Fire News West Virginia, July/August 2024

Story on page 14. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

In this issue...

Nutter Fork Stops Vehicle Fire

Company 13 (Summit Park) was alerted for a vehicle fire.

See story on page 4

Cars on Rte. 25 Hauler Ignite

Alate morning fire destroyed two vehicles that were being transported.

See story on page 9

Fully Involved on Arrival

Crews responded to a vehicle fire and upon arrival the crew found the passenger car fully involved with no exposures.

See story on page 13

Nitro & Tyler Mtn Handle Extrication

Multiple units responded to a two-vehicle collision that sent both drivers to the hospital.

See story on page 21

Monongah Wins Award at Strawberry Parade

Engine 102 received an award for “Best Equipped Custom Engine.”

See story on page 23

New Medic Unit for Charleston

Charleston Fire Station 8 “Dogtown” welcomed home their new medic unit.

See story on page 28

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Focus of the Month

Classifieds .

page 18

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Kentland Responds for1st FloorFire

Just before midnight, Kentland TowerLadder33 was dispatched as the search company to the area of Walbridge Street and Rollins Avenue fora report of a building on fire. While responding, the location was updated to the area of Rollins Avenue and WalkerMill Road. First arriving units arrived to a two-story detached dwelling with fire showing from the first floorin the 5700 block of Walker Mill Road. Tower33 was assigned Division 2 upon arrival and completed searches and checked forextension before assisting units in opening up on the first floor.

- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD

NutterFork Stops Vehicle Fire

At 2330 hours on June 1, 2024, Company 13 (Summit Park) was alerted fora vehicle fire on Cox Street in Summit Park. It was quickly upgraded to have exposures concerns and Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) were added to the assignment. Engine 71 staffed with three personnel responded in three minutes. Engines 71 and 131 arrived on scene to find a pichup truck

heavily involved with no exposures. Crews placed the 1-1/2 inch trash line in service and made quick work of the fire, scaling back the assignment to 71 and 131. Afterclean up and a brief overhaul, units returned home at 0023 hours.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Bowling Green 2-Alarmer

On May 14, 2024, the Bowling Green Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire on Hazmat Drive in Cumberland. Crews arrived to find a 100- x 80-foot metal sided trash separation facility with smoke showing. Employees were using an excavatorto separate trash inside the structure when materials ignited. Employees attempted to use fire extinguishers to put the fire out, but were unsuccessful. The fire went to two-alarms before it was brought undercontrol. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal

5 Displaced by California Fire

On May 4, 2024, the Bay District VolunteerFire Department responded fora residential structure fire on Magnolia Drive, in California, St. Mary’s County. The fire was called-in by a neighbor. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire in the two-cargarage. The five occupants of the house were able to escape without injury. Firefighters brought the fire undercontrol within 45 minutes. The owners were assisted by the American Red Cross, as well as family and friends. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. One firefightersustained minorinjuries during the incident.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Clendenin Fire Out on Arrival

On May 25, 2024, at 1406, Engine 22, Squad 2 and Utility 25 responded as automatic aid to Clendenin VolunteerFire Department fora residential structure fire on Lane Drive in Clendenin. Squad 1 arrived and advised that the fire was out.

- Photo courtesy of Pinch VFD

Truck RolloverMakes a Mess

On May 28, 2024, at 0406, the Kanawha Counties Stations 40, Charleston and Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched to Interstate 77 south at milepost 96 fora reported garbage truck rollover. Chief 3 arrived and advised the driverwas out of the vehicle uninjured but a large amount of hydraulic fluid and motoroil was in the roadway. Crews were on the scene forabout two hours to clean up the accident. Units that responded were CFD Engine 456, Unit 420, Malden Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3, Utility 3, KCEAA157,511 KCSD 103,25,98 & Hutch's WreckerService.

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

2-Alarm Fire at Agricultural Business in Unionville

At approximately 1710 on April 14, 2024, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerdispatched a call fora reported building fire in the 8500 block of Woodville Road. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue units arrived at Frey Agricultural Products to find a large mulch fire that had spread to at least one barn. Command quickly requested a tankertask force. As wind conditions worsened, the fire began rapidly spreading to otherstructures on the premises and a second alarm was requested. An aggressive fire attack enabled crews to contain the fire from encroaching on otheradjoining structures. One building and several pieces of equipment were completely destroyed and there was extensive damage to several otherbuildings. Waterwas supplied from a stream as well as being hauled in from a pond on Black Ankle Road. It took approximately five hours to contain the fire and crews remained on the scene overnight to monitorthe fire and additional units returned the next day to work at extinguishing remaining hot spots. Over100 firefighters from Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery counties responded. The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office handled the investigation and determined that the fire was accidental and originated from the mulch pile. Damage was estimated at over$1 million. - Submitted by Sarah Campbell

Cars on Rte. 25 HaulerIgnite

Alate morning fire 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 have started due to an electrical malfunction. The amount of damage to the hauler

was undetermined. Traffic on Route 25 was partially affected while the blaze was being extinguished by Nitro and Saint Albans Fire firefighters. No injuries were reported. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Conowingo ButcherShop Fire

On April 30, 2024, an early morning fire destroyed a well-known Cecil County meat butchering shop, causing an estimated $2.5 million in damages. Around 0545, firefighters were called to Galvinell Meat Company, located on Ragan Road in Conowingo, fora building fire. Firefighters from the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof. Multiple fire departments, including around 50 firefighters from Cecil, Harford, Lancasterand Chestercounties, responded to the two-alarm fire, helping to bring the blaze undercontrol in just over

an hour. Ateam of Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the cause was an employee working when he first observed a fire within the ceiling area of the utility room. The fire quickly spread throughout the attic of the business. Galvinell’s is a USDAfederally inspected plant that provides farmers of Cecil County and beyond with custom slaughterof beef, lambs, goats, and hogs.

- Photos courtesy of The Community Fire Company of Rising Sun, and Maryland State Fire Marshal

Tankers Needed in Summitt Park Fire

At 1230 on May 5, 2024, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71, 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) along with HCES were alerted fora structure fire at Harrison Recycling on Salvage Street in Summit Park. Engine 71 responded in two minutes. Clarksburg Engine 221 was in the area and arrived to a working fire in a singlestory commercial structure with heavy smoke showing. Crews placed a 1-¾ inch cross lay in service. Engine 71 arrived and placed a second 1-¾ inch cross lay in service to make entry from the rear. Tankers 7, 11 (Spelter) and 3 (Lost Creek) were alerted due to water supply issues. First-in crews made fast work of the fire with other apparatus supplying waterand manpowerforextensive overhaul. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Fully Involved on Arrival

On May 16, 2024, Nitro Station 80, Engine 853 and Chief 801 responded to a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, the crew found a passengercarfully involved with no exposures. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries and the cause of fire was unknown.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Kentland Responds for House Fire on Boosa St.

Kentland VolunteerFire Department Engine 332 was alerted to respond on box 17-02 fora house on fire on the 4700 block of Boosa Street. First arriving companies found a two-story Cape Cod with smoke and fire showing from the single-story rearaddition. Engine 332 positioned one block over, stretching through the backyards to get a line in service on the second floor. The crew checked for extension and extinguished hot spots before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Cover Story

Nice Stop on CarFire Prevents Extension

On April 26, 2024, at 1607, Kanawha Counties Station 2 (Pinch), Station 1 (Clendenin) and Station 34 (Frame) were dispatched to the Elkview Middle School in Area 2 fora vehicle fire that had extended into a building. Chief 2 added Station 3 (Malden) and Station 26 (Sissonville) to the call. Units arrived to find a vehicle well off and extending into the building. An aggressive knock down minimized damage. Units that responded Pinch Engine 21 and 23, Squad 2, Utility 28, Clendenin Engine 11, TowerLadder1, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, Sissonville Engine 263, Utility 268, KCOEM 99 and WVSFMO 3.

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

Entrapment at Pennsylvania Ave. MVA

Engines 21, 22 and 23, Squad 2, and Utility 25 responded to the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, fora multi-vehicle accident with confirmed entrapment. Due to the details and close proximity to the city limits, Charleston Fire was requested to respond as well. Crews arrived and found a single vehicle that came off the

Interstate aftera collision and hit two parked cars before coming to rest on its roof in the roadway. We would like to thank Rescue 2 and Engine 7 crews forresponding to assist with this incident. - Photos courtesy of Pinch VFD

TractorTrailerMVA

On the evening of April 4, 2024, the Wicomico County 911 Center alerted Salisbury Station 16 foran accident with injuries on the Salisbury Bypass. Fire units arrived on scene to find a tractortraileroff the roadway and up into the wood line. EMS treated the driv-

eron scene who was RMA. Westbound Route 50 (Bypass) was shut down to one lane fornearly three hours forclean-up and removal of the vehicle. Maryland State Police were investigating the cause of the accident. - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

LadderTraining forPinch

On May 16, 2024, Pinch crews trained on ground ladders and techniques forsafely and properly raising, lowering and securing them at theirtraining centeracross from theirmain station. Tower2 was also utilized to simulate using the aerial to access the roof of a two story, orhigher, roof and also “sounding” the roof to check for sturdiness before exiting the bucket, - Photos courtesy of Pinch VFD

DriverPinned Outside Van

On May 14, 2024, at 1306, Kanawha County Station 26 (Sissonville) was dispatched to Winding Hills Drive in Area 26 for a Fed Ex van that had slid down a hillside, pinning the driverin the back of the van between a ditch and a tree. Station 26 advised shortly afterdispatch to add Station 3 Malden fora rescue and manpower. Units worked about 40 minutes to free the driverwho was transported to CAMC General with a leg injury. Units that responded were Sissonville Rescue 265, Malden Rescue Engine 33, KCEAA590,511,175, KCSD 41,47,90.

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

2 Injured in Havre de Grace MVA

Firefighters from the City of Havre de Grace were on the scene of a MVAwith overturn on Level Road on April 1, 2024. Two civilians were injured and transported to the hospital by Harford County EMS.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

2 Extricated on Route 13

On May 4, 2024, at 2037, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted foran accident with rescue on Route 13 north in the area of the Shell gas station. Aparamedic unit confirmed one vehicle on its side with two occupants trapped. Rescue crews used theirRescue 42 struts to secure the vehicle during the extrication process. Crews were able to remove the windshield and access the occupants. EMS treated both occupants and transported one to Tidal Health Hospital in Salisbury fortreatment. Salisbury City Police were investigating the cause of the accident.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Nitro & TylerMtn Handle Extrication

80, Engine

Department responded to a two-vehicle collision, that sent both drivers to the hospital. TylerMountain officials reported that the accident occurred on Washington Street West. One of the drivers had to be extracted by Nitro and Tyler Mountain crews. Kanawha County Sherrif’s Department was investigating the crash. The wreck closed the roadway for35 minutes.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Station

853, Chief 801, Captain 802, PIO 840 Tyler Mountain VolunteerFire

Fire Claims the Life of Harford County Man

The Bel AirVolunteerFire Company and surrounding fire departments responded to a reported house fire on Marshall Drive with someone possibly inside. Firefighters arrived within minutes, and discovered heavy fire coming from the home. Afterextinguishing the bulk of the flames, firefighters located a victim inside the living room. Ateam of Deputy State Fire Marshals and K9 Blondie arrived on the scene nearly the same time as the fire department and immediately began theirinvestigation. The cause of the fire remained underinvestigation. However, investigators have concluded the fire originated in the living room. While the Office of the Chief Medical Examinerwill have to identify the victim positively, investigators believe it to be the adult male occupant of the home.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal & John Gallagher/BAVFC

Townhouse Fire in Riverdale

On May 3, 2024, at around 0300, Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications began to receive multiple calls fora house fire in the area of 67th Court in Riverdale, Prince George’s County Police arrived before the fire board and confirmed a working townhouse fire. Truck Company 9 was dispatched as the search company, and Paramedic Engine 830 arrived to find a two-story town home with fire showing from side Charlie. Shortly after Truck 9 arrived and completed primary searches. Crews operated foroveran hourbefore returning to service.

- Submitted by Connor Shank

Kentland VolunteerFire Department

Members

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Monongah Wins Award at Strawberry Parade

Members of the Monongah Fire Department traveled to Buckhannon fortheirannual Strawberry Festival Parade. Engine 102 received an award for“Best Equipped Custom Engine.” Special thanks to ourmembers and Chad with 5th Alarm Service and Repairfor theirinsight, design and equipping of the new engine.

- Photo courtesy of Monongah FD

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENT REPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

TWO PROVEN LEADERS IN EMERGENCYRESPONSE LEVERAGE DECADES OFINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER THE BEST-IN-CLASS, CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response:

With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes: By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall

efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

of the Kentland VolunteerFire Department.

Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Nitro, St. Albans Hold Run forthe Wall Welcome

Every yearthere is a Run ForThe Wall event around the Memorial Day holiday that features over300 motorcyclists who ride from Ontario, California, to Washington, DC. This year, Nitro hosted one

of the stops along the route. Nitro (Ladder861) and St. Albans Fire (Ladder961) Departments worked togetherto create an archway of arrival forthe bikers. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

PATCHES

NFFFHosts 2024 High School Fire & EMS Cadet Symposium

to be Held in Detroit, MI on July 13 and 14

Join us on July 13 - 14, for this year’s National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation (NFFF) High School Fire & EMS Cadet Program Symposium.

Learn from and be among colleagues specifically interested in sharing general information and effective practices with their peers from across the nation. This is the fifth event in a series dating back to 2019. Stakeholders from 22 states and the District of Columbia have joined us, spending two days learning from and networking with learning professionals, subject matter experts, and leaders of successful programs. Outcomes were impressive:

The NFFF is returning to Detroit, Michigan after a successful 2023 event. There is no registration fee to attend!

Attendees will experience a highly interactive agenda. Topics will address:

The fire service culture and what it means to cadets; First person success stories and why they matter; Expanding your program to make the students more marketable; Supporting a program from an administrator’s view;Mental health considerations for building resilient emergency workers; Strategies to reduce bullying; Reflecting society in today’s fire service; and NFFF training resources;

And many more informative topics! For more information and to register, please go to https://www.firehero.org/event/2024-high-schoolfire-ems-cadet-program-symposium/.

Funding for this program has been provided through FEMA's Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

-Photos courtesy of The West Virginia Emergency Managaement Division

Beckley Fire Department (West Virginia)

Marlboro Fire Department (Maryland)

The Anne Arundel County FD’s Newest

Addition

to its Fleet

On April 25, 2024, Annapolis Neck Fire Station 8 put into service a 26-foot Munson center-console aluminum hull fire/dive boat. Boat 8 (BT8) is the first of three new boats slated to go into service this yearforthe department. BT8 is cutting-edge and will bolstertheircapability to respond to and mitigate emergencies on the waterways in Anne Arundel County. The new vessel,

designed fordive and rescue operations, is equipped with twin 150-hp outboards, sidescan sonar, and dive-accessible accessories. The new boat is capable of carrying seven passengers and has a top speed of 43 mph. Every response will have a minimum of two special operations-trained rescue divers. BT8 will be stationed off Thomas Point Road in Annapolis nearthe mouth of the

South River, allowing access to the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways. Its shallow draft makes it conducive to accessing many of the county's smaller waterways. BT8 will be joined by two new 50-foot Metal Shark Defiant NXTfireboats laterthis year.

- Photo courtesy of AACOFD

New Medic Unit forCharleston

On May 29, 2024, at 1900, Charleston Fire Station 8 “Dogtown” welcomed home theirnew medic unit. CFD Medic 438 was pushed into the station to honorthe timeless tradition of the fire service. The ceremonial push in dates to the 1800s when crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, and the animals were unable to push back into the fire station. This meant that the crews

had to detach the horses and physically push the equipment back into the bay. We would like to thank the citizens and leadership of City of Charleston, WV, fortheircontinued support. If you see Medic 438 on the streets of Charleston make sure to check out their specialized Dogtown license plate.

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

NutterFork Earns Award at Buckhannon Parade

NutterFort Truck 7 and Unit 74 attended the 82nd Annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival Fireman’s Parade in Buckhannon. Truck 7 brought home Best Equipped Aerial, Platform, orLadder award. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

NutterFork Addresses Autism in a Practical Way

Nutter Fort Fire and EMS showed their support for Autism Awareness last month by wearing custom t-shirts and selling them as a fundraiser to members and other healthcare employees. With the profits, they decided to invest in a very unique way.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed with autism. In West Virginia, 7.1 percent of children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. With one of the largest elementary schools in the country, three local child care centers, and a local park with playgrounds and baseball fields visited by thousands every year in Nutter Fork’s first due, they wanted to better prepare themselves to provide better patient care to those with autism. All of their ambulances and Unit 75 are now equipped with Carter Kits.

Carter Kits Sensory Bags contain clinically proven items known to comfort and appropriately focus children who are on the autism spectrum, as well as many other children who occasionally find themselves overwhelmed or otherwise impacted by traumatic events. The contents of each bag consist of: a weighted blanket; sunglasses; noise-reducing earmuffs; sensory toys; and non-verbal cue cards.

These kits are not only for children or those with autism, but for any patient they may encounter suffering from other disorders in an acute crisis.

Nutter Fork is the first agency in the state to equip themselves with the kits and is proud to continually strive to provide the best pre-hospital care for the citizens they serve. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD