and a second was exiting the structure. Both of the resi-

dents were removed from the structure with no injuries. Fire was located in the attic extending from an attached shed on the Charlie side. The crew completed the primary search priorto dropping the ceiling and quickly extinguished all fire in the attic and shed. The six volunteers operated forroughly two hours before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Quick Knockdown on Rand Apartment Fire

On June 24, 2023, at 0239, Kanawha Counties Station 4 (Rand VFD) and Station 3 (Malden VFD) were alerted foran apartment fire on Church Drive in Rand. Engine 41 and Engine 32 arrived at the same time and a 1.75-inch line was deployed. Crews contained the fire to the apartment of origin. The fire was determined to be

accidental in nature due to cooking. Units that responded were Rand Engine 41 and 42, Malden Engine 32, KCEAA155, and KCOEM 991.

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

Townhouse Fire Snuffed

Rocky Fork Rd. CarFire

Firefighters responded fora possible stove fire on the 6800 block of Hawthorne Street in Company 33’s first-due area. Kentland Engine 332 arrived to fire showing in the rearand ran a 250-foot attack line around to the Aside of the two-story townhouse, stretched through the front doorand extinguished the fire, containing it to the first floor. Units operated forapproximately two hours before returning to service.

DryerFire and Venting

State Fire Marshal and ATF

Continue Investigation After WestminsterMan Injured

The Monongah Fire Department was alerted fora first-due structure fire. Engine 101 responded and arrived to find nothing apparent from the outside of the structure. Upon making entry into the home, the crew found smoke coming from the first floorof the residence and found a fire in a dryer; crews cut powerto the dryer. To keep damage minimal crews from MFD and Valley Engine 125 used a watercan to extinguish and removed the dryerto the outside. While that was taking place, MFD placed a thermal camera in service checking forextension in walls and dryerpipe vent to the outside. MFD and Valley crew then started venting the structure until all smoke was removed. Thanks to Valley VolunteerFire Department, Farmington VolunteerFire Department and Boothsville VolunteerFire Department.

- Photo courtesy of Monongah FD

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating a fire that injured a Westminsterman while making homemade fireworks. At around 1000 on April 22, 2023, WestminsterFire Department responded to the 300 block of Parisian Way fora house fire. ADeputy State Fire Marshal was in the area and arrived just before the firefighters. He located the 68-year-old owner, who was severely burned and told the investigatorhe was making homemade fireworks. The fire department arrived shortly after, and they were able to contain the fire within the garage of the home. Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the injured man to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he was listed in stable condition. No one else was inside the home at the time of the fire.

Investigators requested the assistance of Bomb Technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, along with Certified Explosive Specialists with ATF, in rendering the residence safe, evidence collection, and processing the scene. Bom b Technicians, with the assistance of the Carroll County HazMat Team, rendered all of the devices found safe and properly disposed of any of the remaining products. Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Roads Operations are credited with maintaining a safe perimeterand keeping the area clearof vehiculartraffic while investigators worked throughout the evening.

- Credit Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

TylerMountain Rescue Engine 231 responded to a working vehicle fire on Rocky Fork Road at Dutch Creek.

- Photo courtesy of Tyler Mountain FD

Busy Time forMonongah FD

July 2, 2023 was a busy day forthe Monongah Fire Department. The first box of the day was a vehicle fire inside a garage. Engine 101 and 103 responded arriving to smoke showing. Engine 101’s crew utilized a watercan and vent fan. Assistant Chief 10 held command and returned all mutual aid companies finding no major damage to the vehicle orthe structure. The second box of the day was fora vehicle fire with exposure. Both engines responded to find

a working fire neara residence and live powerwires down. Aline was pulled and a pro pack foam unit was put in service forremainderof the hot spots. Astorm then came through and MFD was sent to Route 19, Pike Street Extension and Country Club area fortrees and powerlines down. From Sunday to Monday morning MFD answered eight calls forservice.

- Photos courtesy of Mike Parker & Monongah FD

Cover Story

3-Alarm Apartment Complex Fire in Putnam Co.

Nitro Fire Department responded to an early morning three-alarm blaze in Putnam County that did extensive damage to 22 units at Devonshire Apartments off of Teays Valley Road in Scott Depot. A lightning strike was thought to be the cause of the fire that gutted the three-story complex. Units from Putnam, Kanawha and Cabell counties responded. The Red Cross was on the scene assisting the displaced residents. The West Virginia State Fire Marshall was investigating. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Dixon Street Commercial Fire

The Selbyville Delaware Fire Company, along with the Bishopvill e Fire Department, responded to a building fire on Dixon Street on July 18, 2023. The fire appeared to be in the rafterarea of the large commercial metal frame building. Companies stretched lines and opened up the roof to gain access to the fire. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos

Institute Residential Fire

On July 7, 2023, at 0849, Institute firefighters responded to a residential structure fire on Smith Avenue, in Institute. The department would like to thank the TylerMountain Fire Department and Westside Fire Department fortheirassistance.

of Institute FR

- Photos courtesy

House Fire with Pet Rescues

Mardela fire crews responded to a house fire on Athol Road in Mardela Springs on July 22, 2023. Crews rescued two dogs and two bearded dragons from the residence. The two dogs were transported to a local vet foremergency treatment via Mardela’s ambulance.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist seven occupants displaced due to the fire. Crews from Delmar, Sharptown, Hebron and Westside assisted on the alarm.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

(Continued from page 20)

House Fire on Route 25

TylerMountain Engine 236 and Utility 237 responded to a working house fire on Route 25. Members assisted with manpowerand watersupply forapproximately fourhours to extinguish the fire.

Nitro Assists Poca

sustained majorinteriordamage.

- Photos courtesy of Tyler Mountain FD

Nitro Fire Department Rescue/Engine 851, Chief 801 and PIO 840 provided mutual-aid recently, to Poca VolunteerFire Department at a structure fire in the Raymond City area of Poca. The mobile home

The structure had been vacant with utilities turned off. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Heavy Fire on Arrival

Denton Truck Fire

On April 26, 2023, the 7th District VolunteerFire Department responded fora structure fire on RiverSprings Road. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the home. Firefighters operated forapproximately 45 minutes before the alarm was placed undercontrol. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The home sustained significant damage and the cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

The Denton VolunteerFire Company responded to a vehicle fire on Log Cabin Road in Denton, Caroline County recently. Crews arrived to find an involved truck and were able to extinguish the blaze within 10 minutes.

- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

Institute Assists Westside

On June 17, 2023 at 2259, Institute Fire Rescue members assisted the

Churchville House Fire

Intentional Fire in Greensboro

On April 13, 2023, the Level VolunteerFire Company responded fora reported house fire, on Wheaton Lane, in Churchville, Hartford County. Crews arrived to find an active fire and were able to bring the incident undercontrol within 15 minutes of operation. The owners were snowbirds and residing in Florida. Investigators commended the neighbors forinitially smelling and laterobserving smoke coming from the home, along with the fire department’s quick response, in containing the fire to the attic area, with moderate heat, smoke and waterdamage to the immediate area. The fire was ruled accidental, due to unspecified ele ctrical failure. - Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

The Greensboro VolunteerFire Company responded to a reported structure fire on Drapers Mill Road, recently. Crews arrived to find a working fire which took just underan hourto bring under control. The investigation determined the fire to be intentionally set. In addition to destroying a shed, and a vehicle, surrounding personal property was also damaged. The case was forwarded to the Caroline County State’s Attorney’s Office forreview. If anyone has information regarding this fire, please contact the Upper Eastern Regional Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal at 410-822-7609.

- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

Westside Fire Department on a commercial structure fire.

- Photos courtesy of Institute FR

Bicycle-Bus MVAon Coastal Hwy.

On June 19, 2023, Ocean City Engine 4 and Paramedic 4 responded to the Coastal Highway fora reported MVAinvolving a bus and a juvenile on a bicycle. AMedevac was requested forthe juvenile

who was conscious on arrival but had serious injuries. The LZ was set up at Northside Park forTrooper4.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

1 Injured at Catenary Coal Rd. MVA

Hebron MVAwith Rollover

On July 20, 2023, at 0029, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted foran MVAwith reported entrapment at Catenary Coal Road and Campbells Creek Drive. Squad 3 advised that the single patient had self-extricated priorto units arriving. Cedar Grove Medic 65 transported one female to CAMC General as a priority 2 patient.

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

1 Injured in

Quiet Dell MVA

At 1959 on June 12, 2023, Companies 7, and 12 Stonewood VFD and Anmoore EMS were alerted foran MVAwith injuries nearthe 300 block of Andell Road in Quiet Dell. Squad 7 staffed with four responded in two minutes. Medic 19 and Rescue 124 arrived to find an SUVon its wheels off the roadway afterrolling over, with one person in the vehicle, but not entrapped. Crews from 124 and Squad 7 assisted with packaging and loading one ALS patient for transport. HealthNet 6 was placed in the airwith the LZ being set up by Squad 7 and Engine 123 on the bridge at I-79 and Buckhannon Pike.

- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

On the evening of June 6, 2023, the Hebron Fire Department, along with EMS 9, was alerted foran MVAwith injuries at the intersection of Nanticoke Road and Nebo Road. Command arrived to find a single vehicle overturned nearthe woodline. Ladder5 arrived and provided lights to the area and its crew checked the vehicle for any hazards. Ambulance 5 transported one patient to Tidal Health in Salisbury for treatment.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

-

THEYSAVED NEWYORK

is about people who head into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.

Glenn Usdin is a professional photographer and a firefighter for over 40 years who has been photographing fires and firefighters in NYC since the mid 1970s. Dan Potter is a retired FDNYfirefighter with the ability to tell the stories that bring the reader right into the firehouse or on the fireground. Together, Usdin and Potter conceived, photographed and told the stories that captures a wide range of firefighters in They Saved New York.

In the late 1960s, through the 1980s, the New York Fire Department experienced a historic rapid amount of fire duty. The firefighters who worked those years saw more actual fires in a week than most firefighters across the country saw in a year. Usdin felt strongly that these firefighter’s legacies needed to be preserved and

honored in a unique way. That was the inspiration for the project that became They Saved New York.

Dan Potter spent hundreds of hours interviewing featured firefighters and then crafted their stories for the book with his deft writing style. Usdin captured evocative portraits of each of them, as well as hundreds of action photos he shot at fire scenes over 40 plus years. The result is a large format photo documentary that honors the profession as well as the featured individuals.

Aportion of the proceeds from this book will support four foundations that serve the needs of retired and current firefighters.

You may find out more about those foundations and the book here: www.TheySaved NY.com.

FIREHOUSE EXPO PREVIEW

Schedule Change forFirst Day

Three groups of sessions will be offered between 0800-1230. There will be a break for lunch and then the opening ceremonies will begin at 1400., including awards and the keynote address. The day then will transition to the exhibit floor, where there will be a welcome reception, a Tailboard Talk and a roundtable.

New Classes

“Incident Command: Defining the Expectation,” “Engine Company Operations at Apartment Fires,” “RIT? FAST? RIC? WHO?”, "Flying into a New Era: Building a Drone Program and Utilization in the Fire Service.”

VolunteerDays

Firehouse Expo will offer special programs for volunteer firefighters with a special discounted rate of $75 registration for either Wednesday or Friday. And don’t miss “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service,” “AFG Strategies for Success,”

Lessons Learned

Attendees of Firehouse Expo in 2022 requested more classes/speakers that concentrate on lessons learned and that p rovide

examination of close calls and fireground incidents. “Out of Air, Can YOU Make It to Safety?” and “I Was Not Ready for This!”

Pre-conference Workshops

Find the full list of pre-conference workshops here: firehouseexpo.com/2023/workshops.You must preregister for these four- and eight-hour workshops, so do it today.

NEWLOOK & SOFTWARE FOR FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS

Fire Rescue Systems, a software company for the fire service, has a brand-new look to go along with their new modules; all to better serve fire departments like yours. The company was started in 1983 in Long Island, New York, and has helped hundreds of departments better manage their fire and rescue operations. Instead o f paying high fees for an all-in-one software program, Fire Rescue Systems offers various modules which you can bundle together. This allows you to pay for what you need, without the fluff, and makes it the perfection solution for fire departments of all si zes.

Some of the modules include Dispatch, Bulletin Board, NFIRS, Inventory, MDT, Roster and Attendance, Department Voting and a Mobile Responder Phone App. They also offer finger readers that integrate with other modules. All of the modules help you save time and increase efficiency. The company offers 24/7 tech support for all customers.

Fire Rescue Systems’brand-new look also includes an updated, easier-to-navigate website so you can quickly browse their avai lable modules and get the information you need to decide. For more information and to see their new website, go to firerescuesystems.co m or call 800-651-3059.

Controlled Burn in Pittsville

The Pittsville Fire Department conducted a controlled burn on Warren Road, south of town, on July 23, 2023. Due to the age and stability of the structure, it was a straight burn with no interior training. Juniormembers were able to get valuable time handling hose lines during the drill. Members from Station11 Powellville , Station 8 Willards, Station 6 Parsonsburg and Station 1 Salisbury also attended the drill.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

21 Complete Charleston Training Academy

Congratulations to the 21 recruits who successfully completed the Charleston Fire Department Training Academy, and who graduated recently. During theirtraining, the recruits completed 17 we eks of intense, physically demanding training including Emergency

So. Charleston FD, Red Cross Install Free Smoke Alarms

Charleston Hiring Exam Open

The Charleston Fire Department is excited to announce its upcoming hiring exam. Applications are available now through September18, 2023, with the hiring exam being September18, 2023 at 1800. Applications may be printed from the CFD orpicked up in person. -

Medical Technician, Firefighter1 and 2, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Extrication, and FirefighterSafety and Survival.

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

The American Red Cross teamed up with South Charleston Fire Department to make 40 homes saferby installing 79 free smoke alarms as part of the “Sound the Alarm” initiative to end house fires. Learn more at soundthealarm.org.

- Photo courtesy of South Charleston FD & American Red Cross

Charleston FD