STATter 911: Two firefighters killed in West Virginia structure fire. Few details released in morning press conference from Craigsville. Update at 5:00 PM.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Two firefighters killed in West Virginia structure fire. Few details released in morning press conference from Craigsville. Update at 5:00 PM.

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The top video is WSAZ-TV's noon report. The bottom is the 9:00 AM briefing from Chief Tim Blake.

Click here for update with firefighters' identities

WSAZ-TV live coverage (scheduled to carry 6:00 PM briefing)

MetroNews

Charleston Daily Mail

The State Journal

FirefighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Nation

Pictures from scene by WSAZ-TV's John Green

Comments and condolences at wsaz.com

At a 9:00 AM press conference, Chief Tim Blake of the Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle (C-B-C) VFD in Nicholas County, West Virginia would only confirm that two of the department's firefighters were killed in a structure fire that was dispatched at 9:57 PM on Thursday night. Chief Blake said the investigation is underway by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office.

From WSAZ-TV

The chief was not prepared to release the names of the firefighters and would not take questions about the incident. He asked for everyone to have the two families and the department in their prayers.

Fire departments from Summersville, Richwood, and Webster Springs assisted with the fire.

Another briefing was scheduled for 5:00 PM and has been pushed to 6:00 PM, or later.

Earlier from WSAZ-TV:

A press conference is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday to release details about the fire that killed two firefighters from Nicholas County.

The West Virginia Fire Marshal, members of the Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Nicholas County Sheriff are all expected to be there.
The fire happened just after 10:00 p.m. at a trailer on Route 20 in Craigsville.

A firefighter with Craigsville tells WSAZ.com that the two firefighters killed were with the Craigsville Volunteer Fire Department. He says no other information is being released at this time, but calls the situation a tragedy.

Image from WSAZ-TV

# posted by Dave Statter @ 7:52 AM

Comments:

Another terrible tragedy. Its becoming all too common.

Its also a public relations blunder for them to handle the press conference like this. Makes people think right off the bat that someone screwed up.

# posted by

Anonymous : February 20, 2009 11:39 AM

My condolences to the families and colleagues of the firefighters lost in West Virginia during last night's mobile home fire. It does seem odd that a press conference is being convened. Fire-Rescue and EMS once could do no wrong in the eyes of the community, but in today's litigious society, I guess it is best to take time, reflect and then react.

# posted by

Lou Angeli : February 20, 2009 1:02 PM

When will we learn? All occupants out safely, a destroyed house trailer (probably lost before they even got there), and now two dead firefighters. Is it really worth it? I'd hate to be the OIC.

# posted by

Anonymous : February 20, 2009 6:09 PM

Worst part...It was a goddamn trailer fire!!! If you haven't been in one than you don't know! It's a bad idea to go in farther than you can see. The floors are crap! There's always an ass load of crap everywhere! At least 50 times worse than lightweight construction! Sad. Unless there is a life at risk, you ain't saving nothing! A goddamn $10,000 dollar trailer. Sucks.

# posted by

Anonymous : February 20, 2009 6:53 PM

My condolences go out to the families and friends of these brave and honorable firefighters. Our department lost a firefighter in the line of duty and I know how you are feeling. it was one of the hardest thing I have ever been through but you will all make it through this tragedy, too. Mt thoughts and prayers are with you all and god bless our fallen heroes and may they never be forgotten.

# posted by

j munstermann : February 23, 2009 2:42 AM

anonymous you have the coldest heart and have no right leaving a comment because you bogger eatting butt doesn't know what it is talking about these were very well trained men that wouldn't have went in if they knew everyone was out so u need to leave all furture blow it out your a** comments to yourself and get all the facts before you run your bogger eatting lip again

# posted by

jm : March 6, 2009 12:22 AM