By Stephen Smoot
Last week, Engine 22, Engine 23, and Tanker 25 responded to a structure fire on the 800 block of Simmons Mountain Road near Moyers.
The call came in at about 9:46 p.m. and when crews arrived, according to the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page, they “found a large equipment garage fully involved with several exposure buildings nearby.”
Three hose lines ran from Engine 22 to contain the fire and prevent spread to the nearby structures. Tankers ensured that sufficient water remained available to douse the blaze completely. Additionally, crews had to perform “extensive overhaul to remove metal siding so all areas of fire could be extinguished.”
At that point, Engine 22’s deck gun came into play to finish putting out the fire.
Several area agencies responded in support. These included South Fork Volunteer Fire Department, VFDs from McDowell and Highland County in Virginia, and Pendleton County Emergency Rescue. Upper Tract VFD moved a tanker to Franklin in case it was needed. Circleville VFD was initially dispatched, but returned to service.
The call ended a little after 1 a.m. after approximately 15,000 gallons were poured onto the blaze to put it out. Buildings not involved in the initial fire remained undamaged and, most importantly, no injuries occurred.
The call came as the FVFD and the emergency response community continue to mourn the passing of Franklin firefighter Brian Sites. His battle with cancer ended earlier this month, but not before he enjoyed the blessing of the birth of his “greatest accomplishment,” his son, Jared.
Pendleton County’s Office of Emergency Management posted on Facebook “Rest easy, Sir. Your brothers and sisters have it from here.”
Also, VFD related, the Upper Tract VFD announced its appreciation for a donation from the Boonedock Hunting Club due to its work in helping to put out the wildfire on Greenawalt Gap. Crews worked to save cabins and other structures from the rapidly growing fire at the time.
