At 21:51 hours Company 9 was dispatched to Franklin County, Washington Township, 4490 Leitersburg Road for a reported mobile home fire. Tower 2 with Captain 2-1 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from sides A and D.

At 19:33hrs the 7-6 box was alerted for the House fire on Water Company Rd in Cascade. Tanker 9 is on the initial dispatch for this box area. Asst. Chief 7 was advised when we went responding that he had a working fire. The working fire assignment was started. Engine 9-1 responded with 4 to assist. However this was going to be a defensive attack as the structure had collapsed as the first units arrived. Crews helps to extinguish the pile of debris that now lay in the foundation. Crews had to also deal with an Ice and snow. Crews later cleared and Smithsburg returns numerous times from neighbor complaints.

At approx. 1850, a pre-alert for Box 9-6 was sounded for 14511 Rinehart Road. Engine companies 9, 7, Franklin 2, Tanker 9, Engine 73, Tanker 16, Franklin Tower 2, Franklin Squad 4 and Medic 79 were dispatched to the location for the building fire. Chief 9 responded and was advised by FRC that the owner had called saying the wood stove in the packing house was on fire and that there was smoke and flames visible. E9-2, 9-1, 9-4 and Tanker 9 responded as well as the other first alarm assignment units. Chief 9 advised E9-1 to establish the water supply at Watery Lane and prepare for a tanker shuttle operation. Chief 9 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from all 4 sides of the structure. Chief 9 spoke with the owner who advised where the fire was in the building. Chief 9 directed E9-2 to set up on the A/D corner and deploy 1 pre-connect in the building and 1 pre-connect to the D side of the structure to make access and extinguish the fire. Crew from E9-2 made entry and knocked down the initial fire. Crews were advising that a large wood pile was on fire in the building. Crew on side D was also making headway on extinguishing some fire from an opening in the wall. Command was established by Chief 9 and the air unit, food unit and fire marshal were requested to the scene. Arriving crews were sent to ventilate the structure and check for extension in the upper floor of the packing house. The building was completely charged with smoke and visibility was zero. Initial concerns were to ventilate as best as possible to get in and put a knock on the fire. Crews were then directed to begin removing the wood from the structure. After a significant amount of time, personnel were filtered to rehab and command requested a 2nd alarm assignment with manpower to assist with the extensive overhaul operation. Once a good portion of the wood was removed, crews were able to knock the fire down and visibility began to improve. Command then called the fire knocked down. Crews worked throughout the evening forming lines to remove the firewood from the building. D side, which was led from the onset by FF Bloom then transferred to AC 9 Stouffer was making headway in removing the wood from the opening as well. Interior advised that most of the wood that had been on fire had been removed. Command directed crews to hydraulically overhaul the remainder of the wood pile then lay a thick foam blanket over it. Command conversed with the owner and advised him to keep check on it throughout the night. Command placed all units available at xxxx.

The fire company held a roast beef sandwich sale. A decent turnout from the community enabled us to sell three rounds of beef. Thanks to everyone who supported us. This was one of the many fundraisers we will be holding to build our new fire station.

Engine 9-2 with a crew of 4 transferred to Blue Ridge Summit Fire Department while they were out on an electrical fire. Engine 9-2 and an engine from Adams County 3 protected the top of the mountain for the evening.

When training new drivers, give them the spaghetti challenge right away, it makes them a better pump operator in the long run.

Leitersburg crews spent the morning teaching K & 1st graders the importance of fire safety. Over 100 kids were given instruction on topics such as 911, stop drop and roll, smoke detectors, family meeting places, and the dangers of matches and lighters. They were also given a walk around tour of the fire apparatus and sent back to class with a goody bag. We would like to thank Old Forge School for their hospitality and look forward to visiting each year.

Our annual money bonanza was held Saturday evening proving to be another successful fundraiser. For the first time, all tickets were sold prior to the event thanks to members willing to push the tickets and the chief willing to push the members. An excellent time was had by all who attended, especially those who won all the money. We would like to thank all those who attended and hope to see you next year at about the same time for yet another money bonanza.

Firefighters trained on the basics of auto stabilization and extrication during a company training session. Using the new tools purchased from a MIEMSS / DOT grant, the crew had a full evening of cribbing and cutting on an old car which was once owned by Chief Mongan. Everyone had fun demolishing the car and some may have learned a little something, as well.

At 1746, Tanker 9 was alerted to assist MMPW Engine Co. 9 in Franklin County, PA on a barn fire. Several units from Washington County assisted with 2 building fires in Franklin County that day. Tanker 9 hauled several loads of water and went in service around 2200 hrs. You need a drink; we’ll bring it, in a 2000 gal. mug!!

At about 1900 hrs, the PI assignment was alerted for the 21300 Block Old Forge Road for a personal injury accident, vehicle rollover with possible entrapment. Engine 9-4, Chief 9 responded and arrived on the scene to confer with Captain 7 on the scene advising no entrapments, 3 possible patients. Engine 9-1 arrived to handle traffic control as well as Unit 9-0. Chief 9 cancelled the Rescue Engine from 7, Medics from 79 transported 2 patients from the scene and handled 1 refusal. Crews removed hazards and turned the scene over to WCSD.

Around 0700, Engine Co 9 was alerted mutual aid assist with Franklin County Co 2, WFD for a building fire with possible entrapment. Engine 9-1 responded and crew assisted with suppression and fire ground support. Engine 9-1 was released at about 1000.

The annual Leitersburg Peach Festival was held August 11th and 12th. The weather held out again this year with both days being in the high 80’s and low 90’s and breezy. The fire company served over 700 lb. of pit roast beef as well as hamburgers, hot dogs, country ham sandwiches and drinks. Large crowds both days kept everyone in the stand busy. Thanks to all our patrons for another successful year and a special thanks to all the members who kept the food rolling. Great job, everyone!

At 2219, FRC sounded the pre-alert for Box 9-6, 14149 Poplar Grove Road for a house fire. Units were dispatched to respond. Engine 9-2, Chief 9responded and was advised by FRC that a firefighter was on the scene with fire through the roof of the residence, all occupants out. Chief 9 immediately called for the working fire dispatch and a tanker group. Engine 9-2 dropped 5” at the end of the lane and laid in. Access to the scene was restricted to one Engine due to weather, a very narrow and winding driveway, foliage and terrain. Engine 9-2 slid off the driveway and into the yard where a defensive attack was ordered by Chief 9. Chief 9 established Poplar Grove Command and advised FRC of a house fully involved. Crews deployed a 3” attack line and 2 -1 ¾” attack lines to protect an exposure located on the Alpha/Bravo corner about 10’ from the burning structure. Additionally, a line was pulled to protect the Engine and driver due to intense heat. Command ordered all efforts to saving the exposure, as the primary structure was a total loss. Command appointed Assistant Chief 7 as the Operations officer and advised him to ensure the exposure did not burn. Command then ordered Tanker 9 to drop their dump tank at the end of the lane, dump their water and have the next Engine in pick up Engine 9-2’s line and supply it from the dump tank. Command also advised Engine 9-1 to set up a draft at the intersection of Gardenhour and Durberry Roads to supply the tanker shuttle operation. Deputy Chief 4 was then placed in charge of water supply and the operation was taken to an alternate channel due to the amount of Tankers responding. Meanwhile, back at the incident scene, a manpower staging area as well as rehabilitation area was established to rotate crews off the hand lines. Brush units were requested through Command to protect nearby wooded areas on side C. Sgt. 27 was placed in charge of manpower staging and filtered crews in and out throughout the operation. The operation remained defensive until all 4 walls collapsed inside the foundation. Personnel were then ordered to continue protecting the exposure and begin applying water to the structure itself. The 3’ line was deployed up the hill on side Alpha for greater reach and penetration. The hand lines were deployed to the sides and rear of the structure to extinguish fires outside the foundation. The residence contained a wrap around style deck/porch on sides A, B and C. The materials used in the construction included pressure treated pine, plastic lumber deck boards, vinyl covered posts, vinyl railings and a tarpaper / shingled roof. Crews attempted to extinguish the fire throughout the operation, but the plastic lumber and vinyl materials continued to burn, despite the efforts. Once the majority of the fire was knocked down, command began to release units. Command advised FRC that the fire was going to continue to burn within the foundation and that additional calls would be handled with a local alarm, unless otherwise specified. FM 26, who was requested by Command earlier, arrived on the scene. Command conversed with the FM and ordered limited hydraulic overhaul by the crews. Upon completion, hose and equipment were picked up and units returned to service. Command terminated the operation at approx. 0030 hrs. Several rekindles were reported by neighbors and passers by, some of which were legitimate and some of which were not. As the wrap around porch continued to melt and burn, crews would respond to extinguish. Foam and water were used to extinguish the fire, but to no avail. The fire had to eventually burn itself out. The last rekindle was handled at about 0230 the following morning.

At 1614, Eng. Co. 9, Franklin County Rescue Squad 2, Medic 79 and Trooper 3 were alerted for a personal injury accident reported head-on on Ringgold Pike. Police agency arrived on the scene reporting an entrapment and trauma code, CPR in progress. Units arrived on the scene and requested fire police to shut down Ringgold Pike at Breezy Acres Road and at Leiter Street to divert traffic. Command went into effect by Engine 9-4 crew, which was later transferred to AC 9 upon his arrival. Patient was extricated and CPR continued until medic unit arrived and consulted with the hospital, at which time CPR was terminated and the patient was a priority 4. 2 other patients were assessed, 1 was transported immediately and the other later transported for check up. Crews assisted the police department with accident reconstruction / investigation with any support needed. Personnel were hydrated and later fed by the Auxiliary, who was requested to the scene by command. Upon conclusion of the police investigation, command was terminated and units cleared at 1903 hrs.

At 1758, Engine Co. 9, Franklin County Engine Co. 4, Tanker 9 and Brush units from 9 and 4 were alerted for a reported fire on Pen Mar High Rock Road. Information from FRC advised the fire was somewhere below High Rock, unknown location and unknown size. Engine 4-2 arrived on the scene and advised they could see a small fire approximately 5’ by 7’ located on a ledge below the Rock. D/C 9 arrived on the scene and established High Rock Command. Command directed Brush crews to access the fire via the right flank. Tanker 9’s crew accessed from left flank and was able to access the fire using a hose stream from above. A hose line was placed in service and fed down to the attack crews, who quickly extinguished the fire and mopped up. An ambulance was on stand by for responder safety. Command contacted the Maryland State Fire Marshal due to the suspicious nature of the incident. No action was taken by the State Fire Marshal. Fire was then determined to be extinguished, command terminated and units went in service at 1912.

At 1612, Engine Co. 9, Franklin County Ambulance Co. 4 and Medic 79 were alerted for a medical emergency at Pen Mar Park. Upon response of the initial units, additional information from FRC indicated a subject having chest pain along the Appalachian Trail. Engine 9-4 arrived on the scene and established Pen Mar Command. While crews developing a strategy to reach and retrieve the patient, additional equipment was requested through command. Special Operations was alerted for their ATV as well as Mont Alto for their ATV. Unit 255 was also requested to the scene for hydration of personnel. Crews reached the patient and provided care at the scene. Patient was stabilized for transport out of the mountain via ATV. Patient was extracted and loaded on the ambulance to be transported to the hospital. All units cleared at 1818 hrs.

A crew from Engine Co. 9 transferred to Boonsboro Co.69 Tuesday night to run the Rescue Squad during their annual carnival. After a thorough check out of the squad, the crew spent most of the evening at the carnival eating, gambling and eating... oh and of course protecting lives and property. No calls were ran, but the crew had a lot of fun anyways. Thanks to Boonsboro Rescue for the invite... call on us anytime!!

Engine 9-4 was on the air for pump training when Fredrick County dispatch a box in company 21 (wolfsville) first due. Engine 9-4 was at station 79 looking at there new ambulance, that was not there, when Washington County dispatch the call. Engine 9-4 told headquarters that they where at route 64 and 77 if Fredrick would like our help. Washington come back shortly after and advised 9-4 to responded on the call. Chef 21 went on scene with a barn full involved and requested a tanker task force. Engine 9-4 was the second engine on scene. 9-4's crew reported to command for an assignment command advised that there was a small woods fire in the rear of the barn if we could check on it. engine 9-4 was to stage in the rear and worked on putting out the small woods fire. once the woods fire was controlled operations advised us to stay in place in case something would break out. about in 90 min. into the call command advised for all operations to stop and rehab. During this time 9-4 went to fill up with water and was told to stag on the hard road until needed. shortly after the break command advised fire out holding 21 units others can go in service. Engine 9-4 went in service back to the station for clean up.

At approx. 1605 hrs., Wednesday 16 May 07, Engine Company 9, Rescue Squad 13, Special Operations 20 and Medic 79 were alerted for a P. I. Assignment, reported vehicle into a building, 21200 Block of Leitersburg Pike. Engine 9-2, Chief 9 responded and arrived on the scene to find single vehicle into a building, all occupants appeared to be out with minimal damage to the building. Chief 9 placed the Rescue Squad and Special Operations units in service upon confirmation. Co. 79 units arrived on the scene, as well as Engine 9-4 and Unit 9-0 to check patients and obtain refusals. Chief 9 placed Co. 79 in service and held the engine company for traffic control while firefighters assessed the building for any obvious structural damage. Building sustained minimal damage as well as the striking vehicle. Chief 9 placed units in service upon arrival of MSP, who stood by for the towing agency and took the report.

Responding Units

• Chief 9 K. Mongan
• Engine 9-2
• Engine 9-4
• Unit 9-0
• Rescue Squad 13
• Unit 202, Collapse 20
• Medic 79-2
• Unit 79-4
• Captain 79

At 1840 hours Co 9 along with Rescue Squad 13 and Medic 79 were dispatched to a MVA on Leitersburg Pike near the Stop-n-shop liquors. Reports to units responding were that it was a serious accident but the exact location was unknown. Engine 9-4 arrived on scene to advise a t-bone accident. They would advise on injuries. Deputy Chief 9 arrived right after Engine 9-4 and established Leitersburg Pike Command. Units were placed on a Channel 3. Engine 9-4 advised command that there were 2 priority 1 patients in the vehicle entrapped, with 1 if not both of the Pt’s possible Trauma codes. Command notified Headquarters of the Patient report so they could alert the Hospital. Command also requested that fire police be alerted to shut down Leitersburg Pike at Lehmans Mill Rd and at Little Antietam Rd. Co. 79 had 2 medic units responding. Command requested 1 BLS unit for the operator of the Jeep. The PT was out of the vehicle walking around with a small laceration on his head. Engine 9-4’s crew was able to remove the door of the auto with the entrapments to gain access for a rapid extraction. The first medic unit arrived and received the female pt that was rapidly removed do to not having a pulse. The squad arrived, command had them assist removing the male pt and get them to the waiting medic unit. Other personnel on the scene along with Squad 13’s crew placed absorbent down to contain the large fluid spill. The 3rd medic unit arrived and transported the 3rd Pt to WCH. Command advised Headquarters that both of Co. 79’s medic units would be transporting Priority 1 trauma codes.  PM 75-5 transported 1 priority 3 Pt to the hospital. Command had Engine 9-1 respond to assist with lighting the scene for MSP, once Engine 9-1 was in place Command released Rescue Squad 13. Units remained on scene to assist MSP with traffic control and lighting for scene reconstruction teams. Units cleared and turned over to MSP and State roads.

Units on Scene

• Engine 9-4
• Engine 9-1
• Rescue Squad 13
• PM 79-1
• PM 79-2
• PM 75-5
• Deputy Chief 9 (Command)

Just around 3:00am Engine Co. 9 and Tanker 9 were dispatched to assist with the building fire on West Water St. in Smithsburg. Although the tanker was not used, Engine 9-1's crew assisted with the fire suppression activities. Deputy Chief 9 arrived just prior to RE-72, He assisted with putting in place there 2 1/2" attack line. Crew members from Engine 9-1 backed him up once they arrived. Chief 9 was put in charge of safety. Engine 9-1's crew assisted with clean up operations of hose lines that had started to ice up due to the extreme cold weather conditions.

At 6:50am units were dispatched to Pen Mar High Rock Rd. @ High Rock for a vehicle over the mountain side. Deputy Chief 9 responded and was advised by FRC that a vehicle was about 80 feet over the edge of High Rock. MSP troopers arrived on location to find a vehicle over the edge. While responding Deputy Chief 9 requested a Tach. channel and advised he would have High Rock Command upon Arrival. Franklin Co. Squad 4 arrived on seen and confirmed vehicle was about 60 feet over the edge with a subject entrapped. The location of the vehicle presented access issues. Rescue lines and a safety line were implemented for safe access. Due to were and how the vehicle landed also created a challenging extrication. Command was advised Franklin Co. Engine Co 4 failed and asked if another Engine was need. Station 9 advised they could respond with an engine. Command advised FRC that would be fine. Franklin Engine 4-2 responded shortly after E-91, they were both advised to stage at Pen Mar Park and set up a landing zone for Trooper 3.

Deputy Chief 9 arrived on scene assuming High Rock Command, advised FRC to have Special Ops wait at their station momentarily to determine if any special supplies were needed. Nothing extreme was needed and Unit 202 was told to continue. Engine 94’s crew along with Squad 4’s crew made access to the vehicle deploying a rescue rope. Crew’s placed cribbing, along with Squad 4’s winch to stabilize the vehicle. Engine 94’s crew advised the Patient was a possible priority 3. Command advised the Paramedic 79-4 and he wanted to leave the PT a priority 1 due to mechanism and the exposure time in the cold. PM 79-4 staffed ambulance 4-7 and set up supplies to warm the Pt and treat any injuries. High Rock Command requested a second BLS unit to the scene as a stand by unit for personnel working on the scene. Pt was extricated from the vehicle, and placed on a back board and secured the place in a Stokes basket to be hoisted up the hill. Special operation crew members arrived shortly in their POV's before Unit 202. The team members acquired supplies from squad 4 and then Unit 202 to set up a safety line and hauling system to assist with retrieving the Pt. Once the Pt was safely on the top he was handed over to waiting EMS personnel. Pt was assessed and determined that he was stable enough to be transported by ground. Trooper 3’s medic was dropped off at the Trooper and by Ambulance 4-7 and cleared. High Rock Command held Engine 9-4, and Ambulance 79-1 till the towing Company was able to safely remove the vehicle from the mountain. Crews cleared after Engine 9-4 handled a fuel spill result of a ruptured fuel tank while removing it from the mountain.

Units on Scene:

• Engine 9-4
• Engine 9-1
• Franklin Co. Rescue Squad 4
• Franklin Co. Engine 4-2
• PM 79-4
• Franklin Co. Ambulance 4-7
• Unit 202
• Unit 9-0
• Trooper 3

Sunday's little snow storm brought one minor accident to the area. The operator of the vehicle appeared to have tried to take the turn a little to fast for the road conditions. PM 79-2 acquired a Patient refusal and cleared. E-94 remained on the scene till the Sheriff's Dept. arrive.

At 08:30the Engine Co. was dispatched for a personal injury accident on Little Antietam Road. Engine 9-4, as well as the rest of the assignment. FRC advised they were unsure of the actual location but had a report of a single vehicle into a pole. Engine 9-4 was then advised by FRC that the caller advised the subject was trying to leave the scene. Engine 9-4 arrived, single occupant had been picked up by another individual. Chief 9 placed the remainder of the assignment in service and held the Engine. Pertinent information was given through FRC to MSP of vehicle and occupant description. Chief 9 advised FRC of broken pole number for Allegheny Power. MSP arrived on the scene. Chief 9 released the scene to MSP and placed the engine co. in service.

Responding Units...

• Engine 9-4
• Chief 9
• Rescue Engine 7-2
• Chief 7
• Two Medic Units form 79

That's right we did not make a typo. Engine 9-1 transferred to Berkeley Springs WV. with a crew of 6 to provide coverage during their annual awards banquet.

The annual face piece fit testing was held on Friday and will finish up on Sunday.