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Total Incidents By Station - 2004
Station 3
10,364
Station 23
8,147
Station 31
4,336
Station 33
2,533
Total
25,400
   
Three Burned, One Critical In House Fire - December 31, 2006 - At 1725 hours Engine 31, Engine 231, Aerial Tower 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 39, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 800 block of Gail Avenue for the house on fire. Laytonsville Battalion Chief 117C arrived on the scene moments later to find a two story single family home with smoke showing. Upon further size-up it was found that three of the house occupants were across the street suffering from burns. Engine 31 pulled a handline into the structure, while Rescue Squad 3 located the fire, and Aerial Tower 3 threw ladders. Fire was found in the living room and basement and was quickly knocked by Engine 31. Rescue Squad 3 performed the primary search and assisted opening up the structure. Medic 39 transported a 4 year old male in critical condition with sever respiratory burns to Children's Hospital, a 12 year old male with burns to his legs to Children's Hospital, and a 29 year old male with burns to his hands to Medstar Trauma Center. The fire started when one of the houses occupants pored gasoline into the fire place, causing a flash fire, and lighting the living room and basement on fire.
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Morning Fire Burns Jewelers - December 31, 2006 - At 0637 hours Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 239, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11500 block of Rockville Pike for fire from the Princess Jewelers. Medic 239 arrived on the scene with a two story commercial strip shopping center with fire showing. Aerial Tower 23 forced entry to the store, vented the front windows, and placed ladders. Engine 231 pulled a handline and knocked the fire in the store, while Engine 31 pulled a handline to the second floor units to check for extension. Rescue Squad 3 performed a primary search and controlled utilities. The fire was caused when a light in a display case shorted out.
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Rockville Volunteers Spread Holiday Spirit - The membership of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department has been quite busy over the past month. Members again this year showed the spirit of the volunteer service and that they are more than emergency service providers; they are members of the community who care and give to their neighbors in many ways.  The firehouse phone rang off the hook most nights with requests for Santa.  One particular 6 year old’s mother called Christmas Eve while units were out doing the last of the Santa Runs to say that her son has waited up until 11pm the evenings before waiting for Santa to arrive on the fire engine, and that it was all he would talk about.  We were fortunate enough to get to their house late that night and Santa made a special trip off the engine to say hi!  What a thrill for this young man on Christmas Eve!  What a thrill for the volunteers who participated!
Click image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenney.

This year’s 3 rd annual Menorah Run took place on Monday, December 18 th and was another huge success.  We met over 800 residents while handing out over 20 cases of chocolate coins and hundreds of dreidals.  Members talked with the residents and enjoyed the constant praise and thanks bestowed by the people who were there.   The Menorah Run continued on our way with the 2 hour parade ending at the Chabad Synagogue on Rt. 28 where County Executive Ike Leggett joined us to light the new Menorah in front of the Temple.  Members then proceeded inside the synagogue to enjoy the traditional Hanukkah foods and dance and sing.  Go to www.ourshul.org to view the photos of the event.

Click image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenney.
On Saturday, December 23rd the Rockville crews attended the annual celebration at the Lincoln Park Community Center.  We have done so for the past half-dozen or so years and each year the reception gets bigger and better.  Santa was in his prime greeting each child personally as a member of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department gave each child a present.  Rockville’s toy drive produced over 350 individual toys which were distributed that night along with toys from the Marines Toys for Tots campaign.   Rockville members totaling over 25 that night met the children and community leaders and enjoyed the company and warm atmosphere of this wonderful event.  
Click image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenney.

Not only did Rockville supply toys to the Lincoln Park event, but members gave dozens of toys to the Stepping Stone Shelter for battered women on Christmas Eve. All the apparatus from Station 3 was out on the Santa Run that night and stopped at the shelter to visit with the 18 children who call it home.  Santa’s firefighter/EMT elves personally delivered bags full of toys from their toy drive to the boys and girls.  The kids all came out to see Santa and the parade of vehicles lit up their neighborhood.  The administrators and the families were most appreciative of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department! Both Saturday and Sunday nights the units went to the Best Western Hotel on Rt.28 to deliver toys to families who call the hotel home.  Each day the volunteer men and women of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department make a difference in the lives of those who suffer medical and fire related emergencies and call for help.  This year, as in the past, they touched the lives of those who would go without during this time of joy. Rockville members made the extra effort to get into the community and deliver toys, see their neighbors, drive around handing out candy canes, Hanukkah gelt, dreidals and good will all the while still answering those many, many  911 calls that come in each day, every day, thousands of times a year. Yet, the members of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department went out of their way to say they care! To say they will step in and help.  And they DID!

One Trapped In front of White Flint - December 21, 2006 - At 0852 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 were dispatched to the 5500 block of Nicholson Road for the personal injury collision with one overturned. Engine 231 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one car on its roof with a single patient trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then extricated the patient from the vehicle from the drivers side. Medic 239 transported the patient as a priority 2 multi-system trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click image for larger view. Images by Wesley Arnold
One Trapped In Gaithersburg - December 19, 2006 - At 1530 hours, Gaithersburg Medic 89, Rescue Squad 3, and Gaithersburg Engine 81 responded to the intersection of S. Frederick Road and Westland Drive for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one unconscious and trapped in the passenger seat of their vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the passengers side door. The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center as a priority 1 trauma.
Fire In Darnestown House - December 10, 2006 - At 1521 hours, while Rockville units were clearing a training house burn, Engine 311, Engine 33, Truck 31, Truck 3, Ambulance 339, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units dispatched to a house fire in the 15800 block of Ancient Oak Drive. Engine 311 arrived on the scene with a two story single family home with fire in the roof of the garage. Engine 311 pulled an attackline to the garage, while Truck 31 began opening up the ceiling of the garage. The fire was quickly extinguished and no extension was found.
Images by Ed Tenney

Heavy Fire In Rockville Townhouse - December 6, 2006 - At 0721 hours, Engine 231, Engine 33, Truck 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 238 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 11300 block of Morning Gate Drive for fire on the deck of a townhouse. While enroute, the Public Safety Communications Center advised units they were receiving multiple calls and they believed this to be a working fire. The rapid Intervention Dispatch was added, bringing Truck 3 and other MCFRS units. Engine 231 arrived on the scene of a three story end of the row townhouse with heavy fire showing on side "C" of the structure, involving a 20 lbs propane tank. The second alarm was immediately requested, bringing Engine 331, Engine 311, Air 33, and additional MCFRS units.

Engine 231 stretched an attackline inside the front door and encountered fire on the entry floor and the deck. Once the fire on the entry floor was extinguished Engine 231, repositioned their line to hold the fire from the basement and then stretched it to the top floor to continue fire attack. Engine 33 advanced an attackline into exposure "B" and extinguished the fire in the attic and held the fire coming from the fire building. Truck 23 threw ground ladders, reported to the top floor, and assisted with fire attack. Rescue Squad 3 performed the primary search, controlled the electric, and also assisted in fire attack. Truck 3, who was the Rapid Intervention Group truck, was reassigned shortly after arrival to assist throwing ground ladders, opening up the garage door, and fire attack on the top floor and attic. The fire took approximately one hour to extinguish and caused $1.5 million dollars in damage. Fire place ashes placed on the deck at approximately 0530 hours are credited with starting the fire.

Click images for larger view. Image #2 courtesy Fox 5
Fire Showing In Gaithersburg - December 5, 2006 - At 1756 hours, Gaithersburg Engine 81, National Institute of Standards and Technology Engine 531, and Gaithersburg Aerial Tower 8 units were dispatched to the 200 block of West Deer Park Road, box area 08-01, for the odor of smoke. While enroute units were notified by the Public Safety Communications Center that they were upgrading the incident to a box alarm assignment because of additional calls reporting fire showing from the second floor. Engine 33, Engine 311, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were added to the assignment. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was also added, bringing Truck 31 and other MCFRS units. Gaithersburg Company 8 arrived on the scene with fire showing from the second floor of a two story end of the row townhouse. Gaithersburg Engine 81 advanced an attackline to the second floor and began knocking the fire, while Rescue Squad 3 removed the front door, conducted the primary search, controlled the utilities, and assisted crews on the second floor opening up. Truck 3 positioned on side "C" and laddered the building. The fire was quickly knocked, causing only $100,000 in damage.
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SUV Explodes, Causing Three Alarm Fire - December 4, 2006 - At 0919 hours Engine 33, Truck 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 200 block of Congressional Lane, box area 2301, for the Hazmat Box, reported car into a gas meter with multiple explosions. Truck 23 arrived on the scene with a back to back row of two story townhouses with the front three townhouses fully involved and heavy fire in the back three townhouses. The second and third alarms were added, bringing Engine 331, Truck 31, Hose Tender 3, and other MCFRS units. First arriving crews were able to enter the exposure townhouses and push the fire back into the townhouses of origin. A trench cut of the roof on the "D" exposure at the fire wall also prevented further fire spread. Due to floor collapse, caused by the heavy fire involvement prior to arrival, all interior operations were quickly suspended. The fire was then extinguished by a combination of handlines and elevated streams.

A women suffered a seizure while driving and drove her vehicle off the roadway, striking a gas meter. The crash sparked a fire that extended to the two-story buildings. No serious injuries were reported however a female pedestrian suffered a leg injury when she was knocked down by the force of the explosion. Six townhouses were completely destroyed, displacing about 30 people, and causing $2 million in damage.
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One Overturned, One Trapped - December 1, 2006 - At 0552 hours Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the intersection of Norbeck Road and Bauer Drive for the personal injury collision with one overturned. Kensington Company 25 arrived onscene with a single vehicle overturned on the Norbeck service road median, with the driver trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived and stabilized the vehicle by placing struts at the tailgate and building two box cribs under the roof. Once the vehicle was stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 removed the driver's sidewall from the vehicle. The patient was removed from the vehicle and transported by Kensington Medic 259 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Door Pop At Montgomery College - November 28, 2006 - At 1532 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Mannakee Street at Montgomery College Rockville Campus for a personal injury collision with entrapment. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find one trapped after a T-bone collision. Engine 31 assisted Rescue Squad 3 with stabilizing the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 removed the driver's side door and the patient was removed from the vehicle and transported to Shady Grove Hospital.
Two Trapped On Southbound 270 - November 16, 2006 - At 1728 hours Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, Truck 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded for the personal injury collision on Southbound 270 between Route 28 and Montrose Road. Engine 31 arrived on the scene in the main lanes with a 4 vehicle collision with two trapped in two separate vehicles. Crews stabilized both vehicles, while Engine 31 pulled a handline and Truck 3 lit the scene. Rescue Squad 3's officer and third worked to remove the driver's door of the pickup, while Rescue Squad 3's driver popped the door of the SUV. Crews extricated and immobilized both patients. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Medic 10 in Gaithersburg Ambulance 86 transported the driver of the pickup as a priority 2 multi-system trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center. The driver of the SUV was transported to Suburban Hospital ER by Gaithersburg Ambulance 289.
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Heavy Fire In Gaithersburg House - November 15, 2006 - At 0508 hours Engine 311 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 18900 block of Lindenhouse Road for fire in the attached garage. Gaithersburg Company 8 arrived on the scene of a two story single family house with heavy fire showing from sides "A" & "B", extending into the neighboring house (exposure "B"). The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was dispatched and brought Truck 31 and other MCFRS units. The second alarm was also requested for the exposure, bringing Engine 31, Engine 231, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23 and other MCFRS units. Engine 311 advanced a 2" handline from Gaithersburg Engine 81 to side "A" to protect the exposure. They were quickly redeployed to bring their line through the first floor of the fire house to extinguish the garage area. Engine 31 and Truck 3 were assigned to the second floor to finish opening up the attic and extinguish hotspots. The fire caused $510,000 in damages.
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One Pinned, One Trapped - November 14, 2006 - At 1428 hours Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, and Engine 311 were dispatched to the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Darnestown Road for the personal injury collision with one trapped and one ejected. Medic 39, who was at Shady Grove Hospital, quickly arrived onscene with a single car collision with one pinned and one trapped after hitting a pole. The car, which had been drag racing, struck a telephone pole, rolled on its side, pushed the roof and steering wheel down on the driver, pinning him, and trapping the passenger. A third patient climbed out of the back of the vehicle while it was on its side, causing it to fall back on all four wheels. There was no patient ejected. Medic 39 called for an additional medic unit and two medivac helicopters. Medic 299, Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8, and United States Park Police Helicopter Eagle 1 were added to the call.
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Engine 31 arrived onscene and assisted with stabilizing the car and pulled a handline. Rescue Squad 3 conducted a driver's sidewall removal, followed by the removal of the roof of the vehicle. The steering wheel was lifted of the driver and the two patients in the vehicle were immobilized and taken to waiting EMS units. The rear passenger who self extricated was transported by Ambulance 38 to Shady Grove Hospital as a priority 3, The front passenger was transported by Medic 299 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center as a priority 2 trauma, and the driver was transported by Trooper 8 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. Helicopter Eagle 1 was cancelled because of its ETA to the scene, while Medic 239 was cancelled when the third patient was downgraded to a priority 3.
Glenmont House Fire - November 11, 2006 - At 1001 hours, while Kensington firefighters were battling a house fire in Company 5's area, Hillindale Engine 241 was dispatched to an unknown emergency in the 12600 block of Epping Road in Kensington Company 18's area. The unknown emergency was upgraded to a house fire while Hillindale Engine 241 was enroute, bringing Engine 231 as the third due wagon, Aerial Tower 23 as the second due truck, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. Hillandale Engine 241 arrived onscene with heavy fire showing from side "C' of a one story single family home. Engine 231 stretched a leaderline across four fences to the rear of the structure, connected their standpipe and officer packs, and protected the "B" and "D" exposures. Once the fire on the exterior of the exposures was out, Engine 231 was pulled to the basement to relieve Kensington Engine 251. Aerial Tower 23 assisted units with fire attack on the first floor and in the attic, as well as conducting a secondary search. Truck 3, who responded on the Task Force, assisted with overhaul. The fire originated in the basement when occupants misused glue, creating flammable vapors, which were ignited by the gas hot water heater. The fire caused $400,000 damage and sent a Montgomery County Police Officer to the hospital with smoke inhalation and an occupant to the hospital with burns to their hand and face.
Townhouse Fire In South Rockville - November 6, 2006 - At 0947 hours Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded to the 11000 block of Wickshire Way, box area 23-03, for the fire in the kitchen of the townhouse. Company 23 arrived onscene with smoke showing from an end of the row townhouse. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and a Task Force were added, bringing Truck 3 on the RID and Air 33 on the Task Force. Aerial Tower 23 forced entry into the home, conducted a search, ventilated, and threw ladders. Engine 231 pulled an attackline into the house and knock the bulk of the fire. The fire which had originated in the kitchen on the first floor, extended through out the first floor and into the second and third floors. The fire, which caused $500,000 in damage, was the result of an expresso machine shorting out.
Images courtesy NBC4.com
Duplex Fire In Leisure World- November 6, 2006 - At 0056 hours Kensington Truck 25 was dispatched to the 3660 block of Edelmore Terrace for the possible transformer fire. Kensington Truck 25 arrived onscene to find a single story duplex with fire showing, requesting to have the box alarm filled. Engine 31 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to fill box alarm 25-09. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was also added, bringing Truck 3 and Rescue Squad 3. The fire, which started at the electrical panel, was quickly knocked and held to the building of origin. The fire only caused $75,000 in damage since the house was vacant.
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Truck 31 With One Trapped - November 3, 2006 - At 1302 hours Ambulance 38, Truck 31, Engine 31, and Laytonsville Rescue Squad 17 were dispatched to Shady Grove Road at Interstate 270 for the personal injury collision. Upon arrival Company 3 units found a two vehicle collision with one trapped. Engine 31 stabilized the vehicle, while Ambulance 38 initiated patient care. Truck 31 extricated the patient from the Mercedes. Ambulance 38 transported the patient from the SUV to Shady Grove Hospital, while Medic 39 transported the patient from the Mercedes as a priority 2 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click on image for larger view. Images Courtesy of Jeff Westley
High Angle Rescue Inside New Library - November 3, 2006 - At 0810 hours workers from the new Library across the street from Station 3 walked into the station and requested assistance for a worker stuck in a personal lift inside the library atrium. Truck 3 and Engine 31 arrived onscene with a single worker stuck in a JLG 30am lift in which the platform became misaligned with the mast. The operator denied need for medical care, only needing assistance getting down. Truck 3 upgraded the incident to a technical rope rescue and requested Rescue Squad 3, Truck 31, Recon 1, and Germantown Rescue Squad 291.

Battalion Chief 3 arrived onscene and assumed command, Rescue Squad 291 was assigned Operations and Rescue Squad 3 was assigned Safety until relieved by Chief 3-3. The tactical rescue plan was developed, requiring a high line to be established across the atrium and the victim to be provided and don a "diaper" seat harness, allowing him to be transferred to the third floor. Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, Truck 3, and Germantown Rescue Squad 291 built the high line system. Once the system was ready for rescue, the victim was provided the harness. After donning the harness, he was instructed how exit the basket of the lift and prepare himself to be pulled to waiting rescuers. The victim was assisted over the ledge, the system tension was released, allowing the victim to be disconnected from the high line. The victim was assessed by EMS personnel and again denied need for medical care. Units returned to service after packing up their equipment.
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Second Fire of the Day - October 29, 2006 - At 1904 hours Engine 31, Rescue Engine 33, Engine 311, Truck 31, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 900 block of West Side Drive, box area 08-02, for heavy smoke from the house. Bethesda Engine 261, who with Rescue Squad 3 was transferred to Gaithersburg Station 8 for the first fire on Brookridge Court, arrived onscene with smoke showing from a two story middle of the row townhouse. After entering the structure Rescue Squad 3 found fire in the basement. Bethesda Engine 261 stretched a handline into the basement, while Engine 31 pulled a handline through the rear of the home to the first floor to control extension. Truck 31 and Truck 3 both threw ground ladders to sides "A" and "C' of the house, and assisted in fire attack. The fire was knocked within 20 minutes and command held the incident with Engine 261, Engine 31, Truck 31, Truck 3, and Rescue Squad 3 for salvage and overhaul. The fire was caused when the electrical panel shorted out, causing it to arc and ignite a nearby mattress. The fire impinged on the gas line for the row of townhouses, displacing 34 residents, 15 of which lived in the fire building.
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First Fire of the Day - October 29, 2006 - At 1339 hours, Engine 311 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 9800 block of Brookridge Court, box area 08-05, for the kitchen fire. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added immediately due to multiple calls received by the Public Safety Communications Center. Gaithersburg Aerial Tower 8 arrived onscene with a three story middle of the row townhouse well involved. Laytonsville Battalion Chief 117B was the first arriving command officer and requested the second alarm. The second alarm brought Engine 31, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 31, Medic 39, and other MCFRS units. Germantown Engine 291 arrived as the first due engine, stretched an attackline to the front door, darkened down the fire on the first floor allowing Aerial Tower 8 and themselves to enter the townhouse. Crews then extinguished the fire on the first floor, made their way up the stairs and extinguished the fire on the second floor as well. The stairs to the third floor were burned through, so crews were forced to hit the fire on the third floor from the exterior. Truck 3 and Truck 31 were assigned to protect exposures, while Aerial Tower 23 was assigned to complete a trench between the fire building and the "B" exposure. The fire was contained to the building of origin, causing $475,000 in damage.
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Ambulance 38 Finds Worker Trapped In Trench - October 16, 2006 - At 0905 hours, while returning from a previous call, Ambulance 38 was waved down by pedestrians pointing in a hole. Upon stopping and investigating, Ambulance 38 found a worker stuck up to his waist in an 8 foot deep "T" shaped trench. Ambulance 38 called for the trench assignment and began establishing a safe zone. Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 231, Truck 3, Transport 31 with the Trench Pod (Staffed by Truck 31's crew), Engine 311, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units and Urban Search and Rescue Team members responded to assist. Company 3 units provided the patient with a helmet, eye protection, oxygen, and blankets for warmth. While waiting on the arrival of USAR personnel, Company 3 units began moving the two spoil piles from the "T" shaped trench.

As USAR personnel and equipment began to arrive, non-USAR personnel and units were place in service. USAR personnel shored the trench around the patient and then began removing the dirt trapping the patient. Once the patient was extricated from the trench, he was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center in Bethesda, Maryland by Medic 239. Units cleared at 1649 hours that afternoon.

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Another Trap Job At 1st Street - October 15 , 2006 - At 0502 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of Rockville Pike and 1st Street for the personal injury collision. Company 3 arrived onscene with a two vehicle collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle, while Engine 31 de-energized the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the driver's side door. Ambulance 38 transported an adult female to Shady Grove Hospital.
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Afternoon House Fire - October 14 , 2006 - At 1711 hours, Engine 31, Engine 331, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 319, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 12000 block of Blackberry Terrace for the report of a mattress on fire in the bedroom. Medic 319 arrived onscene with heavy smoke showing from side "A" of a two story single family home. While Truck 3 was still enroute, Truck 31 cleared the call they were previously on and took the second due truck position, moving Truck 3 to the Rapid Intervention Dispatch. Engine 31 arrived second due and pulled a 200' 1-3/4" attackline to the second floor and assisted Gaithersburg Engine 81 with knocking the fire. Truck 31 laddered the house, performed horizontal ventilation, and opened up the second floor. Rescue Squad 3 controlled the utilities and conducted a primary search. Engine 331 conducted a secondary search and assisted with overhaul. Damage was estimated at $300,000.
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One Trapped On At 1st Street - October 14 , 2006 - At 1113 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, and Battalion Chief 103A responded to the intersection of Rockville Pike and 1st Street for the personal injury collision. Rescue Squad 3 arrived onscene with a three vehicle collision with a total of four BLS patients, one of which was trapped in the Chrysler Pacifica. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle, while Engine 31 de-energized the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the driver's side rear door. Ambulance 238 also responded to assist with two of the four patients. Crews quickly immobilized all patients and Ambulances 38 and 238 transport to Shady Grove Hospital.
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One Pinned On Interstate 370 - October 12 , 2006 - At 2341 hours Medic 319, Rescue Squad 3, Truck 31, Engine 311, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the intersection of Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road for the personal injury collision with one rolled over. Units arrived to the corrected location of Westbound Interstate 370 at Interstate 270. A single vehicle went off I270, rolled down an embankment, and pinned the passenger. Truck 31 began stabilization of the vehicle while awaiting the arrival of Rescue Squad 3. Upon arrival of Rescue Squad 3, the two units worked together to pop both the front doors, removing the passengers door, and to remove the roof. The passenger and the driver were both transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click on image for larger view. Pictures by eric Bernard
Sandy Spring House Fire - October 8 , 2006 - While responding on an automatic home fire alarm call in the 1300 block of Brighton Dam Road, the Public Safety Communications Center advised Sandy Spring Engine 41 that they were now receiving call for a house on fire and were filling box 04-04. At 0341 hours Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the house on fire. Sandy Spring Chief 4-3 arrived onscene with fire showing on side "C" and through the roof. Eventually the Task Force Assignment was added, bringing Truck 3 to the scene. Truck 3 assisted crews on the fire ground through the morning. Damage is estimated at $1.1 million.
One Pinned In The Kentlands - October 2 , 2006 - Medic 319, Engine 311, Truck 31, Chief 3 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a Personal Injury Collision with two pinned on Darnestown Road at Main Street. Engine 311 arrived onscene to find a pick-up truck vs a small SUV, with the driver of the SUV pinned inside the vehicle. Rescue equipped Truck 31 began extrication while awaiting the arrival of Germantown VFD Rescue Squad 291. Patient care was initiated by Medic 319. Truck 31’s crew, later assisted by Rescue Squad 291’s crew, stabilized the vehicle and used the spreaders and a ram to open the driver’s side door. After that was accomplished, it was determined the “B” post still obstructed removal of the victim. The crews used cutting tools and the spreaders to remove the rear driver’s door and the “B” post. They then repositioned the ram to further “bend” the vehicle which lifted the steering wheel and dash from the victim’s legs. The victim was removed rapidly onto a backboard, loaded into Medic 319 and transported one block to Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8. The victim was transported by helicopter to an area trauma center as a priority one trauma. Chief 3 had command.
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Second Alarm Townhouse Fire - October 1, 2006 - At 2146 hours, Engines 311, 31, 231, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 319, and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the unit block of County Court, Company 31's area, for the townhouse on fire. While units were enroute, the Public Safety Communications Center reported receiving multiple calls and added the Rapid Intervention Dispatch, bringing Truck 3 and other MCFRS units. Car 3-7 arrived onscene to find heavy fire showing from a two story middle of the row townhouse. The second alarm was added, bring Engine 331, Aerial Tower 23, and other MCFRS units. Engine 311 pulled a handline to the second floor and quickly began knocking the fire. Truck 31 laddered the roof with the aerial, threw ground ladders to the townhouse, and assisted Engine 311 with fire attack. Engine 31 reported to exposure "B" to check for extension, while Rescue Squad 3 performed a search of the fire building and controlled the utilities.
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Rockville Volunteer Featured On CBS News - Rockville Volunteer Fire Department EMS Captain Peggy Miller was featured in a story on CBS WUSA Channel 9 News for her work as a volunteer Paramedic with RVFD, fighting wildfires around the United States, and instructing new emergency medical technicians at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy.

Click here to watch the story.

Kensington House Burns Twice In 24 Hours, One Rescued - September 25 & 26, 2006 - At 1110 hours, Engine 31, Engine 231, Truck 3 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 14100 block of Flint Rock Road, box area 2515, for the house fire with one trapped on the second floor. Kensington VFD Engine 251 arrived onscene with heavy smoke showing from side "A" of a two story single family home. Units were able to confirm with the homeowner that his wife was trapped on the second floor of the home. Kensington VFD Truck 25 located the 78 year old female and removed her from the second floor. Medic 39 transported the priority one victim to Montgomery General Hospital in respiratory distress. Although the women was resuscitated and is expected to recover, Rockville units had to respond back to Kensington's area at approximately 0100 hours the next morning to extinguish their rekindle. Damage to the house is estimated at $450,000.
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Sister Fire Company In Germany First To Wear PBI - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department's sister fire company, Pinneberg Fire Brigade, in Pinneberg, Germany, became the first fire company in Germany to wear PBI turnout gear with their delivery this month. View the article in their local newspaper (click here) or their web site for more information (click here).
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy Pinneberg Fire Brigade.
Wreck Traps One and Close Interstate 270 - September 12, 2006 - At 1104 hours Medic 319, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 311, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the personal injury collision with rollover on Northbound Interstate 270 between Interstate 370 and Montgomery Village Avenue. MCFRS Unit 20 arrived onscene with a sedan flipped over the center median, on its roof, with one trapped, and a tractor trailer truck on its side with its load of sand spilled on the road. The Hazmat unit was requested for hydraulic fluid leaking from the truck and gas leaking from the car. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the overturned sedan with struts and wedges, while Engine 311 applied foam over the wreck, and Gaithersburg Engine 281 diked the truck's hydraulic leak. After the sedan was stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 removed the passengers side wall from the vehicle. Once the extrication was complete, patient care was assumed by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8. Chief 3-3 and Car 3-7 were also on the incident.
Click image for more pictures. Images courtesy of Eric Bernard, Jeff Westley, and NBC4.com
Two Trap Jobs - September 7, 2006 - Rescue Engine 33 extricated two patients from two separate collisions in Rockville. At 0731 hours, Rescue Engine 33 extricated an adult female from a vehicle on its roof. After stabilizing the vehicle, Rescue Engine 33 removed the rear passengers side door to free the patient. Later that morning Rescue Engine 33 extricated another patient from a collision at E Jefferson Street and Monroe Street by removing the drivers door of that vehicle.
Aspen Hill Trap Job - September 3, 2006 - At 0254 hours Rescue Engine 33 responded to the the 4800 block of Aspen Hill Road for the personal injury collision report of one trapped. Kensington Company 21 units arrived onscene with one trapped and requested an additional medic unit, which brought Medic 239 to the scene. Rescue Engine 33 stabilized the vehicle and proceeded to remove the drivers sidewall. Medic 239 assumed care of the driver once extrication was complete and transported him to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy Kensington VFD
Derwood House Fire - August 28, 2006 - At 2209 hours, Engine 31, Rescue Engine 33, Truck 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched for the house on fire across from the the 4700 block of Muncaster Mill Road. Gaithersburg Engine 281 arrived onscene with a one and a half story Cape Cod style home with fire showing from side "D". Company 3 arrived onscene shortly after, quickly going to work. Engine 31 assumed the Rapid Intervention Company responsibilities, while Rescue Engine 33 secured a handline and stretched it to the second floor. Truck 3 threw ground ladders to sides "A" and "C", ventilated the house, forced entry into side "C", and reported to the second floor to assist in fire attack. The fire caused approximately $200,000 damage to a house that was vacant while under renovation.
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Rockville Volunteer Dies In Combat - It is with deep sorrow that the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department announces the death in combat operations of RVFD member Spc. Thomas J. Barbieri, 24, of Gaithersburg, Md., on Wednesday August 23, 2006. Spc. Barbieri died when his patrol came under small arms fire south of Baghdad. Spc. Barbieri was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

Thomas joined RVFD in July 2002 and left for the Army in August 2004. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Overturned Ryder Truck With One Pinned - August 13, 2006 - At 0625 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Engine 33, Engine 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to Northbound Interstate 270 at the exit ramp to Shady Grove Road for the Ryder truck overturned. Company 3 arrived onscene with a 30 foot box truck overturned against a guard rail with one patient trapped. Upon evaluating the driver, Medic 39 determined he was a head trauma and requested a Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8 to transport the patient to Baltimore Shock Trauma. Rescue Engine 33 stabilized the vehicle and proceeded to remove the roof of the cab to free the patient. The passenger of the truck, who self rescued, was transported to Shady Grove Hospital by Ambulance 38.
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Third Alarm Fire In Glenmont...Again - August 7, 2006 - At 1309 hours, Kensington Company 18 and 21 units responded for an odor of smoke in the 2300 block of Georgian Woods Place. Company 18 arrived onscene of a three story garden apartment building with smoke showing from side "B" and a report of fire in the attic. The box alarm assignment was filled for box 18-06, as well as the Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Task Force assignment, bringing Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23, Medic 239, and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units. The fire quickly spread through the roof, causing the second and third alarms to be added. Engine 31 and Hose Tender 3 responded on the second alarm, while Rescue Engine 33 and Truck 3 responded on the third alarm. Although units initiated a aggressive attack, all crews were pulled out when the roof began collapsing on personnel operating on the third floor. Aerial Tower 23 setup for master stream operations, while Hose Tender 3 laid 600 feet of 5 inch from Kensington Engine 181 to Engine 231, allowing Kensington Aerial Tower 18 to use their master stream. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked, crew entered the structure for mop up and overhaul. The fire caused $1.1 million in damage and was the fourth fire in this complex this year.
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Three Alarm Fire At Grocery Store - August 4, 2006 - At 1454 hours Engine 311, Engine 31, Rescue Engine 33 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 12800 block of Clopper Road, Germantown Company 29's area, for fire from the roof of the Grand Mart grocery store. Germantown Company 29 arrived onscene with heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof of a large single story strip shopping center. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and the second and third alarms were added, bringing Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 31, Truck 3, Hose Tender 3, and numerous other MCFRS units. After the fire was knocked with ladderpipes and handlines, crews conducted extensive overhaul operations. The fire caused an estimated $400,000 in damage.
Images courtesy NBC4.com