Fire News West Virginia, July/August 2023

Car and Garage Fire in Malden

Kanawha Counties crews were alerted for a vehicle and structure fire.

See story on page 4

Nutter Fork Commercial Fire

Multiple companies responded for a structure fire in Nutter Fort.

See story on page 10

Fire in St. Albans

Firefighters recently operated at a town-house fire on 9th Avenue in St. Albans. MVAon

See story on page 14

Route 25

Fire units from Nitro, St. Albans and Nitro Police Department responded to a two-car MVA.

See story on page 18

1 Transported in Midland Drive MVA

Rand Volunteer Fire Department responded to a two-car MVA.

See story on page 20

I-77 MVABrings Charleston and Malden

Kanawha County Station 3 Malden and the Charleston Fire Department were dispatched for an MVAwith injuries and fire.

See story on page 27

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

ADay of Remembrance From the Editor’s Desk

To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.

I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.

International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in

store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.

J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.

On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”

- Dennis

Carand Garage Fire in Malden

On April 5, 2023, at 0324, Kanawha Counties crews were alerted for a vehicle and structure fire on Springfield Drive. Engine 32 ad vised of a vehicle fully involved with fire extension into a garage with exposures to the D side of the house. Crews went to work and quickly extinguished the blaze; there were no injuries. Units responding

were Malden Engine 31, and Engine 32, Rand Engine 42, Belle Engine 42 and Utility 57, KCEAA511, Medic 157, and KCOEM 990 and 991.

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

Aggressive Attack Halts Blount Fire

On April 16, 2023, at 2136, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora structure fire on Campbells Creek Drive in Blount. Utility 3 Chief 3 W. L. ‘Squeak’Peterson arrived to two storage buildings and a singlewide traileron fire. Engine 32 arrived and made an aggressive attack on the fire, knocking it down. Rand Engine 42 laid a four-

inch supply line from the hydrant 400-feet away. Units that responded were Malden Engine 31, Engine 32 and Utility 3; Rand Engine 42 and Engine 43; Belle Engine 52; KCEAA175; and KCOEM 991.

Fire on Suitland Road

Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched as the search company to the 4100 block of Suitland Road in Company 17’s area fora reported building fire with multiple calls. First arriving comp anies found a pool house with fire throughout the first floorand through the roof. Defensive operations were declared as RE 33 arrived on

the scene, and multiple ladderpipes were placed in service. Onc e the fire was knocked down, the crew entered the building via the Delta side with a handline to conduct searches. The five volunteers operated for90 minutes before returning to the LandoverRoad firehouse.

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

- Photo courtesy of Kentland FD

Nitro Marketplace Brush Fire

Electrical Fire in Elkton

On May 23, 2023, the Singerly VolunteerFire Department responded to Union Church Road in Elkton, Cecil County, fora residential structure fire. The fire was called in by a passerby. Approximately 30 firefighters battled the blaze fornearly an hourbefore it was

placed undercontrol. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, due to an unspecified electrical fai lure.

Firefighters made quick work of a three-acre brush fire at Nitro Marketplace in the field between the FedEx distribution cente rand BW3. Station 80 received mutual aid from Stations 23, 600a nd 700 and WVDivision of Forestry. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

NutterFork Commercial Fire

At 0420 hours on April 23, 2023, NutterFort Company 7, Engines 121 (Stonewood), 11 (Anmoore), 511 (Bridgeport) and Company 7 EMS were alerted fora structure fire at the Finders, Not Keeper s Thrift Store on Buckhannon Pike in NutterFort. In five minutes, Truck 7 and Engine 72 arrived with six personnel to find a singlestory commercial structure with heavy smoke showing from throughout the building. Crews forced entry through the front doorand placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service. Engine 112 (Spelter) was then added to the assignment. Engine 72 secured its own watersource laying approximately 100-feet of four-inch LDH to a nearby hydrant. Initial attack crews located a fire in a rear room of the establishment. Mutual aid companies arrived and the bulk of the fire was extinguished. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0517. No injuries were reported. Medic 718 provided standby and Engine 112 remained on scene as the transferengine. Assistant Chief Richards had command. Units on scene were Engines 72, 122 and 112; Units: 74 and 75; Truck 7; Ladder521 and Medic 718. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Elkton 3-AlarmerDraws a Crowd

Nearly 100 firefighters from Cecil County and multiple other departments, including those from Delaware and Pennsylvania, battled fornearly three hours to contain a stubborn three-alarm blaze at the formerHoward House in Elkton. At around 1730 on May 21, 2023, Singerly Fire Company and nearby departments were called to West Main Street, at the intersection of North Street, in the heart of Elkton. The fire was quickly upgraded to two-alarms and then three laterin the evening. The fire heavily damaged the historic vacant four-story structure that dated back to 1853, along with a three-story commercial building next to it. The investigation by a team of Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, concluded the fire originated on the rearexterior. An off-duty Delaware fire-

fighterwho observed smoke coming from behind the building assisted investigators in theirexpeditious conclusion. Afterobserving the fire, he attempted to use fire extinguishers before it rapidly spread into the two buildings. He remained on the scene and assisted in describing what he had seen and done, which allowed Deputy State Fire Marshals to focus theirattention on a small area to determine the cause, which remained underinvestigation. No evidence has thus been found to indicate an act of arson. Nine occupants of the apartments were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross. One firefightersustained minorinjuries and was transported to nearby Christiana Care Union Hospital.

- Photos courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal & Cecil County Fire Blog

Jonquil Drive House Fire

Electrical Fire in Elkton

On April 24, 2023, at 0716, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand, and Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Jonquil Drive in Area 3 fora structure fire. Engine 32 arrived and deployed a 1-3/4 inch attack line and made an aggressive attack on the fire. There were no injuries reported and crews cleared the scene around 0900. Units that responded were Malden E31, E32 and U3; Rand E42 and E43; Belle E52 and U57; KCEAAM149; and KCOEM Unit 991.

On May 23, 2023, the Singerly VolunteerFire Department responded to Union Church Road in Elkton, Cecil County, fora residential structure fire. The fire was called in by a passerb y. Approximately 30 firefighters battled the blaze fornearly an hour before it was placed undercontrol. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, due to an unspecified electrical failure.

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

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Firefighters from the Kentland VolunteerFire Department aftera recent structure fire. - Photo courtesy of Kentland FD

Looking Back

Hagerstown - 1980s

Washington County2000

Hagerstown Fire Department Training Grounds.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Longmeadow VolunteerFire Company 27 worked a brush fire on Leitersburg Road during the 2000 season in Washington County.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Fire in St. Albans

Firefighters recently operated at a town house fire on 9th Avenue in St. Albans. Nitro Fire Department provided mutual aid to St. Albans during the alarm. Quick response by SAFD kept the major

CarFire in Nanjemoy

On April 26, 2023, the Nanjemoy VolunteerFire Department responded to Bowie Road in Nanjemoy, Charles County, fora vehicle fire. Crews arrived to find an involved sedan. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident and no injuries were reported.

damage to one unit, while otherunits received additional smoke and waterdamage.

- Submitted by Joe Stevens, PIO

WaterWitch Handles Burn Barrell Mis-Use

On April 7, 2023, the WaterWitch VolunteerFire Company responded to McGlothlin Road in Conowingo, Cecil County, fora structure fire. The fire was called in by the homeowneraftera burn barrel was being used, which ignited nearby combustibles and spread into the garage. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Malden Fire and Then an MVA

On May 5, 2023, at 1420, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora house fire on Trail Ridge Lane in Malden. Engine 31 arrived to a two-story vacant house well involved with exposures on the A-B side. Once the fire was controllable it was determined to let it burn down into the basement. While on scene, crews were alerted foran MVAwith entrapment less than a mile away on Route 60 (Kan Boulevard) at the mouth of Campbells Creek Drive. Crews from Station 5 Belle left the fire scene to handle the wreck. One patient was extricated and transported by CedarGrove Medic 65 to CAMC General Division. One Malden firefighterwas also transported to the hospital forheat exhaustion.

Bel AirHouse Fire

On April 27, 2023, at approximately 1645, Bel AirVolunteerFire Company and multiple mutual aid companies were alerted fora dwelling fire on Gannet Court in Bel Air. Chief Snyder, arrived to fire showing on all floors of a two-story split level home. The fire originated on the outside rearof the dwelling and quickly went up the exterior, as well as spreading to the interior. Crews deployed

lines to the rearto extinguish the exteriorfire as well as advancing multiple lines to the interior. The homeowners were home at the time of the fire but were able to escape without injury. One firefighterreceived minorinjuries battling the fire.

- Submitted by John Gallagher

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

MVAon Route 25

Fire units from Nitro, St. Albans and Nitro Police Department responded to a two-carMVA. The incident was handled as two separate accidents as one vehicle, afterthe initial collision, dro ve off, coming to a stop a mile away. The mishap shut down Route 25 for 30 minutes. Both drivers were transported to the hospital.

Busy Day forRand

The Rand VolunteerFire Department responded to a head-on MVAon April 19, 2023, on Davidson Avenue. The low-speed, lowimpact accident caused only minorinjuries to the passengers. Engine 41 and Squad 45 responded with three people and managed the scene until EMS and Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department arrived. At the same time anothercall was dispatched fora controlled burn in 5200 block of Church Drive. Squad 45 and an assistant chief who were responding in POVs diverted to check the investigation call, found a small fire and instructed the resident to put it out.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

Hebron TrailerFire

In the early morning of April 7, 2023, the Hebron Fire Department was alerted fora structure fire on the 7000 block of Wolf Road, east of town. Command (Beach) arrived to find a working trailerfire with all occupants out. Salisbury Engine 16-1 arrived first and stretched a handline and began suppression. Hebron Engine 507 arrived next and put an additional handline in service. Crews had

the fire undercontrol in less than 30 minutes. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist with the care of two homeowners. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause. Station 74 Delmarand Station 9 Mardela were on scene and assisted. - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

ClearCreek Extrication Training

Some ClearCreek members traveled to Wyoming County to attend auto extrication classes. It was a great weekend of training and big thanks to the Wyoming County FirefighterAssociation forthe hos-

pitality and the great classes they offered. Pictured are Firefighter Wriston and FirefighterRunion removing a windshield and dooron one of the vehicles. - Photos courtesy of Clear Creek Volunteer FD

1 Transported in Midland Drive MVA

Heavy Entrapment on Campbells Creek Dr.

Rand VolunteerFire Department responded to a two-carMVAin the 5200 block of Midland Drive. Engine 41 responded with three personnel and several others responded in POVs. Fire personnel assisted in removal of one man from a pickup, and provided traffic assistance to the Kanawha Sheriff’s Department. The Kanawha County Ambulance transported the man to the local hospital.

On May 1, 2023, at 1730, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was alerted fora single-vehicle MVAwith entrapment on Campbells Creek Drive. Rescue Engine 33 arrived and advised of a single vehicle around a tree with heavy entrapment. Crews worked for approximately 45 minutes with assistance from Hutch’s Wrecker Service to extricate the female who was transported by KCEAAto CAMC General Division as a Priority 1 Trauma patient. Two patients were sent to CAMC General Division. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33; Squad 3; KCEAA511, 149 and 157; KCSD 100 and 94; WVSP329 and 640.

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

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

Berlin Holds Live Burn Session

On March 26, 2023, Berlin Fire held a training drill, in which crews came togetherto perform several interiorburns to allow the newerfirefighters to gain experience with live fire. Aftersever al burns, the house was allowed to burn forthe homeownerto rebuild at a laterdate. The Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Powellville and Willards fire departments attended the drill.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Nitro Trains on LUCAS Device

Station 80 of the Nitro Fire Department took training on a new life saving apparatus called a LUCAS CPR chest compression system device. The equipment is designed to enhance patient care and first respondersafety. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Reading Smoke Training

Monongah Fire Department would like to thank Valley Volunteer Fire Department, along with members from Clinton District, and RiverRoad departments from Monongalia County forattending “The Art of Reading Smoke” training class held at Company 10’s

station. Members learned the importance of reading smoke to predict fire behaviorand choosing attack strategies. Special thanks to instructorDonnie Goodwin from WVPublic Safety Training.

- Photos courtesy of Monongah FD

Kentland Handles 3-CarMVA

I-77 MVABrings Charleston and Malden

Recently, Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched to the intersection of Martin LutherKing, Jr. Highway and Whitfield Chapel Road. While responding, the run was upgraded to an MVAwith entrapment. RE 33 arrived to find a three-vehicle accident with a SUVon its side and the occupant still in the vehicle. The crew stabilized the vehicle with Paratech struts and the winch from RE 33 to create a tie back. Once the vehicle was stabilized, cuts were made on the posts at the top of the vehicle as well as relief cuts to some of the bottom posts in orderto flap the roof down and provide access to the patient. The patient was turned overto EMS and Company 33 returned to the LandoverRoad firehouse.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland FD

Kanawha County Station 3 Malden and the Charleston Fire Department were dispatched to Interstate 77 south in the area of the 97 milemarker, foran MVAwith injuries and fire. Chief 3, Utility 3 and Charleston E454 arrived to find a fully involved vehicle on the berm and a second vehicle 600-feet south off the berm. E 454 deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline to extinguish the fire. Malden Rescue Engine 33 arrived and provided additional waterto E 454. There were no injuries.

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

NATIONALFALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION AND FIRSTRESPONDER CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE SELECTNEW CHIEFEXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.

Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.

“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.

WHYYOU SHOULD ATTEND IAFC’S FIRE-RESCUE INTERNATIONAL

Staying ahead in the fire and emergency service industry requires continuous learning and networking. That’s why attending the International Association of Fire Chiefs’(IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference is an invaluable opportunity. This year, we’re heading to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023, to learn, network and collaborate.

• Professional Development and Education: At FRI, participants have access to a diverse range of educational sessions, workshops and presentations led by industry experts. FRI offers valuable insights on the latest firefighting techniques, leadership strategies and technological advancements. From hands-on training to interactive discussions, the conference equips attendees with practical knowledge to enhance their professional skills and contribute to their organizations’success.

• Networking and Collaboration: FRI brings together fire service professionals from around the world, creating a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration The conference provides opportunities to connect with industry peers, leaders and vendors. Attendees can exchange ideas, share best practices and build meaningful relationships. These connections can lead to collaborations on projects, mentorship opportunities, and

even potential career advancements. FRI’s social events and networking lounges further facilitate relationship-building.

Innovative Solutions: One of the highlights of FRI is the expansive exhibit hall, showcasing the latest products, services, an d technologies in the fire and emergency service sector. Attendees ca n explore a wide array of cutting-edge equipment, apparatus, software, and firefighting tools. This exposure to innovative solutions enables fire service professionals to stay updated with industry trends and identify advancements that can improve their department’s efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, exhibitors often offer demonstrations and hands-on experiences, allowing attendees to test and evaluate products firsthand.

Plus, this year we will be celebrating IAFC’s 150th Anniversary at FRI!

Attending FRI is an investment in your professional growth and the advancement of the fire and emergency service industry. By participating in this memorable even t, you position yourself at the forefront of industry knowledge and foster connections that can have a lasting impact on your career. Lear n more and register today.

Deputy State Fire Marshal William Pennock Selected as Northeast Regional Office Nominee forDeputy State Fire Marshal of the Year

Deputy State Fire Marshal William ‘Bill’ Pennock has been selected as the Northeast Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Deputy Chief Dexter Hodges, Regional Commander of the Northeast Region, nominated Pennock. The Northeast Region comprises Carroll, Cecil, and Harford counties and state facilities within the Baltimore metro area. It is historically the busiest region in the state, with over 300 investigations per year.

In 2022, Deputy Pennock was the primary investigator on 27 fire and explosive investigations. His investigation resulted in a 62-percent closure rate, with 15 percent ending in an arrest. Deputy Pennock’s investigation included the felony arrest of a University of Maryland Baltimore County law enforcement officer charged with committin g multiple arsons on the university’s campus.

Adam Rounds Nominated forDeputy State Fire Marshal of the Year

Deputy State Marshal II

Adam Rounds has been selected as the Western Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Rounds was nominated by Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst, who was acting supervisor of the Western Region after Deputy Chief Mowbray was promoted to Chief Deputy in May 2022.

Rounds had 37 initial fire investigations and 167 fire safety inspections for the year, one of the highest inspection rates among statewide deputies. Of the 37 investigations, 10 were criminal; 18 cases were closed, including five cases being closed with an arrest. He was also praised for assisting other investigators within the Western Region, which consists of Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, the largest in square miles the Office

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

of the State F ire Marshal covers.

- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Charleston’s James W. SpencerHonored forHeroic Save

Recently, Charleston Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic James W. Spencerwas honored forhis heroic actions on January 30, 2022, saving two people who were trapped inside a residence which was engulfed in fire. Spencerused a ground ladderto enter the second floorof the house — despite the extreme risk to his own personal safety — navigated in heavy fire and smoke conditions to

rescue the two occupants who were entrapped 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, 2023, City Council meeting, Spencerwas recognized with a proclamation.

- Photo courtesy of Charleston FD