WSAZ Update, 9pm -- The State Fire Marshal's Office says Lt. Johnnie Hammons, 49, and Timothy Nicholas, 26, were the firefighters killed. Hammons was ann 11-year veteran, while Nicholas served for about a year. Investigators believe they might have died after the roof of the trailer collapsed. Read More at WSAZ.com >>
CRAIGSVILLE, W.Va. (AP) -- Two volunteer firefighters have died while fighting a fire in Nicholas County.
Craigsville Beaver Cottle Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tim Blake said in a statement Friday the two were killed after the department responded to a structure fire about 10 p.m. Thursday.
The fire occurred in the Cottle area.
The statement did not say how the fire is believed to have started, or how the two firefighters were fatally injured.
Their names were not released Friday morning.
The fire and the deaths are being investigated by the state Fire Marshal's office.
A call to the Fire Marshal's office was not immediately returned Friday.
FFN Update: A video of the 9 am press conference Friday by Tim Blake, Chief of the Craigsville-Beaver Volunteer Fire Department is posted online here or watch below.
Related Links:
WV Metro News -- Two Nicholas County Firemen Killed The men died when they entered a burning trailer around 10:00 Thursday night in an attempt to knock down a heavily involved blaze. Several attempts were made to reach the men, but all rescue efforts failed.
State Journal: Firefighters Killed in Line of Duty The two men were killed while inside the structure, battling the fire. Paul Blake, with the Craigsville VFD, said one of the men was a veteran, the other had several years experience.
Permalink Reply by Pete on February 20, 2009 at 9:50am
My condolences to the families and Dept. members of these two fallen firefighters. What a waste!
A trailer fire heavily involved in flames upon arrival as the article stated. We have plenty of them in the northeast region - they are referred to by some; as a flashover simulator with curtains. When are we finally going to wake up and realize NO FIRE, is worth taking uncessary risks with the lives of our firefighters! Even if they had put out the fire (unharmed) how much inside was WORTH saving, after the fire (& subsequent water damage) had consumed so much of the contents ?
Let's wait until all the facts are out before jumping to conclusions about circumstances based on initial article ... please keep posts mostly around condolences. There's no information about victims inside, etc. released at this time. Thanks.
Permalink Reply by Dave on February 20, 2009 at 11:07am
we have lost a Firefighter in the line of duty,really makes things hard to continue operation,Some things just don't go as they should,Were all brothers,and sisters.No matter how far away,The circumstances don't matter,how or why,there still gone.They'll always be loved and missed...Thoughts and prayers are with you... Union City volunteer fire department
It is always a sadd day when we hear that a brother has died in the line of duty. Our hearts, and preys go out to
them, their families, and friends. God bless for their service,and heroism, and making the ultimate sacrifice.