Fire News West Virginia 7-2026

SUV Fire on Interstate 79

Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle well involved with fire along the right shoulder of the road.

See story on page 4

Occupants Displaced in Dwelling Fire

Engine 56 arrived to a two-story, single-family, occupied, brick dwelling with fire showing.

See story on page 7

Barbour County Structure Fire

Departments arrived to find a fully involved structure fire on Brushy Fork Road.

See story on page 9

Institute Chemical Reaction Kills 2, Injures 21

Crews responded to a chemical release of hydrogen sulfide at Catalyst Refiners.

See story on page 11

Historic Church Saved in DC

Units were dispatched to find fire in the flooring on the second level of this large historic church.

See story on page 12

Hoarding Makes Firefight Difficult

Firefighters found smoke showing from all sides of a two-story house with an attached church.

See story on page 15

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SUV Fire on Interstate 79

On March 24, 2026, at 0611 hours, the volunteers at Valley Volunteer Fire Department were alerted for a possible vehicle fire. Additional information given was numerous reports of an SUV on fire at the 130 milemarker of Interstate-79. Engine 122 responded. Command 12 had the Monongah Fire alerted for a tanker; Tanker 103 responded shortly after. E 122 arrived to find a vehicle well involved with fire along the right shoulder of Interstate 79 with a single lane (slow lane) blocked. A front bumper line was stretched for fire suppression. Command 12 reported the fire under control within minutes. Hawkins Towing recovered the vehicle.

- Photo courtesy of Valley & Monongah VFD

Multiple Autos on Fire on Marlboro Pike

On April 14, 2026, Kentland Truck 33 was alerted to respond to a vehicle fire with exposures in the 9400 block of Marlboro Pike. Units arrived to multiple autos on fire with extension into a building. After reports of fire in the cockloft, Truck 33 arrived and was tasked with overhauling the mansard and checking rooftop conditions. Members operated for an hour before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy Kentland VFD

Stolen Car on Fire and Into Structure

On April 23, 2026, at 0059 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 2 (Pinch) and Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched to Mingo Lane in the Rutledge area for a vehicle into a structure with a fire. Malden Engine 32 arrived at the scene with a vehicle into an out building fully involved; the occupants had fled the scene. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze and it was determined the vehicle had been stolen and set on fire. Crews cleared the scene around 0220.

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

Residents Displaced, 5 Vehicles Destroyed at Airedale Rd. Fire

On May 9, 2026, the Ridge Fire Departement responded to Airedele Road for a reported house fire. The cause of the fire, which originated at the rear exterior of the residence, was under investigation. In addition to the damage to the home, seven vehicles were destroyed by the fire. Seven adult occupants escaped without injury and were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, as well as support from family and friends after being displaced.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

This Seems Familiar

On April 13, 2026 at 0729 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 4 (Rand) and Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched to Davidson Avenue Lot 3 in Area 4 for a trailer fire. Engine 41 arrived to a working fire and exposure to another trailer; and advised that Station 5 (Belle) be added to the call. Malden Engine 32 caught the hydrant and laid in 400 feet of four-inch supply line. Crews worked for about an hour

to contain the blaze. The trailer had been vacant for some time, and this was the second fire to occur at this trailer park in three months.

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal Office was notified.

Occupants Displaced in NW Baltimore

Dwelling Fire

On April 18, 2026 at 1559 hours, Box Alarm 56-1 sent Engines 56, 42, 43 and 4; Squad 54 (RIT); Trucks 30 and 29; Battalion Chiefs 4 and 2; and Safety Officer 4 to the 7000 block of Hamlet Avenue for a report of a dwelling fire. Engine 56 arrived to a two-story, single-family, occupied, brick dwelling with fire showing from side A and smoke showing from side B on the first floor. All occupants were confirmed out. Battalion Chief 4 assumed incident command and made it a working fire adding Truck 26, Rescue 1, Car 5, FIB, and SOC 7 to the scene. Three lines were placed in service keeping the fire contained to the first-floor front with some extensions to the second floor via the knee walls. The fire was placed under control in about 35 minutes. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Kentland Responds to Lake Arbor Fire

Kentland Truck 33 responded to the 1100 block of Winding Brook Court on Box 46-18 in the Lake Arbor neighborhood. Truck 33 arrived right behind Engine 46 and the inside team began searches, while the outside team threw ladders and vented.

Barbour County Structure Fire

At 2141 hours on May 21, 2026, Nutter Fort Tanker 7, staffed with two, responded to assist Philippi, Bridgeport, and Flemington departments with a fully involved structure fire on Brushy Fork Road in Barbour County. Tanker 7 supplied two loads of water and assisted in fire extinguishment, overhaul and clean up. Units returned home just before midnight. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Institute Chemical Reaction Kills 2, Injures 21

Kanawha County and its emergency response partners, including Institute, Nitro, Charleston and St. Albans Fire Departments, responded to a chemical release at Catalyst Refiners, in Institute. The site was in the process of shutting down operations, and cleaning and decontamination activities were underway in preparation for closure, during which a chemical reaction occurred, creating hydrogen sulfide. The incident caused the death of two plant workers with 21 workers and first responders taken to the hospital.

- Photos courtesy Nitro FD

Historic Church Saved in DC

Units from DC Fire and EMS were dispatched at 2124 hours to Saint Dominic Catholic Church at 6th Street and East Street SW. A box alarm was dispatched and crews arrived to find fire in the flooring on the second level of this large historic church. Firefighters

quickly opened up, confining and extinguishing the fire in a relatively small area. The cause appeared to be related to a ceiling light fixture; there were no injuries.

- Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS

Suspicious Blaze on Church Drive

On May 25, 2026 at 0106 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 4 (Rand) and Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched for a structure fire on Church Drive in the area of Station 4. Crews arrived to a fully involved single-wide trailer with exposure to a church. Malden Engine 32 caught a hydrant and laid in 300 feet of four inch. Crews worked for about 90 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire was considered suspicious and was called into the WV State Fire Office. There were no injuries reported. Units that responded were Rand Engine 41, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, KCEAA, - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Calvert County Deck Fire Extends

On May 5, 2026, firefighters responded to North Cassell Boulevard in Prince Frederick, Calvert County, for a reported structure fire. The incident involved a fire originating on the rear deck of the home and extending into the structure. One occupant was at home at the time of the fire and discovered the fire on the deck. No injuries were reported. Two occupants were displaced. The incident remains under investigation.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

2 Juveniles Charged Following Vehicle Fires in Edgewood

Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged two juveniles, ages 14 and 13, with intentionally setting a vehicle fire on May 10, 2026, in Edgewood, which damaged four other vehicles and caused $20,000 in damage. Charges against a third juvenile were pending. Shortly before 0800 hours, a fire was reported on Pulaski Highway, near Trident Automotive in Edgewood. It took around 20 firefighters from the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and APG Fire Department around 20 minutes to control the fire. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated within the interior passenger com-

partment of a small bus parked in the rear lot of the shopping center. Investigators concluded the fire was incendiary after juveniles intentionally ignited materials inside the vehicle. The fire subsequently spread, damaging four additional nearby vehicles. At the time the fire was reported, deputies with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office observed a heavy column of black smoke coming from the reported location and later observed one of the juveniles running from the area, which led to the quick identification and apprehension of those involved.

- Photo courtesy of Sheridan Photography & The Maryland State Fire Marshal

Hoarding Makes Firefight Difficult

Kentland’s Truck 33 was alerted to respond to the 5100 block of Annapolis Road on Box 09-03. Upon arrival, Engine 55 found smoke showing from all sides of a two-story house with an attached church and requested the working fire dispatch. Firefighters began searches on the first floor after entering through a breezeway. Due to conditions on the first floor and because companies were unable to locate the basement steps and the fire, the decision was made to redeploy the interior crew through the exterior basement access with Engine 30. Crews found fire and hoarding conditions throughout the basement. The outside team began cutting the roof of the breezeway after fire had extended to the first floor and breezeway attic via the walls. - Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD

High Grass, Hot Engine = Fire

On May 10, 2026, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Company responded to a reported vehicle fire on Maiden Forest Road in Rhodesdale in Dorchester County. The operator of a pickup was driving in a field containing tall, dry vegetation when he observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. Upon further investigation he found a small fire in the engine compartment and called 911.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Darlington 3-Bay Garage Fire

The Darlington Fire Company responded to Castleton Road, in Darlington, Harford County, for a reported garage fire in a three-bay garage. It took approximately 40 firefighters over an hour to bring the blaze under control. The owner’s adult son, who also lives on the property, was notified by a burglar alarm. When he went to check, he discovered a fire in the middle garage. The garage contained several pieces of machinery, tools and farm equipment. The garage and all contents were a total loss. The owner used their compact loader to assist the fire department in removing debris to extinguish the fire completely.

- Photo courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal

One Injured in Salem MVA

At 0912 hours on May 12, 2026, Company 9 (Salem), Squad 7, and Salem EMS were alerted for an MVA with injuries on Patterson Fork Road in Salem. Squad 7 and Unit 710 responded with four personnel. Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene to find a single SUV 30 feet off the roadway on its side against a tree with confirmed entrapment. Rescue 94 arrived and stabilized the vehicle using a tie back system and their winch and removed the windshield to gain access to the patient who was still restrained by a seat belt. Squad 7 arrived and utilized the hydraulic tools from Rescue 94 to pop the rear hatch of the SUV to gain better access to the patient and cut the seat belt to allow extrication through the back of the vehicle. The patient was packaged and brought to awaiting Ambulance 699 for transport to UHC with HCES 614 providing a medic assist to 699. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through community-directed living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC.

The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell.

Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and wellbeing of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.”

In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities:

About Kidneys for Communities

Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients, increasing the likelihood that a life-saving kidney can be directed to a fellow community member in need. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website.

·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer.

·Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful (and both parents in law enforcement) who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor.

·John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic.

·Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist.

Photo Caption: Kidneys for Communities bestowed the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) with a National Community Impact Award. Pictured (left to right) are: kidney recipient Daulton “DJ” Riddell; kidney donor Lucas Gorelick; kidney recipient John Duncan; kidney recipient Venedo Alcazar; Kidneys for Communities CEO Atul Agnihotri; CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell; NAC Chair and CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence Preet Bassi (holding award); NAC Vice Chair and Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association Vickie Pritchett (holding award); CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director, First Responder Engagement & Strategy, Kidneys for Communities.

9 Displaced by Hancock 2-Alarmer

On April 25, 2026, Hancock Volunteer Fire Department responded to Weller Road, in Hancock, Washington County, for a structure fire. The blaze went to two-alarms and took over 30 minutes to bring under control. Nine occupants were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

8 Displaced by Hagerstown Kitchen Fire

Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company responded to Patrick Road, in Hagerstown, Washington County, for a reported house fire. Firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown of a fire located in the kitchen. Eight people were displaced by the fire. The cause was declared accidental.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Nitro Handles MVA on Main Avenue

Nitro Station 80’s B Shift and Nitro Police handled an MVA on Main Avenue. Two people were transported to the local hospital.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Pickup, Ebike MVA Medevac on Nutter Street

At 1857 hours on May 19, 2026, Company 7 Fire and EMS were alerted for an auto vs. pedestrian accident at the intersection of Nutter Street and Gorby Lane in Nutter Fort. Medics 716, 717, Squad 7, and Engine 71 responded in less than two minutes with a total of 11 fire and EMS personnel. Assistant Chief 7 arrived to find a pickup versus an electric dirt bike with one patient down in the roadway. Crews assisted EMS in packaging and loading one ALS patient for transport. HealthNet Aeromedical Services was launched with Engine 71 handling the LZ at Nutter Fort Elementary School for HealthNet 1. Units assisted Nutter Fort PD 203 on scene with roadway clean up and traffic control. One patient was transported by air to Ruby Memorial Hospital. The driver of the pickup truck was uninjured.

- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Looking Back

Williamsport - 1990

125 Years of Pride, Service and Sacrifice as Part of DC’s Bravest

Congratulations to Truck Company 6 on the occasion of their 125th anniversary serving the Columbia Heights neighborhood and adjacent communities. Members past and present gathered to celebrate the occasion. Originally organized as Truck F, they were renamed Truck 6 in 1906, and operated from their original firehouse at 1336-38 Park Road NW until moving into new quarters at 3420 14th Street NW in 1982.

- Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS

Sissionville FF Shamblin Graduates

Sissionville Firefighter Christian Shamblin took Engine 263 to Cross Lanes Christian School for Firefighter Elijah Parsons’ Senior Send Off. Elijah graduated on May 16, 2026, and his fire department family could not be prouder of him and all of his accomplishments. Balancing school while serving the community is no easy task, and Elijah has continued to show dedication, hard work, and commitment both in and out of the fire service. Congratulations, Elijah! We are proud to have you as part of our fire department family and look forward to seeing all the great things your future holds.

- Photo courtesy Sissionville FD

Cover Story

Residents Displaced by Summit Park House Fire

At 1946 hours on May 5, 2026, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71, 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire on the 500 block of Murphy’s Run Road in Summit Park. Engine 71, Squad 7 and Engine 131 arrived to a working fire in a single-story dwelling with heavy fire showing from the rear. Engine 71 arrived and placed a 13/4 inch crosslay in service to begin an aggressive interior attack through the front door. Engine 122 laid in from a hydrant for water

Tractor-Trailers Take Down Lines and Poles

Saint Albans Fire Department responded to a tractor-trailer which had knocked down a communication pole, shutting down the nearby portion of B Street. Frontier Communications responded to the scene to replace the pole. While repairs were being made, another tractor-trailer came down 6th Avenue, where lines were hanging lower than normal. The lines caught on the trailer and caused significant damages to both the lines, what was left of the pole, and a Frontier service truck. Thankfully no workers were injured.

- Photo courtesy of Saint Albans FD

supply. Squad 7 arrived and placed a second crosslay in service. Interior crews found heavy fire throughout most of the home while completing primary searches. Engines 122 and 81 provided additional manpower for interior fire suppression. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes with a PPV fan being set up for ventilation. Two family pets perished in the blaze; the American Red Cross was contacted for the displaced occupants.

- Photos courtesy Nutter Fort FD

MVA with Fire into a Creek

On April 23, 2026, at 0310 hours, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was dispatched to Big Coal Fork Drive for an MVA into a creek and on fire. Rescue Engine 33 arrived to the vehicle fully involved. The vehicle’s occupants had self-extricated before the fire department arrived. KCEAA transported one female with a shoulder injury. Crews extinguished the blaze and assisted Hutch’s Wrecker with removing the vehicle. Crews cleared the scene at 0415.

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

South Charleston Attends Career Fair

The South Charleston Fire Department recently had the opportunity to attend the West Virginia Apprenticeship Showcase and Career Fair at the State Capitol. We’re proud to represent the fire service and help inspire the next generation of firefighters and first responders.

- Photo courtesy South Charleston FD

City of Nitro Fire Captain Chad Mathes Retires

Longtime City of Nitro Fire Department Captain Chad Mathes retired April 21, 2026, after 32 years on the job.

Mathes said it’s all he’s ever wanted to do.

“Chasing fire trucks with my grandma and my grandpa when he was working, it just left an impression on my mind that that’s what I wanted to do and luckily I was fortunate to do it a long time and be successful at it,” Mathes said.

Mathes’ brother is Nitro Fire Department Chief

Casey Mathes. He said he’s enjoyed responding to emergencies alongside his brother.

“It’s been a pleasure. He’s always had my back and I’ve had his back. He’s been a great pleasure to work with. It’s been a love and a passion for him,” Chief Mathes said.

There has been someone in Chad and Casey’s family serving on the Nitro Fire Department since 1960.

- Photo courtesy Nitro FD

DC’s Bravest at Kramer Middle School

Engine 15 from Anacostia joined Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsay Appiah during a school resource pop-up at Kramer Middle School. DC’s Bravest community outreach team provided fire safety literature.

- Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS

Honors First Cadet Program Graduates

The Ravenswood Volunteer Fire Department marked a significant milestone as it formally recognized the first group of cadets to successfully complete its newly re-established Cadet Program, a revitalized initiative aimed at preparing the next generation of firefighters and public servants.

Speaking before the mayor, city council, and members of the community, Cadet Program Administrator Cody Postlethwait reflected on the program’s origins and the dedication required to bring it to life. The program was re-introduced in November 2024 after Captain David Berry approached Postlethwait with the idea of rebuilding a junior firefighter initiative. What began as a vision quickly developed into months of intensive work, including the creation of standard operating guidelines, training structures, and mentorship systems.

“Every bit of that time was worth it,” Postlethwait said, emphasizing that the success

of the program lies not in its structure, but in the individuals who committed themselves to it.

Built on the motto “Learn the Trade. Earn Your Place. Carry the Tradition,” the program provides young individuals with an opportunity to explore a career in emergency services before graduating high school.

The results of that mission were on full display during the recognition ceremony. Several cadets completed the rigorous requirements for Firefighter 1 certification, along with CPR, live burn, and hazardous materials training. These certifications represent not only technical proficiency, but also a substantial commitment of time and discipline.

“These cadets didn’t just attend training — they committed to it,” he said. “They didn’t just learn skills — they earned responsibility.”

“Departments everywhere are asking who will be there when the next call comes in,” Postlethwait said. “Tonight, we have that

answer.”

Jackson County has a long-standing tradition of volunteers advancing into professional roles as firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Many continue to serve their communities even after transitioning into full-time careers. The Cadet Program aims to preserve and strengthen that legacy.

During the ceremony, the following cadets were recognized for completing program requirements and earning their certifications: Conner Ritchie, Rebeca Weekley, Peyton Porter, Wesley Parsons, Blake Schoolcraft, and Keith Moore. Each received official certification in recognition of their accomplishments.

The success of the Cadet Program marks a promising step forward for the Ravenswood Volunteer Fire Department and serves as a model for cultivating future generations of firefighters in West Virginia.

- Photo courtesy Ravenswood FD

FIRE STATIONS: SO MUCH TO BE DONE!

F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Education Resource Organization), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently conducted a nation-wide survey on fire stations. It was an in-depth survey that revealed the glaring need for fire station replacement and renovations in the U.S. One statistic that stood out was that the average age of a station is 45 years! That was 1980! Most of you reading this article were not involved in the fire service at that time and a good percentage of you were yet to be born.

Think of all the changes and needs in fire station design which have evolved during this time. For example, female firefighters are no longer an oddity, EMS first responder is now a given, hazmat response is expected, and the fire service has emerged as an all-hazards response agency.

Now we have learned how important fire station design is to contamination control, how to maximize sleep, and a host of other holistic designs that improve firefighter health and wellness. Only a few stations are designed to meet today’s needs.

To address the void in learning about how to design or renovate a fire station, please plan to attend the Annual 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design

Symposium, September 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful downtown Greenville, S.C. The first day (Monday) will be a pre-conference seminar on “First Steps.” The main Symposium is all-day Tuesday, all-day Wednesday, and a half-day on Thursday. This year there will be over 50 speakers with several presentations related to station renovation, expansion, and retrofits. Bring key members of your governing body so they understand your needs. As a sample of what F.I.E.R.O. offers, attend our one-day fire station education day on Tuesday, August 11 as part of Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.

The common phrase heard from attendees is “I would have never thought of that!” Remember, fire stations must be considered “Critical Infrastructure” and they need to meet today’s needs and designed to last decades. For detailed information and registration, go to www.fieroonline.org and click on “events.”

Emmitsburg Spring Fling

Great crowds for the Spring Fling hosted by the Vigilant Hose Company of Emmitsburg, Maryland on May 9, 2026. This annual event is a great way to get community members together who enjoy great food, cold beverages, music, in a festive environment and raise funds for fire company operation. - Submitted by Kelly Gabliks