FUNKSTOWN FIRE CURRENT HEADLINES!

On 2-6-22 at 0300 a detachment of the Washington County Md. Fire Companies were sent to Baltimore City to assist in staffing the fire stations. Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co., Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Co. and Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. were able to supply staffing and apparatus for this detail. 

The entire City of Baltimore Fire Department went out of service to honor: Lt. Paul Butrim, FF/P Kelsey Sadler and FF/EMT Kenny Lacayo at their funerals. This is the first time in the 235 year history of the BCFD.    

E-10-2 Crew

D. Chief J. Keplinger

O. DES Captain D. Dashanko

1. Lt. P. Mitchell (10)

2. DES F/F T. Snodderly

3. DES F/F D. Abbott

4. F/F I. Ludwig (10)

We were stationed at “31 Engine” 3123 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218 and responded to 10 Medical calls and 2 fire calls.

Heavy smoke greets firefighters who battled East North Avenue blaze Tuesday
Dave McMillionDave Rhodes
The Herald-Mail

Firefighters were battling a blaze inside a house at 39 E. North Avenue on Wednesday afternoon in Hagerstown. Smoke was rising from the house at 2:40 p.m., but it appeared to be gone by around 3 p.m., according to Herald-Mail Media reporter at the scene. Streets were blocked around the house, which is divided into apartments, and traffic was snarled in the neighborhood. A number of fire departments from the city, Funkstown, Long Meadow and Halfway were at the scene.

Adam Hopkins, a battalion chief for the Hagerstown Fire Department, said the fire was dispatched at about 2 p.m. When firefighters arrived, a large amount of smoke was rising from the front of the house and heavy fire was spreading in the back, Hopkins said.

Occupants were screaming that children might have been trapped in the house, but none were found, Hopkins said. A dog and maybe a couple cats were rescued, he said. One civilian and one firefighter sustained minor injuries, Hopkins said. An investigation will be started into a cause, he said. Hopkins said the house is divided into multiple apartments and he believed between four and six people, maybe more, have been displaced from the house.

The American Red Cross has been called to help tenants.

By: Heraldmailmedia.com

10 Hose Responds To 2 Alarm Blaze On 10-15 Box

Three Firefighters Injured During 2 Alarm Blaze

On the morning of June 29th, crews from the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company were alerted at 10:20 hours with several other departments due on Box 10-15 for a structure fire on Carter Lane, just off of College Road south of Hagerstown. Washington County Emergency Communications 911 Center had multiple reports coming in reporting some type of explosion with heavy smoke coming from the area. Directly after dispatch, Halfway Tower 26 marked up advising they could see a large column of black smoke from Halfway. The Washington County ECC continued to be flooded with calls from miles away reporting the smoke. State Fire marshal Ed Ernst confirmed heavy smoke from Colonel Henry K Douglas Drive.

Funkstown Chief Jerry Keplinger was responding and copied units responding and immediately requested the Safety Assignment and a Tanker Task Force started. Funkstown Engine 10-1 arrived reporting what appeared to be several structures involved with heavy fire conditions that was beginning to spread to an adjacent field. Firefighters deployed multiple attack lines, blitzfires, and deck gun operations to conduct an aggressive attack on the blaze.

Sixteen minutes into the call, firefighters were faced with a “Mayday” situation after they had a partial collapse on the second floor of the structure. Three firefighters were operating on the second floor when the roof began to collapse. Two firefighters were able to bail-out but a third was trapped and transmitted a “Mayday” to command. The trapped firefighter was able to self-extricate to a point where other firefighters were able to assist him out of the building too awaiting EMS crews. From the time the “Mayday” was sounded to the time it was terminated was less than 60 seconds. EMS conducted a quick assessment of the trapped firefighter and requested aviation through Command due to the extent of his injuries. The other two firefighters who bailed out during the collapse were also checked by EMS. The trapped firefighter was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation’s Trooper 3 to Medstar in Washington D.C. while the other two firefighters were transported to Meritus Medical Center.

Upon termination of the “Mayday”, Command called for the structure to be evacuated and crews changed to a defensive operation. Several ladder trucks set up for ladder-pipe operations. Command requested a 2nd Alarm started to the incident for fresh personnel at 10:47 hours. Firefighters continued their aggressive fire attack for another hour before bringing the blaze under control. Command reported the fire knocked down at 12:14 hours. Firefighters remained committed on the scene for three more hours attempting to soak down the area extinguishing hotspots from the exterior of the building. Due to the heavy damage, Command deemed the structure to unsafe to make entry to conduct overhaul operations. Chief Keplinger terminated command at 15:16 hours report Fire Department Operations were complete and released all remaining units on the scene.

Firefighters responding that day dealt with heavy fire condition as well as high temperatures. The State Fire Marshal’s release showed they were batting a 25’ x 20’ two-story wood-framed garage with a 25’ x 20’ wood-framed, shingled roof carport where a Class-A Motorhome was parked. Maryland State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst was able to determine the point of origin which was the motorhome within the carport area. His preliminary investigation deemed the fire accidental from an electrical failure. Damages to the structure and contents were estimated to be around $150,000. The only injuries reported during the incident were the three firefighters injured during the collapse. The two transported to Meritus Medical Center were treated and released while the one transported to Medstar was admitted for his injuries.

The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.10) responded out on the call receiving assistance on the scene from multiple agencies around the area. Other departments on the call included The Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12 (Fairplay Co.12), Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway Co.26), Hagerstown South End Engine 5, Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Boonsboro Fire Company (Stations 6 & 8), Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.1), Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company (Co.16), Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.9), Hagerstown Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 3, Hagerstown Western Enterprise Truck 4, Hagerstown Battalion Commander Adam Hopkins, Boonsboro Rescue Squad (Co.69), Sharpsburg EMS (Co.19), Frederick County’s Myersville Fire Company (C0.8), Berkeley County EMS Marlowe Station 96, First Hagerstown Hose Engine 1, Potomac Valley Volunteer Fire Company (Co.11), Washington County Fire & Rescue Association Safety Officers, Washington County Emergency Support Services (Air & Rehab Co.25), Division of Emergency Services Command Staff, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 3), Maryland State Fire Marshal (FM26), and Washington County Fire Police.

Additional crews from surrounding counties also responded to assist with station transfers to cover the area while units were committed. Covering companies consisted of Berkeley County West Virginia’s Bedington Fire (Co.40), Frederick County Maryland's Middletown Fire (Co.7), Franklin County Pennsylvania’s Waynesboro Fire (Co.2), and Jefferson County West Virginia’s Shepherdstown Fire (Co.3).

Residents displaced after apartment building fire

Fire damaged an apartment building east of Hagerstown on Tuesday, displacing residents of 24 different units.  No one was injured. For a time, residents and onlookers stood outside the three-story building at 20308 The Gardens to watch firefighters from several companies battle the flames.

Jeff Burnett pointed to the building's roof and said his apartment was "right where that big hole's at."  "I heard the smoke alarms go off. Then I started smelling smoke," Burnett said.  "I grabbed my shoes, my wallet and my car keys and got out of there."

Burnett, who is retired, had been supervisor of water distribution for the City of Hagerstown. He thought he lost "everything" in the fire.  "All of my furniture is pretty much brand new," he said. "I just bought my big-screen TV."  He had lived in the apartment about 18 months. He said he is having a new home built nearby, "but it won't be done until December or January."

The blaze was reported at 10:59 a.m. in the Rosewood Village Apartments near Hagerstown Community College, according to a Washington County 911 supervisor.  The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause, according to Jerry Keplinger, deputy chief of the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co.  "Most of the fire, when I arrived, was on the back of the structure, and then it got into the roof," he said.

At one point, Keplinger said, he had to withdraw firefighters so the flames could be doused enough that they could re-enter the building and resume the fight inside.  "There was heavy damage to at least half of the structure," he said.  He also said firefighters did not have a problem with water supply, and that tanker trucks were called to the scene as a standby.   

The last units left the scene at about 7:45 p.m., a 911 supervisor said. Keplinger said firefighters "had to do a few mop-up things" and were trying to help residents recover some needed items.  "We're going to do our best to get the tenants taken care of," Adam Shaool, a principal in WashCo Management, which owns the complex, said Tuesday.

Local emergency and Red Cross officials are taking care of tenants' immediate needs, he said. The company is also making arrangements to help those who lost their homes.  He said that a GoFundMe page will be set up soon to accept donations and contributions. He said people also can email ashaool@washcodevelopments.com.  "Nobody was hurt. The first responders were great," Shaool said.  He said 24 apartments were affected in the 2-year-old building. He said the building's construction, in keeping with recent building codes, kept the fire from being worse.  "We're hoping that eight of the apartments are going to be salvageable," he said, adding that the company plans to "rebuild and restore."

Multiple fire and rescue units, as well as Washington County Sheriff's deputies, were sent to the scene. A section of Robinwood Drive near HCC was closed for a time Monday afternoon because of the blaze.  Patsy Hays, 83, lived on the first floor of the building. Tuesday afternoon, she sat bundled in a blanket watching firefighters work.  "I didn't even know there was a fire until I heard the buzzers go off," she said, saying someone helped her outside. "I wasn't able to get my keys or anything."  Hays, who has no close relatives nearby, was joined by Ashley Burleson.  "I'm her banker," said Burleson, who works at the nearby First United Bank and Trust. "She's kind of my adopted mom."  Burleson was listed as Hays' emergency contact and was called by the property manager to be with her.  "I trust in God," Hays said. "I always depend on God for everything."

By: Heraldmailmedia.com  Joyce Nowell, Mike Lewis

Two Motor Vehicle Collisions Shuts Down I-70 at the 29mm

On the afternoon of August 7th, the Washington County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received reports of a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in the area of the 29-mile marker. Emergency crews from Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company and the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway were alerted for the call at 14:47 hours. Units responding were advised that they had up to 7-9 vehicles involved with unconfirmed injuries. With multiple vehicles involved, additional Medic Units from Community Rescue Service and Williamsport Fire and EMS were started to assist. Lieutenant Willie Vazquez from Halfway arrived first to confirm he had multiple vehicles involved and established I-70 Command.

Emergency crews were able to quickly evaluate the scene finding that they had no serious injuries. Command reported he had no entrapments and was holding the incident to two Medic Units only and was releasing the rest. With in seconds of the report to the ECC, units working the scene witnessed a second accident in the opposite lane of Interstate 70. Personnel were jolted by the sound of the skidding rubber as they looked up to watch a tractor trailer on the east bound side of the interstate strike the guardrail and erupt into flames. Firefighters quickly sprang into action rushing to the aid of the tractor trailer driver who was already self-extricating himself as Command reported to the ECC that they needed a second assignment started for a second vehicle accident on the East Bound side with fire. The fire appeared to be rapidly growing so Command requested a Tanker Task Force started on the assignment.

Crews operating on the West Bound side halted their operations to assist with the East Bound accident that appeared more serious. As Funkstown crews worked to access the East Bound Lane, the ECC started additional units to the East Bound incident as West Bound Command had crews deploy a Leader Line off of Halfway’s Engine 261 along with a High-Rise Pack to reach the burning tractor trailer and extinguish the blaze. As units worked to gain control, Funkstown’s Fire Chief Eric Fraley arrived, and established East Bound I-70 Command and Halfway’s Deputy Chief Jamie Drawbaugh assumed West Bound Command as Lieutenant Vazquez was assisted with the East Bound Operations. Firefighters quick actions on the East Bound incident kept the fire from spreading and the incident from being much worse than what it could have been.

Interstate 70 was brought to a complete standstill in both directions for several hours as emergency crews worked both incidents. No serious injuries were reported with either accident that afternoon. One motorist involved with the West Bound accident was transported to Meritus Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. No other motorists involved required transport to the hospital, but one firefighter was transported to Meritus Medical Center for evaluation after suffering a heat related emergency.

The interstate was shut down for several hours causing severe traffic delays throughout the area. Washington County Fire Police and Hagerstown City Auxiliary worked together to shut down multiple ramps for I-70 and handled traffic control in the Funkstown area while crews were operating on I-70. West Bound I-70 was able to be re-opened around 17:00 hours, while East Bound remained closed until all hazards were able to be removed around 19:00 hours that evening. Both accidents are currently being investigated by the Maryland State Police.

Emergency personnel on the call responded from the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.10), Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway (Co.26), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company (Co.16), The Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12 (Co.12), Washington County Special Operations 20, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington County Emergency Support Services (Rehab 25), Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Safety Officer, Washington County Fire Police, Hagerstown City Police Auxiliary.

Funkstown, MD - On the morning of April 17th, Washington County Emergency Communications received a call reporting an unknown fire in the area of Roadway Express Trucking Company on East Oak Ridge Drive. Personnel from the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company were alerted at 12:50 A.M. for an outside investigation of an unknown fire and arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the building at 231 East Oak Ridge Drive. Funkstown’s Engine 10-2 reported back to Washington County that they had a working structure fire and requested the box started as they established Oak Ridge Drive Command.

At 12:55 A.M., Washington County dispatched the remainder of the units due on Box 10-18. Hagerstown Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Mark Cleck arrived and assumed Oak Ridge Drive Command, reporting they had a 100’X500’ warehouse with a 10% involvement and requested the 2nd Alarm to be struck at 1:04 A.M. Firefighters were faced with a rapidly moving fire in the roof of the structure. The aggressive efforts and strong teamwork of the crews operating on the 10-18 Box was able to keep a bulk of the fire contained to the south side of the structure. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two-and-a-half hours before they were able to bring the fire under control. Once they had a bulk of the fire out, firefighters continued to work for several hours conducting extensive overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

At 5:15 A.M., command was able to scale the incident back, releasing a majority of the units on the scene, and Battalion Chief Cleck transferred Command over to Funkstown’s Fire Chief Eric Fraley. The remaining fire crews on the scene were committed throughout the morning into the early afternoon, conducting additional overhaul while assisting the team of Fire Marshals who were on the scene from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The early morning blaze caused extensive damage to the structure, which was an approximate 60,000-square-foot metal structure that housed several businesses. Damages are currently estimated to be around $2,000,000. One firefighter was transported to Meritus Medical Center with minor injuries, but no other injuries were reported. A release put out by the State Fire Marshal’s Office stated that they have identified an area of origin, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Over 100 emergency personnel from multiple departments responded on the fire. Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.10) responded on the call, receiving assistance on the scene from the Hagerstown Fire Department Command Staff, HFD-South End Fire Company (Engine 5), HFD-First Hagerstown Hose Company (Engine 1), Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway (Co.26), HFD-Pioneer Hook & Ladder (Truck 3), Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company (Co.27), Maugansville Goodwill Fire Company (Co.13), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Washington County Special Operations (Co.20), Washington County EMS 1811, Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Boonsboro Fire Department (Co.6), Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12 (Co.12), HFD-Independent Juniors (Engine 3), Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company (Co.16), Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.9), Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.7), Franklin County Pennsylvania’s Rescue Hose Company (Co.3), Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company (Co.4), Washington County Emergency Support Services (Co.25), Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Washington County Fire Police. Additional assistance was received from Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.1), Franklin County Pennsylvania’s Marion Volunteer Fire Company (Co.8), Frederick County Maryland’s Middletown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.7), and Emmitsburg Fire Department (Co.6); who transferred units and personnel in to help cover calls in Washington County while crews were committed on the incident.

2 Alarm Blaze Destroys Local Business in Longmeadow

On the morning of November 5th, Emergency crews in Washington County were alerted for an early morning structure fire on Leitersburg Pike in the area of Long Meadow Road. Washington County’s Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls that morning just after 6:30 AM reporting flames showing from the garage at Complete Car Care located at 19914 Leitersburg Pike. Crews from the Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched out with several other surrounding departments due on their Box 27-7 at 0632 hours for a “Working Commercial Building Fire”. Fire dispatch advised Longmeadow’s Assistant Chief Jeremy Smiley on Quint 27 that they had received multiple calls reporting that the garage was fully engulfed and confirmed with him he wanted the County Safety Assignment, which was then immediately dispatched.

Longmeadow’s Fire Chief, Jason Eckstine, arrived on the scene with in minutes confirming they had a working structure fire with heavy fire conditions and established Leitersburg Pike Command. Chief Eckstine quickly evaluated the scene and reported that he had a 200’ x 75’ Auto Care Facility with heavy fire showing from the roof and advised that all personnel would be operating in a Defensive Mode only. Firefighters worked to set up for Ladder Pipe operations as command requested an additional Ladder Truck and two additional Tankers to the scene to assist with operations as crews began their fire attack from the exterior. Thirty minutes into fire attack operations, Command called for a second alarm assignment to bring in fresh personnel to assist with fire suppression operations.

Firefighters battled Tuesday morning’s blaze for nearly an hour and a half before Command Reported the fire under control at 0803 hours. Once under control, firefighters were able to make entry to begin overhaul operations to extinguish hot spots in the areas where they still had active fire. Shortly after entry was made, it was determined the stability of the structure was too compromised and deemed unsafe for any interior operations. Command immediately had all firefighters exit the interior and return to a defensive mode of operations. Firefighters were committed on the scene six hours Tuesday conducting extensive overhaul operations and assisting investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office. Once Fire Department operations were complete, Command was terminated at 1218 hours and the scene was turned over to crews from the Maryland Department of the Environment who were called in due to the run off hazards from the blaze.

The cause of Tuesday mornings blaze at the Complete Car Care business has not yet been released. The investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office were able to confirm the point of origin of the blaze was found to be near the vehicle lift on the interior of the repair garage. The estimated damages were reported to be around $500,000 between the structure and it’s contents, which included five vehicles that were in the garage at the time of the fire. The cause of the blaze currently remains under investigation as of November 20th.
 

Over 60 emergency personnel from multiple departments between Washington County and Franklin County Pennsylvania respond on Tuesday mornings incident. The Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company (Co.27) responded out on the incident in their first due receiving assistance from Leitersburg VFC (Co.9), Maugansville Goodwill Fire Company (Co.13), Hagerstown’s Antietam Fire Company (Engine 2), Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company (Co.7), Washington County Special Operations (Co.20), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Hagerstown Independent Junior’s Fire Company (Engine & Truck 3), Greencastle Pennsylvania’s Rescue Hose Company (Co.3), Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.10), Waynesboro Pennsylvania’s Always There Hook & Ladder (Co.2), Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway (Co.26), Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company (16), Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company (Co.4), Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Washington County Division of Emergency Services (Co.18), Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Safety Officer, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Washington County Fire Police. Additional assistance was received from Berkeley County West Virginia’s Bedington Volunteer Fire Department (Co.40) who transferred their Rescue Squad 40 to Longmeadow’s Station 27 to cover while crews were committed on the incident.

Three Dead and Two Injured in Four Vehicle Accident near Boonsboro

On the afternoon of October 29th, crews from Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company and Community Rescue Service were alerted for a personal injury collision on National Pike in the area of Mt. Lena Road west of the Frederick County Line. Washington County Emergency Communications Center initially had reports of a vehicle accident east of the Mason Dixon Drag Strip with unconfirmed injuries. Crews were dispatched out at 14:23 hours as additional calls continued to flood the Emergency Communications Center with additional reports of the accident being serious with multiple patients.

Community Rescue’s Paramedic 75-1 and Mt. Aetna’s Engine 16-1 were responding when Maryland State Forestry Unit 735 arrived to find a chaotic scene. He relayed to Washington County that they had a multivehicle accident involving a dump truck, a Prius, and two motorcycles and that it a appeared to be serious. Captain Dennis Browne of Community Rescue was the Duty Officer that day and immediately started towards the scene to assist along with Paramedic 75-5 as Washington County started an additional unit from Boonsboro Rescue Company.

Mt. Aetna Engine 16-1 arrived and confirmed reports and established National Pike Command quickly evaluating the scene reporting they had one entrapment with multiple patients. Washington County acknowledged Command’s report and started a Rescue Squad on the call. Once command was able to complete his scene size-up, he reported that he had three Priority 4 patients, one Priority 1 patient, and one other patient that was still being evaluated. With the report given by command, Captain Browne immediately requested aviation to be launch for the Priority 1 as he approached the scene.

Crews from Mt. Aetna and Community Rescue were able to rapidly extricate the driver from the Prius allowing the paramedics to fully evaluate the their status while packaging them for transport. EMS quickly classified the driver a Priority 1 Category A Trauma. The driver of the dump truck was also being evaluated at the same time by other Paramedics on the scene. The driver of the Prius was package for transport and flown out by Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 3 to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma while the dump truck driver was transported by Community Rescue Service to Meritus Medical Center by ground with non-life threatening injuries. All Fire & EMS crews were clear of the scene by 17:00 hours that afternoon, but the roadway remained closed by Maryland State Police.

The cause of Tuesday’s accident is currently being investigated by the Maryland State Police Crash Team. The preliminary investigation indicates that the Kenworth dump truck involved was west bound on National Pike when it struck the back of the Toyota Prius that was waiting to turn left onto Mt. Lena Road. The impact forced both vehicles into the oncoming lane striking two Harley Davidson motorcycles which were traveling east bound. The passenger in the Prius along with both motorcyclists were confirmed deceased on the scene. The status of the two patient transported by EMS and MSP Trooper 3 from the scene has not been released. The Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office were briefed on the incident by State Police Investigators. The incident is currently being reviewed by the State’s Attorney regarding charges. The driver of the dump truck was treated and later released while the driver of the Prius is still recovering from their injuries per Maryland State Police.

Emergency crews responding on Tuesday’s incident consisted of personnel from Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Company (Co.16), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Boonsboro Rescue Squad (Co.69), Washington County Division of Emergency Services Paramedic 1811, Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company (Co.10), and Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 3 stationed out at Frederick Municipal Airport.

The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company ran 83 Fire Calls and 18 EMS Calls in the month of March.

Notable Calls: March

March 3 rd E-10-1 mutual aide to HFD 1700 Edgewood Hills Circle for an odor in a stairwell. Metered nothing found
March 3 rd E-10-1, E-5, RE-2, Tower 26 to 18000 block of Zemma Lane for a flooding condition with electrical hazard. No shut offs in house had to shut off at street meter.
March 3 rd snow storm caused several accidents on I-81, I-70 and Halfway Blvd
March 10 th Rescue Squad 10 mutual aide to 200 Block of Guilford Ave for the house fire. Steam from a dryer no fire
March 10 th Box 10-9 1200 Block Frederick Street for the house fire. Arrived on scene to find pellet stove had malfunctioned
March 10 th Co. 10, 20 units assisted the police department in the area of Arnett Drive and Sharpsburg Pike
March 10 th E-10-2 to 10000 Block Sassan Lane for an AFA (A cat had tripped the alarm system)
March 12 th Rescue Squad 10 Mutual aide to HFD unit block of E. Antietam Street for the house fire. Co. 10 manpower assisted with operations and returning units to service
March 13 th Rescue Squad mutual aide to HFD for a Personal injury accident cancelled enroute
March 13 th E-10-2 to 1700 block of Edgewood Hills Circle for the apartment fire. No services from E-10-2
March 19 th E-10-2 to 19000 Block Poffenberger Rd. for an AFA. Arrived on scene to find food on stove. The alarm system saved the home.
March 23 rd Rescue Squad to 300 block of S. Cannon Ave for the house. No services
March 23 rd E-10-1 mutual aide to HFD 1000 block of Kuhn Ave for the investigation nothing found
March 23 rd E-10-1, M-75 to Maplewood Drive for the overdose
March 24 th Rescue Squad mutual aide to HFD Broadway Ave for the house fire No services
March 24 th E-10-1 to Plantation Drive for the AFA. Food on stove no service from Co. 10
March 27 th E-10-1 & RS 10 mutual aide to HFD for a chimney fire Winston Drive

The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company ran 58 Fire Calls and 22 EMS Calls in the month of February.

Notable Calls: February

Feb 1 st responded to 13 calls for emergency service a natural gas leak, several accidents, and a flooding condition
Feb 2 nd Rescue Squad 10 to 11oo Fairview Road for the house fire assisted with overhaul
Feb 2 nd Co. 4 and 27 while on standby for our banquet responded mutual aide to 9700 blk of Chapelwood Lane for the house fire. Crews assisted with extinguishment and overhaul.
Feb 4 th Rescue Squad 10 mutual aide to HFD South Potomac St for the apartment fire squad staged and placed in service
Feb 5 th E-10-1 to 1800 block Dual Hwy for a vehicle into a tree assisted with door pop
Feb 5 th Co. 10 to Teakwood Drive for the overdose
Feb 11 th Odor of smoke at 11110 Medical Campus units on scene found nothing
Feb 11 th Assist with possible cardiac arrest Maryland Ave
Feb 11 th Mutual aide to Co. 6 200 block of S. Potomac St for the house
Feb 25 th E-10-1 mutual aide to Mt. Aetna for the electrical hazard along Interstate 70
Feb 25 th E-10-1, Co. 16 and 75 to the 33mm I-70EB for a Personal injury accident

A. Larry Iseminger Lifetime Achievement Award
David Johnston

Honorable Mentions
Washington County Fire Rescue Recruitment Retention
Matt Bowman

Fire Chief Awards
Special thank you to Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Co.

Recognizing Career Staff
James “Robert” Horning
Jason Eckstine
James Balogh
Michael Nokes
Jimmy Sprecher III

The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company ran 84 Fire Calls and 17 EMS Calls in the month of January.

Notable Calls: January

Jan 1^st: 0611 E-10-1, E-3, Trk-1 to 20009 Rosebank Way (Brookdale Senior Living) for an A.F.A..  E-10-1, E-3 on scene with fan motor burned up.  Removed fan Ready @ 0643

Jan 3^rd: 0641 E-10-1, E-16-1, Tankers 6 & 16 to I-70 at the 32mm for a vehicle accident with fire.  Units on scene with tractor trailer into the bridge structure and fully involved in fire.  Had one patient that was priority four.  Ready @ 0857

Jan 5^th: 1305 E-10-1 R-75 to East Oak Ridge Drive (behind station for a vehicle accident.  Units on scene to remove hazards. Check for injuries Ready @ 1357

Jan 5^th 1544 E-10-1, RSQ-10 DC-10 M-75 to 9100 Crystal Falls Drive for a vehicle accident.  Units cancelled enroute.

Jan 9^th: 0253 RSQ-10 M/A to Co. 16 at the 37mm for a tractor trailer accident with an entrapment.  RSQ-10 crew performed a door pop. Ready @ 0306

Jan 9^th: 0811 RSQ 10 to 20113 National Pike for a PIC provided BLS care, traffic control and removed hazards.  Ready @ 0842

Jan 13^th 0502 RSQ-10 on the HFD Box 7 E. Washington St. for an apartment fire.  No service from RSQ-10. 

Pa. truck driver dies in fiery crash on I-70 near Hagerstown

• By Dan Dearth ddearth@herald-mail.com

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On early morning of April 15th, Washington County 911 had a report of a tractor trailer overturned just north of the West Virginia Line. Emergency crews from Williamsport Fire & EMS were alerted for a personal injury accident on Interstate 81 in the area of Exit 1 at 00:03 hours Saturday morning. Williamsport crews were quick to respond arriving within minutes after dispatch. Paramedic 2-8 was the first unit to arrive confirming they had a tractor trailer on its side.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

Funkstown, MD - On March 15th, the Funkstown Fire Company was alerted at 6:15 P.M. on Box 10-16 for a reported structure fire at 20346 Jefferson Boulevard, east of Hagerstown. Funkstown responded out, along with crews from Hagerstown FD and Community Rescue Service for what was reported to be a fire in a residential garage. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On the evening of February 17th, Washington County 911 received multiple reports of a serious accident on Interstate 70 in the area of the 36 mile marker. Calls reported multiple vehicles involved including a tractor trailer in the median strip. Emergency crews from Washington and Fredrick Counties were dispatched out to the East Bound lane at 20:44 hours as additional calls continued to pour into the 911 Center.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On December 21st, Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company was alerted with multiple departments for an apartment building fire at 13:36 hours. Units due on Box 27-2 were dispatched to 521 Antietam Drive just off of Eastern Boulevard. Washington County 911 received multiple calls reporting Wednesday afternoon’s blaze north east of the city limits for Hagerstown.

Firefighters were advised by neighbors upon their arrival that several occupants may still be in the building. Crews were preparing to make entry as firefighters were already preparing for their defensive attack when Battalion Chief Grimm reported to command that he had confirmation that all occupants were out of the structure. Firefighters were then able to concentrate on the fire attack. Firefighters were making progress but had to exit the structure due to lack of water.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On December 11th, tragedy struck the community of Boonsboro in Washington County when a fire ripped through a home on Lanafield Circle. At 14:17 hours that Sunday afternoon, Washington County 911 dispatched units out on Box 6-1 for a reported house fire with possible entrapments. A local neighbor tried to reach the occupant inside the residence but they had problems opening the door to get inside the home. Neighbors could see flames inside the home as they were trying to gain access to the resident inside. Heavy smoke poured from the house as neighbors continued to try and gain access as firefighters arrived on the scene. 

Firefighters arrived to find a single story rancher with heavy fire showing at 322 Lanafield Circle. Firefighters had reports that there was one occupant still inside the structure. Firefighters worked to gain entry as Chief Oley Griffith from First Hose of Boonsboro arrived and assumed Lanafield Command. Firefighters were unfortunately hampered by hoarding conditions inside the residence making access to the home difficult and adding to the fire’s fuel load. Firefighters worked diligently to rescue the occupant and extinguish the blaze. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

A Funkstown woman was charged with second-degree arson Sunday after she allegedly set fire to her car while it was parked Saturday at the park and ride at 10525 Sharpsburg Pike near Hagerstown, the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said.

Diane D. Fulk, 58, also was charged with two counts of malicious destruction of property, according to a fire marshal's office news release.   Deputy state fire marshals said that Fulk set fire to her 2008 Kia four-door sedan at the park and ride at about 10 a.m.

The fire caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to her car and about $250 in damage to a 2015 Chevrolet pickup truck that was parked nearby, the release said.   Fulk was taken to Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown for a medical evaluation, authorities said.  Fulk was served with a criminal summons Sunday.

Maryland State Police assisted with the investigation, the release said.

(Story by: heraldmailmedia.com)

On November 21st Washington County 911 took an early morning call reporting a structure fire out off of Medical Campus Road east of Hagerstown. The 911 call came in from a subject leaving Meritus Medical Center advising a building near Yale Drive was on fire. Emergency crews from multiple departments were quickly dispatched out on Box 10-3 at 02:50 hours for a building on fire in the area of Medical Campus Road and Yale Drive. Washington County 911 received several calls reporting a building fully engulfed in flames. 

Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were working hard to control the blaze as flames shot high above the structure. Command recognized the need for additional resources and requested the 2nd Alarm started. Over 75 emergency personnel from over 20 different agencies responded out to the early morning tragedy. High winds fueled the early morning fire hampering firefighter’s efforts to quickly gain control. Firefighters worked battling the blaze for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control to the point where firefighters were able to make entry to the building. Firefighters worked for an additional two hours once the fire was knocked down conducting extensive overhaul operations. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 23rd firefighters were alerted on Box 10-17 for a house fire at 11830 Peacock Trail east of Hagerstown. Washington County 911 received the call from the residence reporting they had a fire in the living room and that all occupants were out of the house. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

In 2015 members of the First Hagerstown Hose Company celebrated their 200th Anniversary with planned events and their 200th Anniversary Banquet. In October of 2015 a large parade for First Hagerstown Hose was scheduled for Fire Prevention Week with over 50 pieces of apparatus registered to attend. On October 1st in 2015 the pending parade had to unfortunately be canceled due to severe impending weather for that weekend. 

On October 9th of 2016, months of work finally came to light as First Hose was able to finally hold their 200th Anniversary Parade to kick off Fire Prevention Week. Over thirty pieces of apparatus from the Tri-State area lined up along Oak Hill Avenue north of the Antietam Fire Company where units were checking in for the day’s event.

Over 25 units came out in show of support of First Hagerstown Hoses Parade. Captain Royce stated this parade was a long time coming and was happy with the turn out they had Sunday. The event was hampered by the fact that a majority of units initially scheduled to attend were at Memorial Activities being held in Emmitsburg, MD at the Fallen Firefighters memorial as well as the initial threat of severe weather. The area was initially under a Hurricane Watch earlier in the week due to Hurricane Matthew which wreaked havoc in Florida. Luckily parade participants faced temps in the mid to upper 60’s with sunny skies. It was perfect weather for a parade in downtown Hagerstown!

This parade is the first Fire Prevention Parade to be held in Hagerstown in nearly 30 years since the old Firemen Parades held back in the mid 80’s. Some of the early parades consisted of apparatus only from the City of Hagerstown which grew into a large scale event with apparatus coming out from all over Maryland! Captain Royce stated that to some this parade may have appeared small but over 25 pieces to come out for a parade of this type the same day as the Fallen Firefighters memorial is a success in our book!

The companies and apparatus that were able to attend were First Hose Company’s 1946 Fox, HFD Captain 33 Joey Chojnacki, HFD Engine 1, HFD Engine 2, HFD Engine 3, HFD Engine 4, HFD Engine 5, HFD Truck 1, HFD Truck 4, HFD Utility 3, Leitersburg Rescue Engine 9-1, Funkstown Engine 10-1, Potomac Valley Engine 11-2, Washington County Special Operations Rescue Squad 201, Longmeadow Quint 27, Washington County Rehab 255, Montgomery County’s Cabin John Park Fire Company Antique Engine, Franklin County Greencastle Rescue Hose Engine 3-1, Franklin County St. Thomas Engine 18-1, Brush 18, and Antique Hose Reel; Fulton County Needmore Tanker 55 and Brush 55, Morgan County Great Cacapon Engine 2-1, Maryland Forestry Unit 55, Hagerstown Police Auxiliary Car and Utility, and a Pumper privately owned by Mr. Shawn Layton of St. Thomas PA. The First Hose Company is grateful to you all for your support!

(Full Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

Funkstown Fire Company walked away with Best Appearing 1250GPM Pumper

On Wednesday October 5th, Hagerstown firefighters were awakened early for a reported house fire on Radcliffe Avenue. Washington County 911 received the early morning call from a passer-by reporting a house on fire. Units were quickly dispatched on Box 5-1-3 for a house on fire in the 300 block of Radcliffe Avenue. Captain Daiello of Hagerstown Fire Department’s 2nd Battalion marked up directly after dispatch and was advised by dispatch that they had received several calls reporting heavy fire conditions with possible entrapments. Captain Daiello immediately requested the Safety Assignment to be started.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On the afternoon of September 18th, Fire and EMS crews in Washington County were dispatched out for a personal injury accident east of Hagerstown. Washington County 911 received reports of a single vehicle off the roadway into parked vehicles. Funkstown Fire along with Community Rescue was dispatched out to 817 Beaver Creek Road for a reported vehicle rollover with entrapments at 14:48 hours. Washington County received reports from area residents that a single vehicle left the roadway striking several parked vehicle in a driveway which were pushed into the residence.

As firefighters worked to begin extrication of both patients, Washington County Special Operations were started per Command to evaluate and stabilize the damage to the residence involved. Firefighters quickly conducted a rapid extrication of both patients freeing both within 10 minutes of unit’s arrival on the scene. After extrication both patients were packaged and re-evaluated by Community Rescue crews and were now both classified as Priority 1 Category “A” Traumas. Lieutenant 75 gave report to Trooper 3 for both patients as Paramedics 753 and 755 began transport to the landing zone established by Hagerstown Engine 3 just off the Dual Highway. Upon arrival Trooper 3 was on the ground and care of both patients was transferred over to Trooper 3 and they lifted off transporting both to Shock Trauma.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On Friday May 6th Washington County 911 received a call from 425 Bethlehem Court reporting a fire in the residence. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched out on Box 10-19 at 22:49 hours. Crews from Funkstown, Hagerstown and Halfway were quick to respond to Friday night’s incident within minutes after dispatch.

Forty four responders from multiple agencies responded out Friday night to assist Funkstown Fire Company 10 on the fire. After the fire was reported knocked down around 23:00 hours, firefighters worked for nearly an hour conducting overhaul operations and hitting hot spots. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

Person injured on I-70 had jumped from U.S. 40 overpass

Posted on Apr 17, 2016 by Julie E. Green

Maryland State Police confirmed Sunday that the reason a section of eastbound Interstate 70 near Hagerstown was closed Saturday night was because a person jumped from the U.S. 40 overpass onto the roadway.

State police would not provide further details, including whether the person survived.

On April 14th, Washington County 911 took reports of smoke coming from a residence on Oriole Circle where crews responded for a house fire back on the eleventh. Funkstown Fire was dispatched out for a reported rekindle at 12:19 hours along with Hagerstown Engine 3 and Truck 1. Shortly after dispatch State Fire Marshal Carl Witmer “FM25” was coming through the area reporting heavy smoke in the area. Washington County immediately upgraded the assignment to a full box.

State Fire Marshal Witmer arrived on the scene reporting he had heavy smoke coming from the structure at 17203 Oriole Circle with visible flames rapidly spreading from the first floor area to the roof. Washington County initiated the Safety Assignment as Safety 204 “Deputy Chief Drawbaugh from Halfway Fire” arrived on the scene and established Oriole Circle Command. Command was able to complete a quick size up and confirmed he had heavy fire through the roof upon his arrival and crews would be operating in a defensive mode.

Upon transfer of Command crews had a bulk of the fire knocked but still had active fire on both divisions. All crews that made entry were pulled from the structure to conduct Ladder Pipe Operation due to fire was still building. After sweeping the building with the Ladder Pipe crews finally had a good knockdown and were able to reenter the structure and begin overhaul operations at 14:08 hours.

Funkstown Assistant Chief Paul Neal terminated command at 17:50 hours that evening as remaining fire crews were clearing while State Fire marshal’s remained on the scene into the evening. State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst “FM26” advised that an accelerant dog was called in to assist on the investigation. He stated both incidents are still under investigation.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On Monday April 11, Washington County 911 received calls reporting smoke coming from a house on Oriole Circle. One call came in from an Allegheny Power employee in the rea working. Emergency crews on Box 10-17 were dispatched out at 12:39 hours for the house fire.

Independent Juniors Engine 3 was the first arriving unit to smoke showing from side Alpha. With Engine 3’s report the Safety Assignment was immediately started to the scene. Safety 204 “Deputy Chief Jamie Drawbaugh from Halfway Fire” arrived and assumed command until arrival of Chief 10 advising he had a 2 story residence with a working fire. Firefighters from Engine 3 initiated an aggressive offensive attack stretching an inch and three quarter line to the garage and attacking the fire as additional firefighters arrived. Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire within 15 minutes of their arrival.

Funkstown Fire Co.10 responded out receiving assistance from HFD Independent Juniors Engine 3, Antietam Fire Engine 2, Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16, Long Meadow Fire Co.27, Halfway Fire Co.26, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1, Washington County Special Operations 20, Community Rescue Co.75, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, Washington County Air Unit 25, Washington County Rehab Unit 255, WCVFRA Safety Officer 204, American Red Cross, State Fire Marshal FM26 and Washington County Fire Police.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On Monday March 22nd, Hagerstown Fire Department responded out for a Structure Fire in the 100 block of East Baltimore Street. Washington County 911 was processing multiple calls at 19:00 hours as Captain 33 (Joseph Chojnacki) of HFD 3rd Battalion was in the area on Baltimore Street reporting he had heavy smoke coming from a building and advised that he needed the full box with the safety assignment. HFD Companies were immediately dispatched out on Box 1-3-4 quickly followed by the Safety Assignment.

Captain Chojnacki assumed Command and reported that he had a 2 Story Multi-Family building with Heavy Fire on Side Charlie and requested the 2nd Alarm to be started. Firefighters responding in faced heavy smoke throughout the area along with heavy fire conditions. Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack but were quickly pulled from the structure. Command requested the evacuation tone sounded at 19:15 at which time crews went into a defensive mode on the fire ground using Deck Guns and Ladder Pipe Operations to battle the blaze. 

Emergency crews from multiple departments responded into the City of Hagerstown to support HFD Companies during Monday night’s blaze. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze until 21:59 hours at which time Command reported fire was knocked down. With the fire knocked, Command was able to begin releasing a majority of the units on the scene.

Over 75 Fire and EMS personnel responded out to Mondays evening’s incident. Additional assistance was received from The American Red Cross to assist with the 22 Adults and 5 Children that were displaced that night. 11 of those displaced were living in the upstairs area of the main fire building. A temporary shelter was set up at the Hagerstown Wells House across the street where The Red Cross Representatives were able to meet with those who were displaced and assist them.

Hagerstown City Fire Marshals were on scene that night to begin their investigation. Fire crews remained on the scene all night watching over the scene extinguishing hot spots and rekindles. City Fire Marshals remained with Fire Department crews throughout the night and well into the day investigating the cause of the blaze. All Fire Department personnel were clear of the scene at 18:20 hours the next day. No injuries were reported, and the City Fire Marshal’s Office is still looking into a cause. It was confirmed that four building sustained damage. The main fire building was the Laber’s Office Furniture Building also known to many in Hagerstown as the old Juvenile Sales Building from years past.

Firefighters from all 6 fire companies in the City of Hagerstown responded out from First Hagerstown Hose Engine 1, Antietam Engine 2, Independent Juniors Engine 3, Western Enterprise Station 4, South End Engine 5 and Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1. HFD received in county assistance that evening from Funkstown Fire Co.10, Halfway Fire Co.26, Long Meadow Fire Co.27, Maugansville Fire Co.13, Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Washington County Special Operations 20, Community Rescue Co.75, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, Washington County Air Unit 25, Washington County Rehab 255, Hagerstown City Police and Auxiliary Police as well as The American Red Cross. 

Additional assistance was receive from out of county mutual aid departments consisting of Greencastle PA Fire & EMS Co.3, Waynesboro PA Fire Co.2, Fountaindale PA Fire Co.3, Shepherdstown WV Fire Co.3, Bedlington WV Fire Co.40, and United Fire & EMS Co.3 from Frederick County MD.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com Photos Courtesy of WCVFRA Photo Team)

On November 20th, Washington County 911 received a call reporting a House Fire in the 600 block of Frederick Street in Hagerstown. At 12:34 hours Hagerstown Fire Department crews were dispatched to 613 Frederick Street for a House Fire on Box 465 with possible entrapments. Washington County Rescue Squad 20 arrived on the scene directly after dispatch to find a two story residential structure with smoke showing. Battalion Chief Adam Hopkins immediately requested the Safety Assignment started on the assignment.

Chief Hopkins arrived on the scene and assumed Frederick Street Command. Crews arrived to find all occupants had safely been evacuated from the building as firefighters began their interior attack. Firefighters were faced with a quickly spreading fire. The fire which began in an electrical fixture in a first floor bathroom that spread into the walls quickly spreading further into the second floor and attic areas of the duplex. Firefighters confirmed they had fire on the second division and a working fire in the attic upon entry.

Firefighter worked to contain the blaze which was traveling through the walls making it extremely difficult with the building’s balloon construction. Crews had a bulk of the fire knocked on Division Two within 15 minutes of the incident while crews on Division Three reported they still had fire in the floor area. After evaluating the scene with a heavy amount of smoke still coming from the structure, Command requested a Second Alarm struck requesting all units to stage at the Training Academy Parking lot Frederick Street.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On October 27th Washington County 911 received a call about smoke coming from a house in the 100 block of Lakin Avenue in Boonsboro. While taking the call the caller reported that they could see flames now coming from the house. Crews from Boonsboro were immediately dispatched out at 10:17 hours on Box 6-9 to 116 Lakin Avenue for a House Fire. Crews arrived on the scene shortly after dispatch to find heavy fire on Side Alpha of the structure. 

Crews were delayed in initial operations due to downed power lines that were still charged. Firefighters worked to control the blaze from the exterior as much as possible until power was secured. Once secured, crews were able to go to work on an interior attack of the blaze. Crews battled the blaze for over an hour before they were able to bring it under control. Command reported the fire knocked down at 11:38 hours that morning. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On October 24th, Washington County 911 took a call reporting a residential fire in the 1000 block of Pope Avenue off of Wilson Boulevard in the South End of Hagerstown. Reports were coming in reporting smoke coming from the building at 1010 Pope Avenue. The assignment for Box 4-5-3 was dispatched out at 10:01 for a reported “House On Fire”. As units were marking up additional calls were coming in reporting fire showing from the roof of the building. With the additional information the Safety Assignment for HFD was immediately struck.

Units responding could see a column of smoke from the downtown area of Hagerstown. Battalion Chief 3 “Adam Hopkins” arrived on the scene reporting a two story multi-family structure with heavy smoke showing from the attic area and assumed Pope Avenue Command. Hagerstown City Police were already on the scene attempting to assist in evacuation of the structure as Fire Crews arrived. Firefighters quickly attempted an interior attack entering the structure trying to locate the fire. 

As firefighters worked to gain access to the attic area the situation was quickly deteriorating on the exterior as the fire was rapidly growing. Firefighters were finally able to gain access to the attic area finding heavy fire conditions. Command called for the Evacuation Tones to be sounded and all interior crews were pulled from the structure. Firefighters went into a defensive mode at this point attacking the fire with a Deck Gun mounted on Engine 1 on Side Alpha of the structure and the ladder pipe on Truck 4 to gain control of the rapidly growing blaze.

Firefighters were able to get a bulk of the fire knocked fairly quickly from the exterior. Firefighters then switched back to an offensive mode and Captain 33 “Joey Chojnacki” took a crew and re-entered the structure to continue their interior attack in the attic. Firefighters worked for over 35 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Command reported fire knocked down at 10:40 hours and that crews were beginning overhaul operations. Crews remained on the scene until well into the afternoon conducting overhaul operations as City Fire Marshals began their investigation into the cause of the blaze.

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On October 24th, Washington County 911 received a call reporting a Truck Fire on Interstate 70 near the top of South Mountain just prior to the Washington County / Frederick County Line. Washington County dispatched fire crews from Mt. Aetna Fire Company 16 and requested mutual aid from Frederick County’s Myersville Fire Company 8 to respond for a Tractor Trailer Fire on Interstate 70 East Bound in the area of the 38 Mile Marker at 16:07 hours. 

As crews responded, calls continued flood the dispatch center. The scene appeared to be deteriorating as the additional calls came in to dispatch. Mt. Aetna’s Fire Chief Terry Stouffer from Mt. Aetna Company 16 could see a large column of black smoke from the bottom of the mountain as he entered the interstate from Mapleville Road at exit 35. At 16:10 Chief Stouffer arrived on the scene reporting he had a working Tractor Trailer Fire and immediately requested additional Engines and Tankers for water supply. Crews were faced with a rapidly growing fire which was beginning to spread into the trees and brush along the interstate. At this point Interstate 70 East Bound had to be shut down.

Firefighters had a Tractor portion of the truck well involved upon arrival with fire spreading into the trailer portion of the truck. The driver was able to safely exit the truck with minor injuries and no other vehicles were involved. Firefighters from Mt. Aetna, Myersville and Funkstown worked together to battle the blaze as additional crews were responding. Washington County Special Operations was called out also to assist with their Hazmat 20 unit due to spillage and runoff issues from the fire. Firefighters were able to get a bulk of the fire knocked down within 20 minutes of their arrival on the scene. The driver of the truck was transported by Myersville EMS to the hospital for minor injuries. 

(Story by: William C. King  @ 1strespondernews.com)

On 6-1-15 at 1606 Rescue Squad 10 was alerted for a multiple vehicle accident I-81 South at Exit 1. Units on scene advised no entrapments but many patients for transport.  Almost all ambulances in the county were used for transport.  Co. 2 Williamsport first due area

On 5-23-15 at 1337 Rescue Squad 10 was dispatched along with HFD units to Frederick Street.  Crews arrived to find a patient still in vehicle and needed to be extricated. Crews worked side by side seamlessly and the patient was transported to the hospital.

On 5-14-15 Engine 10-2 and RSQ 10 responded mutual aid for a commercial building fire at 18057 Oak Ridge Drive. Co. 10 crews assisted with extinguishment, salvage and overhaul.  While units were operating on the structure fire Co. 10 was dispatched to 20014 Rose Bank Way for an automatic fire alarm. E-10-1 and HFD E-1 arrived to find food on stove crews completed ventilation.

On 5-10-15 at 1056 Box 10-8 was sounded for Quailbridge Circle for a house fire.  Chief 10 Fraley arrived on scene with a stove fire that was contained by the sprinkler system.  Crews on the assignment worked to shut off and remove the water and evacuate the smoke from the structure. Funkstown was assisted by Hagerstown Fire Dept., Mount Aetna Fire Co., Community Rescue Service and Special Operations. Ready @ 1244