Stat MedEvac 12 was welcomed by the members of Leitersburg for a landing zone safety class. The class was opened up to all county personnel, and the company thanks all that attended. The class was put on for the personnel since there is a growing chance of Stat flying into the county. The Stat ships are quite different from the MSP ships most of us are used to working with, this class helped those in attendance learn the differences.

Pictures taken by Washington County Photo Team

At 00:47 Tanker 9 was dispatched to assist Fountain Dale (Adams Co.) with a hose fire. The tanker crew participated in water shuttle operations for a while before being placed available by command 3.

Crews were dispatched to Chewsville for a possible house fire. Initial reports from the caller indicated that smoke was entering their side of the duplex from the neighbors. Smoke detectors were sounding in both side of the residence. Crews had to force entry since no one was home on the side of the duplex were the fire was suspected. After entry was made, crews were able to determine that there was no fire but that a furnace malfunction had occurred charging the residence with smoke. Crews shut down the furnace and ventilated.

Tuesday evening Crews from Leitersburg, Smithsburg, Blue Ridge Summit, Waynesboro, (Franklin Co.) & Fountaindale (Adams Co.) were dispatched for a possible chimney fire in Pen Mar. First units on scene determined that the situation was under control for further investigation. Units cleared soon there after.

Late Saturday evening on the 28th of October, 2006, crews resting up after a night at the Alsatia Mummers Parade were interrupted around 22:10 hours as a pre-alert was sounded for a House Fire on Beck Road.

Washington County Dispatch took a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire in the residence at 12834 Beck Road.

Crews from Leitersburg Fire Co. along with Smithsburg, Longmeadow, Mt. Aetna, and Community Rescue were quickly dispatched out on the call. While crews were responding on the call, a follow up call reported to dispatchers that the fire appeared to be in the living room. Leitersburg Engine 92 was advised of this report.

First in units from Leitersburg and Community Rescue witnessed heavy smoke coming from a one story Rancher. Firefighter Gaver on Engine 92 reported a Working Fire to dispatch and assumed Beck Road Command at 22:18 hours.

While firefighters from Leitersburg and Community Rescue worked to begin there attack on the blaze, dispatchers immediately struck the "Working Fire Dispatch" bringing additional crews in from Funkstown Fire along with Smithsburg EMS and the Emergency Air Unit from Company 25.

Crews from Community Rescue and Leitersburg were able to get a majority of the fire knocked down in the living room and kitchen as additional crews arrived on the scene.

It is reported that no one was home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause is currently under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office. Leitersburg Company 9 received assistance from Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16, Longmeadow Co.27, Funkstown Fire Co.75, Community Rescue Squad 75, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, Washington County Emergency Air Unit 25, Rehab Unit 255, and the State Fire Marshall's Office.

Pictures taken by Terry (spitty) Sigler Washington County Photo Team

Saturday, 26 Aug at 1520 hrs, Engine Companies 9 and 27, Tanker 9 and Truck 27 were alerted for a shed fire, 20900 block of the Leitersburg Pike. Engine 9-2, Chief 9 responded with 3 and arrived to find small outbuilding on fire as a result of an adjoining wood pile on fire. Access to the fire was initially an issue due to the location behind the residence. Crews quickly gained access via a neighboring driveway. Engine 9-2 crew deployed a 1 ¾" attack line to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. A booster line was used to mop up remaining hot spots while the Pro-Pak was added to the attack line. Engine 73 supplied Engine 9-2 to ensure enough water was available. Crews from Leitersburg, Longmeadow and Smithsburg conducted extensive overhaul operation to ensure the building and wood pile were extinguished. Fire was declared out by Chief 9 at 1550 hours. Chief 9 placed Longmeadow units in service. The homeowner, who was not home at the time of the incident, was contacted via telephone. They advised they were burning paper earlier that day and though it had been extinguished. Chief 9 placed remaining units in service at 1616 hours. The fire was ruled accidental.

The annual fire company picnic was held Saturday, Aug. 19 at the pavilion behind the firehouse. A good turnout and good food made for an enjoyable afternoon. Though everyone was tired and beat form the structure fire the night before, everyone still had a great time. We were just getting in to the horse shoes when the alarm rang for the controlled burn, out of control. The fire was quickly handled and everyone called it a day.

While our crews were out on the structure fire, Maugansville Engine 132 transferred to station 9. What is usually an uneventful transfer turned interesting when Station 9, Engine 132 was alerted for the P.I Assignment, including Trooper 3 for the vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Old Forge Road. Engine 9-4, Engine 132, Squad 75 and Medic 75 arrived on the scene to find occupant of the motorcycle under the bike and against a street sign. Crews removed the sign to package and load the patient. Crews also removed hazards and were placed in service. Patient was taken priority 1 due to mechanism.

Friday August 18 at approximately 2330 hours, a structure fire assignment was dispatched for a barn fire on Greensburg Road at Fruit Tree Drive. Within minutes, a working fire dispatch was alerted as well as the second alarm. Engine 9-2 responded with 2 personnel. The fire could be seen for miles, as Engine 9-2 crew found out upon cresting the hill out of Leitersburg. Tanker 9 and Engine 9-1 responded shortly after. Engine 9-2 arrived on the scene. Chief 9 was appointed as Safety officer and Engine 9-2 was staged. Upon arrival of Engine 9-1, it was determined that a significant water supply was going to be needed for a lengthy and sustained operation. Engine 9-2 laid out 1000’ and Engine 9-1 laid out 900’ of 5” LDH to a water source in Greensburg. As the firefighters on scene worked the incident, a relay operation was being established to supply the elevated streams of Tower 2. Engine 9-1 pumped continuously, supplied by Engine 7-1 and supplying Tower 2 until the end of the operation. Engine 9-2 and its operator took a break at the draft source and enjoyed some well deserved rest. Upon determination of command to terminate the water supply, crews broke down and picked up the LDH. Special thanks go out to all who assisted in repacking "da' big hose". Engine Co. 9 units cleared around 9am. That was a loooooong night!

The annual Leitersburg Peach Festival was held August 12 and 13. Excellent weather and record crowds made for a very successful event this year. The fire company, known for our pit roast beef and other fine foods was out in full force selling sandwiches. We would like to thank all who stopped by our stand, bought sandwiches and supported the fire company. Fund raisers such as this keep the fire company in business. Special thanks to those who donated to our boot drive.

A big thanks goes out to all the members and non-members who helped over the weekend. We had excellent turnout and kept the food moving efficiently. Everyone deserved a huge pat on the back for a job well done.

To all who were confused as to which line to stand in… we are working on a new system for the future. Bear with us, and thanks again for your support.

Engine 9-1, Chief 9 responded with 4 personnel. D/C 27 arrived on scene with a working fire and operations were assigned to a TAC channel. Engine 9-1 and crew arrived and were assigned salvage operations. The attic of the house was fully involved with no extension to the first floor as of yet. Engine 9-1 crew retrieved all of the salvage covers off Truck 27 and went to work. Upon completion of the salvage work, the crew was reassigned to assist with roof operations. Crews rotated in and out due to the heat of the day until the operation within the roof/attic area was complete. Crew then went back to salvage and overhaul operations in the basement stairwell area until fire was out. Overall, the operation was successful. Much of the furniture and owner's belongings were saved from smoke and water damage, though the house was considerably damaged.