Crews worked for about three hours to contain the blaze.
See story on page 4
Double-Wide Fully Involved on Arrival
The City of Logan Fire Department was dispatched to Logan for a structure fire.
See story on page 8
Huntington Stops Morning Fire
Crews met heavy fire and smoke conditions when responding to a morning fire.
See story on page 12
Shinnston
House Fire
Engine 71 was alerted to respond to the scene of a working house fire.
See story on page 18
3 Fires Previously, House Burns Down
There had been three previous fires at this same house over the last year.
See story on page 23
Flooding Rescue in Cairo
Cairo Fire and EMS Dwas alerted for flooding near a residence on Rolling River Road in Cairo.
See story on page 26
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OSHA1910.156 Update
As of July 22, 2024, the comment period for the proposal by OSHAto amend its Fire Brigade Standard under 29 CFR Section 1910.156 has come to an end, with 3765 comments filed. The proposed amendment involved a comprehensive rewrite of the 1980 standard looking to establish a new Emergency Response Standard. If the proposed standard is implemented as posted in the National Register, these new regulations will have a severe and costly negative impact on both career and volunteer fire departments, EMS responders and other specialized units in New York and across the nation.
The fire service has highly stressed that the services are not opposed to the rules addressing first responder safety, however the proposed regulations will require an increase of 2 ½ times to the hours required for basic firefighter training. Many of the requirements for specific training classes are not available to local departments and will take extensive time to implement. Presently most fire officers and chiefs do not meet the new standards and would not be qualified to hold their positions. These leaders
will not be able to receive the needed training within OSHA’s two-year implementation schedule.
Additionally, the regulations address changes to firefighter medical screenings, new apparatus and equipment, 10-year Personal Protective Equipment replacement, a focus on respiratory protection, more inspections, more paperwork, training requirements that will put an undue burden on any members’time commitments and dramatically increase insurance cost. These regulations will greatly affect all recruitment and retention programs. Specifically, the requirement to replace front-line fire apparatus every 15 years, at a cost between $800K to $1.5 million for a new engine or over $2 million for a ladder truck. Apparatus manufacturers can now take up to three to four years for delivery which make this regulation nearly impossible to meet for most jurisdictions.
Many other mandates will greatly increase the cost and create a severe financial burden of providing fire protection services on local fire departments, the states and local governments, small cities, villages and fire districts. There are
Lightning Strike Causes Barn Fire
On July 1, 2024, at 2334, Kanawha Counties Station 2 Pinch and Station 3 Malden were alerted fora structure fire on Rosetta Lane in the Rutledge community. Malden Engine 32 arrived and reported a large working fire and to add Station 27 WVANGfora tanker. Crews worked forabout three hours to contain the blaze which destroyed the garage, a camperand a pickup. The cause of the blaze appeared to be a lighting strike from heavy storms in the area at the time. Units that responded were Pinch Engines 22 and 23, Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, WVANGTanker276, KCEAA182.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
By Myles Quinn,LIEditor
many additional operational, administrative and fiscal challenges. These major changes will increase taxes to comply with the new rules. These regulations could cause the operations of smaller fire departments to shutter and there could be imposed fines, citations and civil liability exposures should an injury or death occur.
Many members of our Congressional delegations and our US Senators have expressed support to achieve a compromise on these proposed regulations. Though an update was needed, these regulations are burdensome and overwhelming to an already struggling and overtaxed Fire and EMS Services. The Services hope that OSHAwill review the comments provided and modify the regulations they are proposing.
OSHAhas just recently posted that they are scheduling an informal, virtual, public hearing on its proposed rule "Emergency Response Standard." Apublic hearing will begin on November 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. As additional information on these hearing is made available, we will post and notify you.
Liberty Road Vehicle Fire
Crews from the Federalsburg VolunteerFire Company responded to Liberty Road, in Federalsburg, Caroline County, fora reported vehicle fire. The fire did not appearto be suspicious in nature, but the exact cause remained underinvestigation. One minorsustained non-life-threatening burns to his arms, and was treated at Johns Hopkins Burn Centerforhis injuries.
- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal
Occupant Removed from Baltimore Row Home
On June 22, 2024, at 2057, Box Alarm 14-50 sent Engines 14, 36 and 8 (RIT), 47, 2 and 58, Truck 8, Tower1, Rescue 1, Battalion Chief 3 and 6, and Safety Officer4 to South Fulton Street fora dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Engine 14 arrived to find a two-story, middle-of-the-row dwelling with individuals exiting the building.
Aline from Engine 14 knocked down a fire involving a front room on the second floor. One occupant was located and removed from the second-floorrearand handed off to EMS.
- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Nitro, Others Assist with Putnam County Total Loss
a total loss and there were no injuries. Also providing assistance were Bancroft and
Nitro Station 80, Rescue/Engine 851, Chief 801 and PIO 840 provided mutual aid to Poca Community VolunteerFire Department in fighting a morning structure fire in Putnam County. The home was
EleanorVFDs.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Barn Blaze in Sunderland, Calvert County
On June 6, 2024, the Huntingtown VolunteerFire Department responded fora reported barn fire on Wayside Drive. The fire was discovered when it was well advanced throughout the structure. The barn was approximately 100-years old and completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshals Southern Regional Office at 410-414-3600.
- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Marshal
Double Wide Fully Involved on Arrival
On July 6, 2024, at 0222, the City of Logan Fire Department was dispatched to Heritage Lane in the Sunbeam area of Logan fora structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a double-wide fully involved with heavy fire from the rear. All occupants were out and stated that smoke detectors woke them. Afire attack was initiated while a watersource was established. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and no injuries were reported. Crews battled high humidity and temperatures. - Submitted by Caleb McDonald
St. Albans Fire Stopped
St. Albans Fire Department responded to the 1800 block of Wash Avenue fora structure fire. Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy smoke and flames. Quick action by the crews brought the fire undercontrol in approximately 20 minutes, keeping the fire to the building of origin and minimizing damage as much as possible. No
one was home at the time, however, crews rescued the owners’dog safely Thanks to Nitro, West Side, Jefferson, St. Albans Police and Kanawha County EMS fortheirassistance.
- Photo courtesy of St. Albans FD
House Fire Stopped on Leroy Gorham Drive
On July 7, 2024, at just before 1530, Engine 332, and Tower33, were dispatched fora reported house fire on the 5000 block of Leroy Gorham Drive, on Box 3806. (Leroy Gorham Drive is named after one of the founding members of the Chapel Oaks VolunteerFire Department, who helped start the department afterlosing his three children in a fire in 1947). Engine Company 33 arrived to a singlestory single-family dwelling with fire showing. Engine 332 and
Engine 38 deployed a line inside, where they hit hot spots and fire in the attic. Tower33’s crew joined the interiorteam opening up for the engine companies, while the exteriorteam placed ladders and removed windows before making theirway to the interiorto assist with opening up and overhaul. Crews operated for2-1/2 hours before returning to service.
- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD
Huntington Stops Morning Fire
Crews met heavy fire and smoke conditions when responding to a morning fire on Prospect Court. The defensive fire was quickly brought undercontrol. The City Fire Marshal was working to determine the origin and cause. Cabell County EMS and the Huntington Police Department also responded. - Photos courtesy of Huntington FD
Outside Fire Threatens Pigtown Dwellings
On June 22, 2024, at 1915 hours, Truck 23 was sent to Cleveland Street in Pigtown to investigate a wires down call. Truck 23 requested the box fora large fire in the backyard exposing to two dwellings. One handline from Engine 14 knocked down the fire which involved a fence and pole and melted siding but no extension. - Fire News photos by
Jason Coleman-Cobb
Cover Story
Heavy Damage at Hurricane House Fire Heavy Damage at Hurricane House Fire
Nitro Fire Department Station 80, Ladder861, Captain 802 and PIO 840 provided mutual aid to Hurricane Fire and Rescue recently fora residential structure fire on Brook Drive in Hurricane. The dwelling suffered extensive damage. No injuries occurred. The cause of the fire was undetermined. Assistance came from Teays Valley, Culloden, Milton and Putnam County EMS.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Brush/Wood Pile Fire in Quiet Dell
At 2347 on June 17, 2024, Companies 7 and 12 (Stonewood) were alerted fora brush fire on Suds Run Road in Quiet Dell. Engine 71, staffed with five, responded in minutes with Tanker7 with additional personnel following. Chief 12 arrived to find a large pile of heavy timber, brush and shrubs on fire. Engine 71 placed a 1-1/2 inch trash line in service to begin extinguishment with Engines 71 and 122 both using theirdeck guns. Tanker11 (Spelter) was alerted and responded. Stonewood Public Works supplied a back hoe to break apart the remaining pile to fully extinguish the fire.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
On June 24, 2024 at 1610, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was alerted fora vehicle fire with exposure issue on Kanawha Boulevard in Malden. Rescue Engine 33 arrived at the scene to a vehicle with an engine compartment well involved. Crews pulled a 1-3/4 inch line and quickly knocked down the fire.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Morgantown Structure Fire
Firefighters made an aggressive interiorattack extinguishing fire and searching the structure. Glad to report no injuries. Great work by the personnel overnight.
The Morgantown Fire Department responded to Pennsylvania Avenue fora reported structure fire at an unoccupied structure. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the first and second floors and flames began to show as handlines were deployed.
- Courtesy of Morgantown FD
Multiple Rescues at Harry S. Truman Drive Fire
On July 2, 2024, at 0349, Kentland Engine 332 as RIT, Kentland Tower33 as second-due truck, and Chief 33 were alerted to respond to an apartment on fire in the unit block of Harry S. Truman Drive, on Box 4601. Engine Company 46 was initially dispatched foran automatic fire alarm before PSC upgraded the call just as Engine Company 46 went en route. Engine 46 arrived to smoke and fire coming from the top floor. Upon entry, Engine Company 46 located two victims. Truck Company 2 and Tower33 worked togetherto
remove a child from the unit. Engine 33 placed the Kentland Stingerin service knocking down fire in the open stairwell and attic to protect the multiple rescues that were made by truck companies, as well protecting exiting crews aftera section of the roof collapsed. Tower33 remained on the scene foran extended period forinvestigations and overhaul.
- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD
Shinnston House Fire
At 0054 on July 5, 2024, Engine 71 was alerted to respond to the scene of a working house fire on School Street in Shinnston. Engine 71 responded with three personnel. Shinnston, Spelter, Lumberport, Bridgeport, Worthington, and Monongah were on the
initial assignment with Stonewood being pulled from the transferto the scene. Engine 71 assisted interiorcrews with extensive overhaul and clean up before returning home by 0300 hours.
- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
CarFire on CarTransporterin Nitro
Alate morning fire on May 31, 2024, destroyed two vehicles that were being transported. The fire occurred on the Abbott’s Towing lot on 1st Avenue in Nitro. Nitro fire officials believe the fire could’ve started due to an electrical malfunction. The amount of
damage to the haulerwas minimal. Traffic on Route 25 was partially affected while the blaze was being extinguished by Nitro and St. Albans firefighters. No injuries were reported.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
InteriorFire on 6th Street
On
Salisbury CarFire
On
situation undercontrol in a matterof
July 8, 2024, crews contained an interiorstructure fire in the 800 block of 6th Street. Cabell County EMS assisted on scene. All personnel reported safe at the 1614 alarm. - Photos courtesy of Huntington FD
May 31, 2024, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted fora vehicle fire in the area of Salisbury Boulevard and Lloyd Street. Engine 16-1 arrived to find an SUVfully involved. Crews had the
minutes. Salisbury City Police were on scene.
- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Injury in LawnmowerRollover
On July 20, 2024, at 1246, Kanawha County Station Malden VFD was dispatched to Campbells Creek Drive fora lawnmowerwhich had rolled overinto a creek. Crews found an elderly male with serious injuries laying in the creek bed. Crews set up a haul system and pulled the subject up a 15-foot embankment. Medics transported the male to CAMC General Division. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3 and KCEAA151.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Salisbury 9-HourStandoff Ends Peacefully
Around 0400 on June 18, 2024, deputies arrived at a Salisbury home in the 100 block of CedarCrossing where they found a female suffering from a severe laceration (knife wound) to the forehead. Deputies applied medical care, before she was transported to Tidal Health forfurthertreatment. Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of the Salisbury Police Department, the Salisbury University Police Department, and the Maryland State Police K-9 unit, established a perimeter, and deputies began negotiations with the suspect who had barricaded himself in the home. Afterhours of negotiations, deputies forced entry and deployed a drone into the home where they located the suspect confined in a bedroom. Following the deployment of teargas, the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Salisbury Police Department, SWATteam made entry where the suspect was taken into custody. Suffering from what appeared to be a selfinflicted knife wound, the suspect was transported by a Salisbury Fire Department EMS crew to Tidal Health.
- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall
2-Vehicle MVAin Quiet Dell
At 1326 on July 2, 2024, companies 7 and 12 (Stonewood), and Anmoore EMS were alerted foran MVAwith unknown injuries on Buckhannon Pike nearUpperCircle Drive in Quiet Dell. Squad 7, staffed with three, responded in undertwo minutes with Engine 71 staffed with an additional three personnel following. Ambulance 18 and Squad 7 arrived to find a two-vehicle accident with a box truck on its side and one lane blocked. All occupants had self-extricated priorto arrival. One BLS patient was transported to UHC by Ambulance 18. Hillbilly Towing recovered the box truck.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
3 Fires Previously, House Burns Down
On July 24, 2024, at 2030, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora reported house fire on Gapview Drive in area 3. Utility 3 and Chief 3 were the first units to arrive and found a fully involved house fire. There had been three previous fires at this same house overthe last year and it was decided to control and burn the remainderof the structure down. Crews were on scene forabout two hours and there were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engines 42,43, Belle Engine 52 and Utility 57.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Man Dies AfterAnne Arundel Incident
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD) received multiple 911 calls reporting trees and wires down throughout the area of Maryland and Disney avenues in Severn. Fire crews were dispatched and arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes afterthe original call. AACo crews reported several large trees down in the area as well as multiple powerlines down and arcing. Due to the size and scale of the incident, the initial crew requested additional resources. Crews worked collectively to identify and prioritize the
hazards. During the initial size up, crews located one adult male suffering from injuries from electrocution. Crews were able to quickly get the patient away from the hazardous environment and get him advanced medical treatment from Anne Arundel County Paramedics and EMTs. The victim was transported to the Baltimore Washington Medical Centerin critical condition. The victim would latersuccumb this his injuries.
- Photos courtesy of AACOFD
Flooding Rescue in Cairo
On April 12, 2024, the Cairo Fire and EMS Department was alerted forflooding neara residence on Rolling RiverRoad in Cairo. Engine 21, Brush 25, Boat 20 and Ambulance 29 responded. While en route crews were met with high watermaking it impossible to access the home. Afterfinding an alternate route, crew members were able to make access to the driveway of the home with Engine 21. Crew members were able to enterthe waterand remove a family of five with two small children from the flood waters. No injuries were reported and everyone returned home safely.
- Submitted by Zachary Foster, Chief
Maryland State Fireman’s Convention
From June 16, 2024, through the 19th, the annual Maryland State Fireman’s Convention was held in Ocean City. During the week many events were held throughout the city with the centerof it all taking place with a three-day show at the convention center.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
New Apparatus forOcean City
In June 2024, the Ocean City Fire Department took delivery of a new 2023 Pierce Ascendant 100-foot Mid Mount TowerLadder.
Monograph Awarded Grant
The Monongah Fire Department would like to thank the West Virginia Division of Forestry forawarding one of many FY23 VFD Assistance Grants to the department. The funds (80-percent grant and 20-percent department match) allowed forthe purchase of two new Stihl backpack blowers and backpack pump sprayers. The purchased equipment will be utilized during brush/forest fire responses orotherincident responses. We would also like to thank ourlocal vendors forproviding excellent products and pricing to support ourlocal fire departments. The Stihl products were supplied by Ace Hardware and ContractorSupply Fairmont.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
OCMD also has new Pierce Engines on orderslated fordelivery laterthis year.
NFPA’S R. DAVID PAULISON NAMED NEWBOARD CHAIRPERSON
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024, which included the naming of a new chair, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member of the board.
R. David Paulison has been elected by the Board of Directors as the new chairperson. Paulison, who has been serving on the NFPA Board since 2015 and was the First Vice Chair, brings extensive experience in emergency management and fire safety to his new role.
He has had a distinguished career, previously serving as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as the U.S. Fire Administrator. He also spent 30 years with the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department, from 1971 to 2001, rising through the ranks from firefighter to becoming Fire Chief in 1992.
Paulison takes over from Russell Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc., who is completing his second two-year term as Board Chair.
The Board also elected a slate of officers that includes John Bonney as First Vice Chair, Roger Montembeault as Second Vice Chair, Lou Paulson as Secretary, Stacy Welch as Treasurer, Reggie Freeman as Assistant Treasurer, and Russell Leavitt as Immediate Past Chair. Kwame Cooper will continue in his current role as Assistant Secretary.In addition, NFPAmembers elected two new Board members, and a third was reelected to three-year terms on the Board. They are Christina Francis, P.E., FSFPE; David Hittinger; and Raj Arora, P.E.\
- Photo courtesy of Monongah FD
AFGAND SAFER REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE
On June18, 2024, the US Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870), a bill to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028. The legislation also extended the sunset date for AFG and SAFER to September 30, 2030. The bill has been sent to the President to be signed into law. Once signed, these programs will be protected for the next several years, ensuring that the fire and emergency services can continue to access vital federal support. On July 9, 2024, President Biden signed S.870 into law.
USFA50TH ANNIVERSARY
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) kicked-off its 50th anniversary celebration with a staff gathering at the National Fire Academy on July 11, 2024. During the campus event the 50th anniversary cake was cut by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and Branch Chief Smiley White. Chief White is the longest serving USFAemployee and is still an active member of the Guardian Hose Company in Thurmont, Maryland, and an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MFRI). Additional anniversary events will occur throughout the year.
JuniorFirefighterCamp
The West Virginia University (WVU) Fire Service Extension hosted its annual JuniorFire FighterCamp from June 15 through June 20, 2024, at the WVState Fire Academy in Jackson’s Mill in Weston. More than 150 young women and men, age 14 through 17, from West Virginia and a dozen otherstates attended this weeklong session. As fire and EMS organizations around the nation look forwomen and men interested in serving, WVU has a recipe for success that has been working formany years. The Junior FirefighterCamp provides classroom and practical training to furtherparticipants’knowledge, skills, and abilities in firefighting and emergency operations forcertification in NFPA1001 Standard on FirefighterProfessional Qualifications. Campers stayed overnight forthe week at the adjacent WVU Jackson’s Mill campus.
- Submitted by Eriks Gabliks
Training in Charleston
Charleston Fire Department recruits recently overcame the high ambient temperatures by training on fire protection systems. These recruits are overhalfway through the training academy and will soon be assigned to stations throughout the city.
- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD
Rainelle Fireman’s Parade and Field Event Muster
The Rainelle Fire Department will be hosting a Fireman’s Parade and Field Event Musteron LaborDay Weekend. Spread the word. Parade and Field Event Team Registration is on the Rainelle Fire Department Facebook page.
Parade Note: The parade will only include emergency service vehicles, new orold. Field Events to follow with a cookout directly afterthe parade at the Meadow RiverCommunity Park at 1300. All departments and agencies are welcome.
If you own an antique fire apparatus oremergency vehicle, we want to see you here! We'd like to have more than just ouroriginal rigs in the parade and on display at the park. If there are any questions, contact ourstation at 304-438-5222; orleave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Parade line up at 1100 on August 31, 2024, at Rainelle Industrial Park. The address is John Raine Drive, Rainelle WV25962. - Submitted by Caleb Osborne
