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.
Let us Pray
Dear Lord, Please be with the families of our two great fellow Firefighters. These Two great people gave their lives doing what they loved and what you put them on earth to do. Lord be with their fellow Brothers and Sisters of the WV Vol Fire Dept. Lord Please take these two great people into your home to protect your castle in heaven against the great evil of satan. Give them everlasting peace . Lord give them two wings and a gold medal hallo for a job well done.
May you lay in peace my fellow friends. AMEN
Permalink Reply by Isaac on February 20, 2009 at 10:03pm
My thought and prays go out to the family members and the fire dept. I was reason up close to that area and now am a firefighter in Tn. Again are prays are with the familys of are fallen bothers from Newport City Fire Dept in Tennessee
i agree with pete, how much inside was WORTH to save. waht ever it was, it was VERY expensive. our first golden rule boys and girls, safety first. we are part of the solution not part of de problem. my condolences to this firebrothers families and department. ;-(...
Permalink Reply by JPB on February 21, 2009 at 8:13am
A Trailer fire ? sounds like this "trailer" was booby trapped, or otherwise known around here as "surround and drown" no entry , unless human life can be spared.
Why do we have to search so hard just to find out information and details regarding services for downed firefighters? Those of us who would travel to the services and show our support need this information. We need a better system so that we can support these department and families.