Two West Virginia Firefighters Killed Battling Structure Fire

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.
WSAZ (w/Video): Two Firefighters Killed in the Line of Duty - Photos from the Scene
STATter911: Two firefighters killed in West Virginia structure fire

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Permalink Reply by Angel on February 23, 2009 at 2:33am

My condolences to the families of both fire fighters and to their Fire Departments. Rest In Peace.

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Permalink Reply by Sara Posey on February 23, 2009 at 10:01am

This tragedy has sent shock waves through our area. We hear about these types of event, but this one struck so close to home. As soon as I read the story on our local news wdtv.com, I was instantly sick at my stomach.
Condolences from Westover VFD, Co. 23, Monongalia County, WV.
When anything like this happens, it effects us all. It reminds us how fragile and sacred each life is. My prayers and thoughts are with the guys' families and friends, their department and all who they have touched. We have 2 more angels to look after us. May they be remembered in the most honorable way possible.

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Permalink Reply by KEVIN WILLIS on February 24, 2009 at 11:32am

just this weekend we lost a brother here,i know its hard but we have to honer them by driving on,god bless you and RIP brothers,from rocky gap va

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Permalink Reply by Kellie on February 26, 2009 at 11:54pm

I just wanted to say that the family's and fellow firefighter of Johnnie and Timmy are in our thoughts and prayers. Also the service's were wonderful they did a very good job with everything. If anyone went to the service's and you know the name of the song that they played for both of them please can you let me know. It was one of the most touching and emotional songs I have ever herd at a service. Thanks and EVERONE please be CAREFUL out there take care and much love Kellie from Sutton V.F.D. WVa.