WEST VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 1, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Story on page 10. -Fire News photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Never Forget 9/11/2001
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Kanawha County School Fire Fire crews were called out to Dunbar Middle School.
A Service for West Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
See story on page 6
Green Valley Drive Fire Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department operated at a working structure fire.
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor
See story on page 7
MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Jefferson Structure Fire Jefferson Fire was dispatched for a structure fire.
BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREGORY JONES
See story on page 8 COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Charleston Vacant Structure Fire Charleston crews responded to a house fire on Amity Drive. See story on page 11
MVA with Injured in Artie Clear Creek units were dispatched to an MVA. See story on page 16
New Ambulance for Charleston Charleston Station 7 welcomed home their new ambulance. See story on page 20
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 17-19 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com
Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, September/October 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
9/11 - 20 Years Later I still remember driving to work on September 11, 2001. Traffic was your usual Long Island bumper-to-bumper mess. As I listened to the morning news on my favorite radio station, a reporter commented on what was thought to be a private airplane that had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had no idea that all of our lives would change as a result of this incident. Twenty-years have passed since that terrible day. As I gave thought to this editorial, I wondered what my fire company’s new firefighters knew about 9/11. I did some quick math and realized the majority of my company’s probies were infants at the time of this attack on the United States. What could they know about this horrible day? I sat with five probies one night and realized that, thanks to the yearly memorial services and other yearly activities over the past 20 years, they knew more than I had given them credit for. They had a pretty good idea of what 9/11 was like. Of course, I interjected what my department did on 9/11 and what the atmosphere was like when every member showed up at the firehouse ready to be called into NYC. Our new
young members never realized we sent a crew to Alley Pond Park in Queens to stand by in case we were needed at the World Trade Center. I explained there was no hesitation by any member to jump onto the truck and help. My department’s rescue truck was called into the South Street Seaport to set up lights. I explained to my audience that once Con Edison was able return electric to the Seaport, our members proudly rode home. I also noted that if there was anything positive that came out of this attack, it was that our nation pulled together to support the families of the fallen. Firefighters from all over the world offered support for the comfort of the families who did not know what the future held. Is that support still there? We cannot let our first responders down by walking away from the health problems that developed after 9/11. Exposure to toxins on that day, continue to take away the lives of our responders. We must continue to support all first responders in their time of need. Thanks to the Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, the FealGood Fund and other organizations,
our fallen members are remembered. The Johnny Mac Foundation coined the phrase, “Whatever it takes.” Look into and support the organizations that support us. Every year we remain vigilant on the anniversary of 9/11. I recently heard on the news that this year, we must remain extra vigilant due to the current situation in Afghanistan. President Biden is slowly returning our military to this area, because things have quickly gotten out of hand with the removal of our troops. Until the world is at peace, we must remain vigilant at home. Let’s set the example! It is time to bring the respect and love back between Americans that we had 20 years ago after the attack on our country. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, September/October 2021
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Kanawha County School Fire
Fire crews were called out to Dunbar Middle School on June 7, 2021, after materials that were being used to remodel the school caught fire. The fire started in a small area and rapidly spread. Most of the material was insulation used by the contractor to build
part of the schools’ roof. Dunbar Fire, Kanawha County Ambulance, and South Charleston Fire responded to the blaze. The WV State Fire Marshal was called in by Dunbar Police to investigate. - Photos courtesy of Kathy West
Trailer Fire in Barbour County
At midnight on July 13, 2021, Barbour Station 4 (Philippi ), Engines 71 and 511 (Bridgeport), and 301 (Flemington) were alerted for a structure fire on Fieldstone Drive in the Brushy Fork area of Barbour County. Engine 71, staffed with four personnel, responded in two minutes. Tanker 7 responded with an additional two personnel shortly after. Engine 71 arrived to find a single-wide trailer fully involved. A defensive attack was initiated placing a 1-3/4 inch cross
lay in service and setting up the light tower. Barbour Engine 42, Tanker 30, and Engine 511 supplied units with water. A second 1-3/4 cross lay was placed in service after a water supply was established. Tanker 7’s manpower assisted with fire suppression as their tank water was not needed. Barbour County EMS was on scene for standby with no injuries reported. - Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Wheeling Rubbish Fire
Wheeling Fire crews from Engine 5 and 2, Ladder 1 and Rescue 1, along with Duty Chief Campbell responded to the old skating rink that burned on New Year’s Eve, a few years back. They found some rubbish burning in the rubble pile. Ladder 1 provided water supply
and crews extinguished the fire without incident. - Fire News photos by Andrew Cunningham, Wheeling’s Bravest Media
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 7
Green Valley Drive Fire
Recently, in the early morning hours, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, along with crews from Institute Fire Rescue, operated at a working structure fire on Green Valley Drive in Jefferson. - Photos courtesy of Institute FR
Page 8, Fire News, September/October 2021
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Jefferson Structure Fire
Jefferson Fire was dispatched recently for a structure fire in the 700 block of Green Valley Drive. Additional help was requested from Lakewood, Institute and St. Albans. Crews operated on scene for approximately 2-1/2 hours. - Photos courtesy of Jefferson VFD
Page 10, Fire News, September/October 2021
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Cover Story
Car Dealership Blaze in Clarksburg
At 2233 hours on August 19, 2021, Company 7, Engines 121 (Stonewood), 81 (Reynoldsville) and 151 (West Milford), along with HCES, were alerted for a commercial structure fire at Country Club Chrysler Dodge-Jeep-Ram on Good Hope Pike in Clarksburg. Engine 71, staffed with four, responded in two minutes with Engine 72, Squad 7 and Tanker 7, following with an additional six personnel close behind. Upon the initial size up, Ladder 521 (Bridgeport) was added to the box. Engines 71 and 72 arrived to a single-story commercial structure with heavy smoke showing throughout the building. Engine 71 placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service and forced entry into the showroom area while an additional crew forced entry into the service center area with an additional 1-3/4
inch cross lay. Engine 72 laid a four-inch LDH directly into 71. Truck 21 (Clarksburg ) was then added to the assignment. The fire was located in the service garage area originating from a full size pickup on a lift with extension to the structure. Crews utilized a saw to gain access to the garage. All units remained on scene for extensive ventilation as well as salvage and overhaul. Several vehicles inside the garage area suffered heat and smoke damage as did the rest of the structure. No injuries were reported and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office was handling the investigation. Units on scene included: Engines: 71, 72, 123, 81, 151, 153, Ladder 521, Truck 21, Squad 7, Tanker 7, Unit 125, HCES 612, WVSP. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
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Charleston Vacant Structure Fire
Recently, Charleston crews responded to a house fire on Amity Drive. Units arrived to find a well involved, vacant, single-story structure with a basement fire that extnded. First-due companies went to a defensive attack, and held the fire to the building of origin. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of Charleston FD
Vehicle Fire on I-64
In the early hours of July 17, 2021, Institute Fire Rescue firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on I-64 near milemarker 47. - Photo courtesy of Institute FR
Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 11
Page 12, Fire News, September/October 2021
Cross Lanes Motel Fire
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In the early morning hours of August 9, 2021, firefighters responded to the Kanawha County Motel. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and visible flames showing. The motel was occupied, but crews cleared seven rooms, and nobody was found inside. The time of day slowed the response time with the normal heavy morning rush hour traffic in the Cross Lanes area. The traffic was made more difficult by the first day of school in Kanawha County and heavy school traffic as well. Crews from Nitro, St. Albans, Institute, West Side, Teays Valley and Poca were all dispatched to help battle the blaze. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation by officials. - Photos courtesy of Institute FR
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 13
Busy Day for Nutter Fort
At 1755 hours on June 18, 2021, Company 7 was alerted to assist Reynoldsville VFD and HCES with a multi-vehicle accident with injuries on Route 50 westbound at the intersection of Route 98. Squad 7 staffed with five personnel responded in three minutes. Anmoore EMS and Salem EMS were also alerted due to the possibility of multiple patients. Medic 16, Ambulance 631, Unit 85, Engine 81, and Squad 8 arrived to find five vehicles involved ranging from moderate to heavy damage and two lanes of Route 50 blocked. All patients were determined to have self extricated upon
arrival. One ALS and one BLS patient were transported to UHC. While units operated on scene, Engine 72, staffed with three personnel, handled an automatic fire alarm at Baughman Towers in Philippi. Engine 72 and Unit 75 with an additional three personnel responded with Anmoore EMS to a CVA in city limits that required the patient to be flown by Healthnet 6 from Nutter Fort Elementary School. Squad 7 handled the LZ. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Page 16, Fire News, September/October 2021
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MVA’S
Kanawha Handles Rollover MVA
Kanawha Handles Rollover MVA
On July 27, 2021, at 1636, Kanawha County Station 3 was dispatched for an MVA rollover in the 100 block of Campbells Creek. Rescue Engine 33 and Utility 3 responded. Utility 3 and Chief 3 were the first to arrive and advised a patient priority 2 with no entrapment. KCEAA Medic 134 transported the patient to CAMC General and Kanawha County Sheriff Department investigated the accident. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott; Malden VFD
Kanawha County Station 3 and the Charleston Fire Department were dispatched to the 95 milepost southbound for a tractor rollover. The driver was transported to CAMC with minor injuries. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Charleston Engine 456 and Rescue 482, Charleston Medic 436 and Turnpike State Police. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott; Malden VFD
MVA with Injured in Artie
I-64 West MVA
Clear Creek units were dispatched to an MVA with injuries on Clear Fork Road in Artie. Whitesville Fire and EMS assisted on scene. - Photo courtesy of Shane Wriston
Recently, Institute Rescue 242 responded for an MVA with overturn and possible injuries at milemarker 50 of I-64 westbound. - Photo courtesy of Institute FR
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TRAINING
Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 17
Institute Holds Rope Tech Class
In July 2021, Institute Fire Rescue sponsored a Rope Awareness, Operations, and Technician class. As a result, four additional members were certified to respond to these types of emergencies within Institute’s district and surrounding areas. The department’s current Rope Technicians also participated in order to maintain their skills. As a result of these classes, Institute Fire Rescue now has 14 members certified as Rope Technicians. - Photos courtesy of Institute FR
Page 18, Fire News, September/October 2021
TRAINING Thermal Imaging Class
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Recently, Nutter Fort Company 7 hosted Instructor Joey Baxa from Insight Fire Training for a Tactical Thermal Imaging Class with the Max Fire Box. Crews completed an overview of the power of heat, the key attributes of thermal imaging cameras, and indepth knowledge about our MSA Evolution 6000 and Bullard T3 and T3 Max TICs. We finished up the class with a Max Fire Box Burn and Learn. Special thanks to Instructor Baxa for your time and educating the members, both new and old. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 19
TRAINING
ANTIQUE
Clear Creek Rope Training
Antique Still in Service
Recently, Clear Creek Fire Department members finished up the Core Rescue/Rope 1 class. Special thanks to Coal City Fire Department for allowing the use of their ladder. - Photo courtesy of Clear Creek VFD
Rand Volunteer Fire Department’s 1978 Mack, supplying water to a Malden Volunteer Fire Department engine during recent fire on Gapview Drive. - Photo courtesy of the Rand VFD
Page 20, Fire News, September/October 2021
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Institute Gets Firefighting Support Grant The West Virginia American Water Company presented a Firefighting Support Grant check to Assistant Chief Scalf with the Institute Fire Rescue team. Their award will be used to purchase state-of-the-art personal rescue devices for swift water training and rescue missions. - Photo courtesy of Institute FR
New Ambulance for Charleston
Recently, the members of Charleston Station 7 welcomed home their new ambulance, Medic Unit 437. Members of Station 7 used a traditional push-in for its first time arriving in station. The push-in ceremony is a fire service tradition that dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-
drawn equipment. While the vehicles have changed, the tradition continues. Medic Unit 437 is now ready to serve the citizens of Charleston. Shortly after the ceremony the unit answered its first emergency call. - Photos courtesy of the Charleston FD
Page 22, Fire News, September/October 2021
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State Names Bridge After Late Fire Chief Kenneth Russell
Chief Kenneth Russell was a charter member of the Cabin Creek Volunteer Fire Department located in Eskdale, which he joined on July 30, 1970, and served for 38 years, 30 of which were as Chief, and eight as the President of the Cabin Creek Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors. His significant contributions have been profound to the fire-rescue profession, the organization and, most importantly, the communities of which he so proudly served over his long-lasting public service career. Chief Russell was very passionate about helping the citizens of Cabin Creek. Some remember times when he would gather food donations from stores and deliver them to families that he knew were in need. He was a very humble man, who took care of anyone that he knew needed help. Chief Russell was presented the West Virginia Distinguished Mountaineer Award in 2010, and again in 2020. Chief Russell passed away August 27, 2020. Even though the Chief is now gone, his name and legacy will never die. Earlier this year, the West Virginia Division of Highways named bridge number 20-077//00081.90 (20A679), locally known as Dry Branch, carrying S 77 over Dry Branch and WV 79/1 in Kanawha County, the Fire Chief Kenneth Junior Russell Memorial Bridge. - Photos courtesy of Travis L. Castle
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 23
PATCHES
West Virginia Division of Forestry
Martinsburg Fire Department
Weirton Fire Department
Community Fire Safety
Clear Creek units attended vacation bible schools at the area community churches to discuss fire safety and to demonstrate equipment to the students. - Photos courtesy of Shane Wriston
Page 24, Fire News, September/October 2021
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Looking Back Charleston - 2019
Charleston Fire Department crews operating at an abandoned apartment complex on January 23, 2019, on Charlestons’ West Side. - Photo courtesy of Charleston FD
Charleston - 2014
Charleston crews battled a residential structure fire on Virginia Avenue in Kanawha City in 2014. Everyone made it out safely. - Photo courtesy of Charleston FD
Charleston 2019 Crews battled this blaze on December 13, 2019, on Indiana Avenue, in Charleston. - Photo courtesy of Charleston FD
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Fire News, September/October 2021, Page 25
INTERSCHUTZ USA 2021 KEEPS ON GOING! The organizers of INTERSCHUTZ USA, the US launch of the famous Interschutz brand of Hannover, Germany, are excited for their October launch of this inaugural event. Scheduled to take place October 14 to 16, 2021, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in historic Philadelphia, INTERSCHUTZ USA is shaping up to be a success.
What is the same …… Originally scheduled to launch in October 2020, prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, INTERSCHUTZ USA continues to promise all participants access to education, instructors, perspectives, and products not traditionally seen at other US fire service events. Developed initially to provide the US fire service with access to international perspectives they don’t usually see, INTERSCHUTZ USA 2021 will keep that promise both domestically and internationally. The most exciting, and only new, event to come to the US fire service in many years, INTERSCHUTZ USA will provide a much-needed platform to bring together the fire service’s brothers and sisters to network, share and learn.
What has changed….. With the effect of Covid-19 on travel and large gatherings, much of the international attendance and exhibitor participation has been put on hold for the year. In turn, after too long away from one another, INTERSCHUTZ USA promises to bring back the Northeast and MidAtlantic’s fire service professionals with representatives from all the major suppliers. We are happy to announce the addition of Dave Odden as Show Manager of INTERSCHUTZ USA. We regret the departure of Rachel Lesczynski but understand and wish her all the best. Rachel was involved with the hiring of Dave to replace her, and the team is excited to have Dave at the helm.
Registration and Hotels…. Registration is currently open for INTERSCHUTZ USA with Early-Bird rates still in effect. The hotels available to INTERSCHUTZ USA attendees and exhibitors are available as well. Both can be found by going to the event web site: www.interschutzusa.com.
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2022 FDSOA CONFERENCES Scheduled for January 9-12, 2022
Registration is now available for the 2022 Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA) Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference and the Annual Health and Safety Conference, January 9-12, 2022, Scottsdale, AZ. Pricing and program schedules can be found at www.fdsoa.org. The Fire Apparatus Safety and Maintenance Conference will begin Sunday, January 9, with pre-conference programs including EVT F5 Aerial (Offsite, 8 hours) and the popular Spec Writing (Onsite, 4 hours) program. January 10-12, the conference will feature over 25 programs targeting apparatus, new standards, and new technology. Concurrently, FDSOA will hold the Annual Health and Safety Conference and offer preconference programs on Monday, January 10th, with The Five Reads (8 hours) and twoday Incident Safety Officer (16 hours) and Health and Safety Officer (16 hours) Academies. On Tuesday, January 11, additional programs include ISO Traps and Triggers - Tactical Considerations for the Incident Safety Officer (8 hours) and Conducting Reviews to Improve Safety Culture (4 hours). The Health and Safety Conference on Wednesday and Thursday will feature over 20 programs starting with keynote speaker Gordon
Graham, followed by topics ranging from fitness to hostile fire events. Schedules for both the Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference and the Annual Health and Safety Conference will be available this fall on our website. Please visit www.fdsoa.org to register and for hotel information. The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA can be found on the web at www.fdsoa.org. Please follow FDSOA on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Page 26, Fire News, September/October 2021
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