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.
My thoughts & prayers go out to the families of are brothen firefighters in WV we will keep all of the in are Prayers all the time may god wotch over the families all day long. No mater what any one thinks we all have decide to do what evey one als would run away from & we risk are lifes 24/7 365 even if we are PAID or VOL. I know from are Dept. here in Cambria County PA all of are Prayers are going to be with the Families & brother's & sister's firefighters out there.
Initial reports are that 1 of the men was a senior veteran FF, the other had several years experience.
Either way this is sad news to us all!! . As always, our most sincere condolences.
Initial reports are that 1 of the men was a senior veteran FF, the other had several years experience.
Either way this is sad news to us all!! . As always, our most sincere condolences.