The Shaft Volunteer FD was dispatched for a fully involved commercial off-road dump-truck fire.
See story on page 6
Well Involved on Arrival on Sissonville Drive
Kanawha Counties Station 26
Sissonville, and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to a house fire.
See story on page 7
First-Due House Fire for Company 33
Kentland Engine 33 and Truck 33 were dispatched for a single-story duplex with smoke showing.
See story on page 9
An Unusual Call for DC’s Finest
Firefighters used a small cutting tool to safely remove youngster stuck in a swing the plastic swing seat.
See story on page 13
Fully Involved in Pete Hollow
Crews arrived to find a single-story house fully involved and worked for about three hours to control the blaze.
See story on page 14
Solar Panel Fire in Pikesville
Units were alerted for a report of solar panels on fire on the roof of a house.
See story on page 19
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Fully Involved on Arrival
On February 2, 2026, at 0607 hours, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand, Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Spring Field Drive in Area 3 for the structure fire. Crews arrived to a fully involved garage fire and worked for about 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42, Belle Engine 52, KCEAA 511, 155.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Spark’ Scott, Malden VFD
Fatal Barn Fire Under Investigation in St. Mary’s County
A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police continues after a barn fire claimed the life of a 62-year-old Chaptico man on February 24, 2026, just after 2200 hours. Firefighters from Leornardtown, Mechanicsville and several other nearby fire departments, responded to Roosevelt Boulevard for the barn fire with entrapment. Firefighters arrived to find a 50- by- 100-foot barn nearly fully engulfed in fire. Family members on scene confirmed that one individual was still inside the structure. After the fire was brought under control, firefighters located a deceased male victim within the barn. Deputy State Fire Marshals learned that earlier in the evening, the victim had gone into the barn to attempt to jump-start a vehicle. The victim contacted her while working, requesting a fire extinguisher. When she went outside, the fire had quickly spread throughout the barn. During her attempt to reach him, she sustained burns to her hands and was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
2 Fatalities at Harford County Fire
Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Havre de Grace Police Department are continuing to investigate an early morning house fire in Havre de Grace that claimed the lives of two people early on March 11, 2026. At around 0115 hours the Susquehanna Hose Company and surrounding departments responded to Erie Street after neighbors called 911 to report a house fire with a possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire throughout a two-story, single-family home. Firefighters made entry and located two adult victims in a second-floor bedroom. They were preliminarily identified as the 73-year-old husband and his 85-year-old wife. A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with detectives from the Havre de Grace, worked throughout the night and determined that the couple’s adult son awoke to the sound of a smoke alarm. He attempted to go downstairs but encountered heavy smoke and flames. He retreated to his second-floor bedroom, kicked out a window, and jumped to safety. He was not injured.These are the first fire fatalities in Harford County in 2026. In 2025, Harford County experienced two double-fatality fires in February in Aberdeen and another fatal fire in May.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
Glasgow Structure Fire in Witcher Creek
Glasgow Engine 76 on scene of a structure fire in Area 5 (Belle) in the area of Pete Hollow Road in Witcher Creek.
- Submitted by Lt. Dylan Hackworth
Total Loss at Lee Street House
Fire in Nitro
Fire departments from Kanaha and Putnam counties responded to an early morning residential fire on Lee Street in Nitro. When the first department arrived, flames were going through the roof. The home’s residents got out uninjured along with the family’s pets. The dwelling was a total loss. The alarm came in at 0342 hours and was brought under control a half hour later. Responding were units from Nitro, St. Albans, Institute, Poca and Tyler Mountain. A cause for the blaze could not be determined. - Photo courtesy Nitro FD
Dump Truck Blaze in Shaft
The Shaft Volunteer Fire Department’s Rescue-Engine 17 was dispatched at noon on March 10, 2026, to Cabin Run Road in Shaft for a fully involved commercial off-road dumptruck (a Yuke) fire. The incident occurred in an active surface mine located in Allegany County. Other responding units included Tanker 18, Midland; Engine 16, Frostburg; and Tanker 86, Eastern Garrett. No injuries occurred. Deputy Chief 17 held command.
- Submitted by Roger Bennett
House Fire on Blue Moon Drive
On March 12, 2026, at 0133 hours, Kanawha County Station 26 Sissonville and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Blue Moon Drive in Area 26 for a house fire. Engine 263 arrived to heavy fire showing from the garage area and was able to make a interior attack and contain the fire to the garage area, crews worked for about two hours to extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries reported.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Explosion Claims Life of Homeowner; Five Family Members Escape Safely
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is continuing its investigation into a house explosion in Chestertown that claimed the life of a 68-year-old homeowner. On February 14, 2026, at 2745 hours, firefighters from the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to Pentridge Court in Chestertown for a reported house explosion. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully engulfed, approximately 5,000-square-foot residence and were advised that one occupant remained inside, while five other family members had escaped safely. Due to the extensive structural damage and collapses, firefighters conducted exterior suppression. Excavators were requested to the scene to assist with debris removal. The five surviving occupants, identified as the victim’s wife, children and grandchildren, were located in a separate area of the residence at the time of the explosion, allowing them to escape safely. The family reported that the residence exploded before becoming fully involved in fire. Based on their statements and scene examination, investigators believe the victim was operating near a wood stove at the time of the incident.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal & Chestertown VFC
Trailer Fire in Quincy Fire
On March 7, 2026, at 2230 hours, Kanawha Counties Stations 5 Belle, Station 6 Cedar Grove, Station 7 Glasgow and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Quincy Hollow in Area 5 for trailer fire. Engine 52 arrived at the scene and made a quick interior attack. The fire was contained to the kitchen area. There were no injuries reported.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Well Involved on Arrival on Sissonville Drive
On February 21, 2026, at 1047 hours, Kanawha Counties Station 26 Sissonville, and Station 3 Malden, were dispatched to Sissonville Drive in Area 26 for a house fire. Shortly after dispatch, units were advised it was a large house well involved. Sissonville Engine 264 advised to add Station 40 Charleston to the call. Crews arrived and had to hand-lay hose up the driveway to the house. Crews worked for about four hours to contain the blaze. EMS transported one occupant to CAMC General Division with minor burns.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Apartment Fire on Benning Road
Firefighters from Prince George County along with Kentland VFD were alerted for an apartment fire in the 1200 block of Benning Road. First units arrived to smoke showing from a three-story apartment building. Kentland Truck 33 arrived, laddered the structure and completed searches of the second and third floors before opening up to look for vertical fire spread. No serious injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD
Vehicle Fire on Interstate 77 North
The Sissonville Fire Department was dispatched to the 106 milemarker of Interstate 77 north (Eden’s Fork) for a reported vehicle fire. Engine 263 arrived to find a pickup truck fully involved in flames. Crews quickly began fire suppression operations. All northbound lanes were temporarily closed while crews operated and ensured the area was safe. We would like to thank the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office for assisting with traffic control and shutting down the interstate to help keep emergency crews safe.
- Photo courtesy of Sissonville FD
Smoke Investigation Turns into Dwelling Fire
At 1824 hours on February 7, 2026, Engine 13 and Truck 16 were dispatched to Traction Street and Woodbrook Avenue to investigate smoke in the area. Engine 13 arrived and requested the remainder of the box to be struck out, having smoke showing from a two-story, vacant, end-ofthe-group dwelling. Engine 13 reported a dead hydrant at the intersection and Engine 8 secured water to bring to the scene. Battalion Chief 6 assumed incident command and Air Flex 2 was dispatched to the scene. Units picked up and went in service in about an hour.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
First-Due House Fire for Company 33
Just after 2200 hours, Kentland Engine 33 and Truck 33 were dispatched first due to the 7700 block of Muncy Road on Box 3304. Engine 33 arrived to a single-story duplex with smoke showing. The crew forced the door, while the outside team placed ground ladders and ventilated. The fire was located in the living room and was extinguished.
- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD
House Fire on Church Drive
At 0749 hours on March 21, 2026, Kanawha County’s Station 4 Rand, and Station 3 Malden, were dispatched to the 5800 block of Church Drive in Area 4 for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a large, single-story house fully involved. Malden Engine 32, caught the hydrant and laid in 600 feet of four-inch supply line and Station 5 Belle was added to the call. Crews worked for about an hour to get the blaze under control. Crews finally cleared around 1115.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD & Rand VFD
Auto Fire Stopped Before Spreading
Nitro firefighters responded to a vehicle fire right before lunch time in the Carriage Way subdivision. Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading to a nearby house, but the pickup truck was a total lost. The cause of the blaze was being looked into by the Fire Marshall.
- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD
Woman Perishes in Mechanicsville Blaze
A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a 69-year-old Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning. At 0640 hours on February 19, 2026, firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to Walnut Circle for a reported house fire with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story residence. Due to safety concerns, including extensive hoarding conditions within the home, firefighters were forced to conduct exterior suppression operations as portions of the structure began to collapse. With the assistance of heavy machinery, Deputy State Fire Marshals remained on scene throughout the day and later located the sole occupant deceased within the residence. Due to the extensive damage, the origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation.
- Photo courtesy Office Maryland State Fire Maryland & Mechanicsville FD
Trailer Fire in Nitro
Nitro firefighters battled a trailer fire that caused a major backup in the westbound lanes during rush hour. Nitro police had traffic moving again after the fire was extinguished.
- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD
Woman Succumbs to Injuries After Hagerstown House
Fire; Teen Remains Hospitalized
Officials from Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center reported that a 50-year-old women succumbed to the injuries she had received during a Hagerstown house fire on March 13, 2026. Deputy State Fire Marshals concluded that an unspecified electrical failure was what started a fire that also seriously injured a 17-year-old who was rescued by Hagerstown Fire Department firefighters. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. On March 13, 2026, at around 0050 hours, the Hagerstown Fire Department, along with surrounding departments, responded to S. Prospect Street for a reported dwelling fire. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire throughout the structure’s first-floor apartment. Investigators later confirmed that a 15-year-old was able to escape the structure without injury after a smoke alarm activated. Both were transported to Meritus Medical Center for initial treatment and later flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for additional treatment. This is the first fire fatality in Washington County in 2026.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal, Hagerstown FD and Archie Miller
Westside Structure Fire
West Side Volunteer Fire Department Station 22 was alerted for a structure fire recently. While units were en route, Metro informed them of possible entrapment. Engine 221 arrived to find a working fire. Crews made entry and conducted a search and confirmed no entrapment.
- Photo courtesy of West Side VFD
Baltimore Garden Apartment Fire
Baltimore City fire units were on the scene of a working fire in a two-story garden apartment on Beechdale Avenue on March 28, 2026. The fire was located on the second floor and quickly knocked down.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
An Unusual Call for DC’s Finest
It was an unusual call for DC firefighters on April 6, 2026 for a youngster stuck in a swing on Chesapeake Street NW. Firefighters from DC Rescue Squad 2 used a small batteryoperated cutting tool to safely remove the plastic swing seat without causing injury to the child. Problem solved by DC’s bravest. - Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS
Man Critically Injured at Carroll County Nursery
A 65-year-old man was critically injured after an incident that was initially reported to be an explosion occurred at Catoctin Mountain Nursery in Keymar. At 1705, firefighters from Carroll and Frederick counties responded to a reported boiler explosion at the 23-acre nursery on Sixes Bridges Road. Upon arrival, they found extensive damage, including partially collapsed sections of the building. An overturned vehicle was tangled in the debris. Three employees were injured, including the 65-yearold man who was flown to Johns Hopkins
Bayview Medical Center, in critical condition. Two other employees sustained burn injuries. Of those two, one was transported by ambulance to JHH Bayview in stable condition; the other refused treatment. A team of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) responded. During their investigation, they confirmed the damage was not caused by a fire or explosion. Instead, a large hot-water holding tank had ruptured, spilling its entire contents of 180-degree water
2nd Floor Dwelling Fire in West Baltimore
At 1717 hours, on February 7, 2026, on a cold Baltimore afternoon, Box Alarm 36-71 toned crews out for Edmondson Avenue for the report of a dwelling fire. Communications advised that 2904 and 2906 Edmondson Avenue are both marked as code X-ray. Engine 36 arrived to a two-story, middle-of-the-group, with fire showing from the second floor. Battalion Chief 3 assumed incident command and Air Flex 1 was dispatched to the scene. Truck 8 reported two stories in the rear with no access and the dwelling appeared to be vacant but in good shape. Engine 36 crew quickly knocking down a fire involving the second-floor front with some extension to the stairway. The fire was placed under control in about 45 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
throughout the immediate area. This caused damage consistent with an explosion.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal & Frederick County FR
Fully Involved in Pete Hollow
On March 19, 2026, at 2059 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 5 Belle, Station 3 Malden, Station 6 Cedar Grove, and Station 7 Glasgow were dispatched to Pete Hollow in Area 5 for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a single-story house fully involved. Crews worked for about three hours to control the blaze. The occupants self-extricated before the fire department arrived; no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Glasgow Structure Fire
On February 1, 2026, Glasgow VFD Engine 78 responded for a structure fire. Crews made a quick knockdown, then took extra time during overhaul to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and to prevent any chance of a rekindle. Other agencies involved were Cedar Grove VFD, Belle VFD, Chesapeake VFD, KCEAA, and KCOEM. - Submitted by Lt. Dylan Hackworth
Quick Stop at Virginia Street Fire in Wheeling
Wheeling firefighters were called to Virginia Street at 0940 hours for a reported structure fire. Crews located the fire in the rear of the home on the first floor and immediately began extinguishing the flames. Firefighters quickly brought the situation under control, and the occupant was not injured. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation by the Wheeling Fire Department.
- Photos courtesy of Wheeling FD
Garage Fire in Reynoldsville
At 2033 hours on March 2, 2026, Company 8 Reynoldsville VFD), Engines 71 and 91 Salem VFD, and Spelter along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Firebird Lane off of Phoenix Hollow Road in Reynoldsville. Crews arrived to find a large detached garage fully involved with a nearby residence as an exposure. The garage consisted of two vehicles, ATVs and other items.
- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Solar Panel Fire in Pikesville
Just before 1330 hours on February 27, 2026, Baltimore County Fire Department (BCoFD) westside units and Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Engine 321 were alerted for a report of solar panels on fire on the roof of a house in the 1300 block of Saddleback Road in Pikesville. BCoFD Engine 2 arrived to light smoke showing, and Engine 321 laid a supply line at the intersection of Sudvale Road and Carnation Court. Firefighters were able to extinguish a fire burning in the solar panels and prevent extension into the house.
- Fire News photo by Mike Schwartzberg
Northwest Baltimore Home Destroyed in Early Morning Fire
On January 31, 2026, at 0523 hours, Baltimore Box Alarm 40-21 sent crews to Boarman and Ayrdale Avenues for a reported dwelling fire. Engine 29 arrived to a two-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling that appeared occupied, with fire showing on side D. Crews assisted one occupant from the porch while all others were reported out. While units were preparing for an interior attack, Battalion Chief 5 requested units for
heavy water hook up and prepare Truck 12 for ladder pipe operations. The fire quickly spread to the second floor and through the roof prompting command to evacuate the building and go defensive. Engines 40 and 29 used deck guns in an attempt to darken down the fire. Command updated communications at 0530 hours of a house fully involved and at 0533, and special called an additional engine and truck to the scene. A second alarm was requested at 0545. A collapse zone was established as ladder pipe operations from Truck 12 and Tower 1 along with numerous handlines operated until daylight to knock down the fire. Crews continued to operate throughout the morning and established a fire watch. Temperature during the operation were eight degrees.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Major 3 Vehicle MVA in Reynoldsville
At 0112 hours on March 7, 2026, Company 8 Reynoldsville, Squad 7 and HCES were alerted for an MVA with injuries, entrapment and ejection on Wilsonburg Road in the area of Sardis Road in Reynoldsville. Squad 7 staffed with three responded. Units arrived on to find a three-vehicle MVA with one up on its side and another off the roadway with one patient ejected from the rollover and confirmed entrapment in the other vehicle. The third vehicle was parked along the roadway and was struck. Squad 7 removed the driver’s door with the assistance of Company 8 before handing the patient over to EMS. Extrication time was less than nine minutes. HealthNet was launched for one patient with Engine 111 Spelter handling the LZ duties. Company 8 remaining on scene for several more hours to shut down the roadway for accident reconstruction.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Sissonville MVA on I-77
The Sissonville Fire Department was recently dispatched to milemarker 114 of Interstate-77 south for a reported MVA. While units were en route, additional information was received indicating possible entrapment of two people. Upon arrival, crews found a single vehicle that had struck an embankment on the southbound side between the Pocatalico and Tuppers Creek exits. Two patients were found to be moderately entrapped. Fire crews worked alongside Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority personnel to safely extricate both individuals from the vehicle. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. Both patients were transported for further evaluation. - Photo courtesy of Sissonville FD
Not Your Everyday Missing Person Job
The Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched by Metro 911 for a male who had put his car into a ditch at the head of Hughes Creek. His family had searched the area but could not locate him. KCSO was on scene and requested deployment of their side-by-side sonar to assist with the search. Once crews arrived, coordinated search operations began. With the assistance of multiple agencies, including the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, KCSO K9 units, Montgomery VFD, and KCOES, the male was ultimately located by responders around 0754 while walking along a roadway between Kanawha and Fayette counties. At the time he was found, he was wearing only tennis shoes, shorts, a T-shirt, and a small windbreaker despite the early morning conditions. His smartwatch indicated he had walked approximately 19 miles after leaving his vehicle, and during that time he reportedly fell from a high wall, contributing to his condition when located. He was transported to the hospital by JanCare Ambulance Service.
- Submitted by Lt. Dylan Hackworth
2 Car Accident with Injuries in NW Baltimore
On January 31, 2026, at 1400 hours, Baltimore Rescue Alarm 40-71 sent Engine 14, Truck 27, Rescue 1, Squad 26, Battalion Chief 5, Safety Officer 4, SOC 7, Medic 11, EMS 5, and EMS Battalion Chief to the Shoprite on Liberty Heights Avenue for a vehicle accident with reported entrapment. Battalion Chief 5 arrived to a two-car MVA with occupants confined. Truck 27 performed door removal and four patients were treated.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
5 Injured, Possibly 1 Ejection in I-77 MVA
On March 30, 2026, at 1536 hours, Kanawha County's Station 3 Malden and Station 40 Charleston were dispatched to Interstate 77’s 96 milepost northbound for an MVA. Rescue Engine 33 arrived first, finding a heavily damaged passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer box truck off to the side of the road. Five patients were in the passenger car and all were out of the vehicle on arrival and all were transported to CAMC General Division, one Priority 1 and four Priority 3. One patient was believed to have been ejected.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Elkview 2-Car MVA
Pinch VFD was dispatched for a two-vehicle MVA with injuries at the Frame Road intersection with the southbound Interstate-79 exit in Elkview. Captain 2 arrived on scene just after dispatch and advised of two vehicles with heavy damage and confirmed entrapment in one vehicle and requested the incident be upgraded and to have Frame Volunteer Fire Department dispatched as well. Engine 21, Engine 22, and Squad 2, along with Frame VFD Squad 344 responded. Upon arrival, crews immediately went to work with extricating both occupants. Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority responded and tended to all occupants involved, while Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene and conducted an investigation of the crash. The roadway was shut down while crews worked.
- Photo courtesy of Pinch VFD
Looking Back
Washington 1993
DC’s Bravest battled a three-alarm equivalent fire that destroyed Morton’s Department Store at 5609 Georgia Avenue NW.
The blaze took place on August 5, 1993.
- Photo courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Head-on MVA on Rutledge Road; Possible DUI
On April 2, 2026, at 2014 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 2 Pinch and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Rutledge Road in Area 2 for an MVA with entrapment. Crews arrived to a head-on crash with heavy entrapment in a pickup. Crews worked about 30 minutes to extricate the driver. He was transported to CAMC General Division. The driver of the other vehicle was taken into custody by the sheriff’s department for possible DUI. Crews cleared the scene in about 90 minutes.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Advanced Extrication Scenarios Class at the Key City Conference
Recently, firefighters from multiple agencies participated in the Advanced Extrication Scenarios class at the Key City Fire Conference, which was taught by Tactical Resource Fire Training.
Crews performed many different complex stabilization and extrication scenarios covering passenger and heavy vehicles.
- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD
TRAINING
Rescue Advanced Firefighting Training
Firefighters at heavy rescue training and advanced firefighting classes at the Cabell County Chiefs Fire Academy in Huntington on March 27 to 29, 2026. - Submitted by Mark Lambert
Dive Teams Trains on Sonar Use
Members from DC’s Bravest Dive Team and fireboat drilled on utilizing sonar and other technology to locate an object underwater. These technologies allow divers to focus search efforts on the most likely area a victim may be and maximize the chance of a successful rescue or recovery.
- Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS
FIRSTNET HELPS HYANNIS WITH SUMMER POPULATION CHALLENGE
The Hyannis Fire Department serves 18,000 year-round residents, but the population soars to 100,000 in the summer. This presents a unique challenge.
The department responds to about 8,000 incidents in Barnstable, Cape Cod, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis Harbor. Their coverage area includes the largest hospital on the Cape, an airport, a busy downtown, and a harbor. Seventy firefighters provide fire response, ALS, and technical rescues using fireboats and a dive team. Needing to evolve they were early adapters of FirstNet®, Built with AT&T.
FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, is the nationwide, highspeed wireless network designed to provide first responders with secure, reliable communications. First respon-
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium is officially scheduled — and registration is open.
Since 1990, F.I.E.R.O. has proudly hosted the first and longest-running Fire Station Design Symposium in the nation. This year, we return to the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina for three and a half days of education, collaboration, and connection.
Dates: September 21–24, 2026
• Location: Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC
ders get always-on priority and pre-emption for calls, texts and data. FirstNet connects Hyannis firefighters across all their devices including cell phones, modems, routers, and vehicle-mounted equipment.
FirstNet technology is robust, and so is its customer service. “The service is always excellent and they are always responsive. They’re always able to get the answers we need and help us solve any problem,” Hyannis Fire Department Chief Peter Burke said. “We recommend it to all public safety agencies and users. We know that our FirstNet devices are always going to work without suffering from the lag time that other devices may suffer from.”
• Main Symposium: September 22–24 (Half Day)
• Pre-Conference Seminar: Monday, September 21 (Full Day)
Whether you are a firefighter, architect, facility planner, or industry professional, this is the premier event for fire station design, construction, renovation, and technology.
Mark your calendars and watch your inbox — full program details are coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Greenville.
Warm regards, The F.I.E.R.O. Team
WFD Gets to Tour Wheeling Hospital’s MRI Dept.
Three Wheeling Fire Department (WFD) platoons had the opportunity to meet with staff in Wheeling Hospital’s MRI Department, tour the MRI scanner, and discuss safety protocols. We appreciate the team’s preparation and the opportunity to review WFD’s role in the event of a serious incident.
- Photos courtesy of Wheeling FD
Ice Rescue Training for Nitro
On February 12, 2026, members of Nitro Fire Department’s B Shift took advantage of the recent sub-freezing temperatures to conduct ice rescue training at Ridenour Lake in Nitro. The firefighters used special ice rescue drysuits to keep warm and afloat to make the simulated rescues.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
FCSN Honored with Prestigious National Fire Service Award
At the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) was recognized on the national stage as the recipient of the 2026 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award; one of the fire service’s most distinguished honors.
Presented during the annual program hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the award celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing firefighter health and safety. The event, attended by more than 1,500 fire and emergency service leaders from across the country, highlighted the critical work being done to protect those who serve on the front lines.
The Sarbanes Award, named in honor of former U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, recognizes innovative programs that make measurable impacts on firefighter safety and well-being. For 2026, FCSN earned this distinction for its groundbreaking cancer
prevention and education initiatives, most notably its “Doing It Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service” program.
This comprehensive program provides firefighters and department leaders with practical, actionable steps to reduce occupational cancer risk, now widely recognized as one of the greatest threats facing the fire service today. Through training, outreach, and advocacy, the program emphasizes behavioral changes, leadership accountability, and long-term health protection.
Cancer has become the leading cause of line-ofduty deaths among firefighters, making prevention and early intervention critical priorities nationwide. The FCSN has been at the forefront of this fight offering survivor resources, badge-to-badge mentoring and education to firefighters and their families.
In announcing the award, national fire service leaders praised FCSN as a “tireless champion” for firefighter well-being, emphasizing the organization’s lasting impact on both policy and practice.
- Submitted by Steve Weissman
Keeping the Tools
Tuned Up
Thanks to Atlantic Emergency Solutions for performing annual preventive maintenance on our Hurst “Jaws of Life” Systems. Our cache of rescue tools includes a full set of hydraulic and eDraulic tools as well as an eDraulic combi tool. Having answered four entrapment calls this year already, it is important we keep all of our rescue equipment in optimal condition.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
SCFD’s Lt. Mannon at Career Quest
Lieutenant Mannon represented South Charleston Fire Department (SCFD) at the Kanawha County Schools Career Quest. He had the opportunity to meet and connect with seniors from all eight KCS high schools, sharing insight into careers in the fire service and what it means to serve the community. South Charleston is proud to be part of guiding the next generation toward their future.
- Photo courtesy South Charleston FD
NFPA TO HOST ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO IN LAS VEGAS ON JUNE 22-24, 2026
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on June 22 to -24, 2026. This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 130 educational sessions addressing the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and response, emerging technologies, global safety issues, public education, building and construction safety, fire protection systems, industrial hazards, electrical safety, and more.
The NFPA Expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products and services available to help meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction and operation of buildings and facilities of every kind.
industry trends impacting Latin America.
Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work, will be the keynote speaker at the conference’s opening general session. Sharing his skill as an AI-educator combined with his formula for harnessing the power of innovation, Dan helps audiences escape disruption to find growth and success.
Attendees will have access to three NFPA Specialty Theaters as well. The Facility Manager Theater, The Responder Theater and the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
This year’s NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) is a threeday program exclusively for individuals in the public education field, covering a wide range of public health topics and the powerful impact of community risk reduction. The Spotlight on Latin America is a Spanish language program with targeted sessions covering current
The NFPA Technical Meeting, which allows NFPA members and the public to express positions through debate on each certified amending motion (CAM), is scheduled to take place on June 25-26. The NFPA Standards to be presented for action at the 2026 Technical Meeting are those with amending motions submitted to NFPA in advance of the meeting and certified by the Motions Committee of the Standards Council. Anyone who has been a continuously active member of the association since December 27, 2025 and is registered for the 2026 Tech Session, will be eligible to vote on all CAMs.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded non-profit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. For more information, visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess.
Off to the Smokestack Hardy Museum
Members of Engine8/Ladder 10 of the Baltimore City Fire Department visited with Guy Cephas, Director and Curator of the Arthur ‘Smokestack’ Hardy Fire Museum. Arthur Hardy became the first African-American firefighter in Baltimore in 1942. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos
Working with Our Seniors
DC’s Bravest teamed up with the Department of Aging and Community Living at the Day of Service Resource Health Fair at the Golden Rule Plaza Apartments. The seniors were provided with blood pressure and glucose testing by Engine 3, while the community outreach team provided fire safety information.
