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Remember Fallen Firefighters

2007 News Archive

Gaithersburg Row House Fire- December 27, 2007 - At 1748 hours, Engine 311, Truck 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 9100 block of Bobwhite Circle, box area 08-08, for the row house fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 8 arrived on the scene with fire showing from a middle of the row row house. Engine 31, Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23, and other units responded on the Second Alarm. The fire was contained to the home of origin. Damage is estimated at $250,000.
(Left) Courtesy Paco Byron and NBC4.com (Right) Courtesy NBC4.com
First Due Apartment Fire - December 23, 2007 - At 2257 hours, Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 700 block of Monroe Street for the apartment fire. Company 3 arrived on the scene of a three story apartment building with fire showing from the third floor. Engine 31 stretched a 400' leaderline to the apartment building, then stretched their standpipe pack, containing 150' of 1 3/4" line, to the fire apartment. After Rescue Squad 3 forced entry to the fire apartment, Engine 31 advanced their line to the fire in the bedrooms and the rear hallway and extinguished the fire. Truck 3 placed its aerial to the roof of the building, threw ground ladders, and assisted with opening up the fire apartment. Rescue Squad 3 searched the fire floor, controlled utilities, and assisted crews in the fire apartment. Aerial Tower 23 threw ground ladders and also assisted with opening up the fire apartment.
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Derwood Fire Kills Three - December 10, 2007 - At 0348 hours, Engine 33, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 17800 block of Muncaster Road, box area 28-17, for the house on fire. As Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 was arriving on the scene, the Public Safety Communications Center advised they were now receiving reports of people trapped. Gaithersburg Engine 281 went onscene of a single story, single family home, with heavy fire showing from nearly every window and through the roof. Crews initiated an aggressive attack and search. Two victims were located in a fist floor bedroom and one victim was located under considerable debris at the rear of the home. Unfortunately all three victims were killed in the fire.
(Left) Courtesy MCFRS, (Right) Courtesy Gazette Newspaper
"Culinary Education" - December 6, 2007 - At 1527 hours Company 3 responded to a kitchen fire at 300 N. Washington Street with the report of people trapped. Company 3 didn't just find a fire controlled by sprinklers in a second floor kitchen, but also found some friendly animals hanging around. Ummm delicious!
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One Pinned On Interstate 370 - December 5, 2007 - At 0909 hours, as units from Company 3 were clear their 14th collision of the morning, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 339, Engine 33, Truck 3, and additional units from the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to Eastbound Interstate 370 between Interstate 270 and Shady Grove Road for the collision with one pinned. Truck 3 arrived onscene confirming a single driver pinned in a sedan. Engine 33 arrived and stabilized and de-energized the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 removed the driver's side doors and "B" post to extricate the patient. Gaithersburg Medic 89 transported a multi-system trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Two Alarm Apartment Fire In Aspen Hill - December 4, 2007 - At 1259 hours Engine 231, Engine 33, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 3800 block of Bel Pre Road for the apartment on fire, box area 25-08. Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 25 arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from the second and third floors of a three story garden apartment building. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Second Alarm were added, bringing Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, and other MCFRS units to the scene. Engine 33 pulled a line to the third floor and extinguished fire on the third floor and the extension in the roof. Truck 3 laddered the building, placed the aerial to the roof, vented the roof, and assisted with fire attack on the third floor. Rescue Squad 3 performed a primary search, controlled utilities, and assisted with fire attack. Company 23 units formed the Rapid intervention Group. Damage to the apartment building is estimated at $750,000.
Top images courtesy of MCFRS Click image for larger view.
One Trapped On Parklawn Drive - December 4, 2007 - At 0143 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to Boiling Brook Parkway and Parklawn Drive for the collision reported Montgomery County Police on the scene with one trapped and the car on fire. Engine 231 arrived onscene with a single vehicle collision with one trapped, but no fire. Rescue Squad 3 arrived and stabilized the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the drivers side door, allowing EMS crews to access the patient. Medic 239 transported a priority 1 head trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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First Due House Fire In Potomac - December 3, 2007 - At 0404 hours, Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Engine 301 was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm in the 10400 block of Lloyd Road, Company 33's area. While enroute the Public Safety Communication Center advised the were filling the box assignment for the house fire. Engine 331 cleared a previous run to respond on the fire, along with Engine 311, Engine 33, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other units from the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and the Bethesda Fire Department. Units arrived onscene to find fire in the floor between the basement and first floor.
Collision With Vehicle On Fire - November 23, 2007 - At 1314 hours, Medic 319, Rescue Squad 3, and Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department units were dispatched to Westbound Interstate 370 near Route 355 for the traffic collision with a vehicle on fire. Gaithersburg units arrived on scene first to find a vehicle that left the road way, struck two parked tractors, and caught on fire. The single occupant of the car was pulled from the vehicle by good Samaritans. The occupant, a trauma code, was transported to Shady Grove Hospital by Ambulance 289.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Westley. Click image for larger view.
Deck Fire With Extension - November 22, 2007 - At 1548 hours, Engine 311, Engine 33, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 319 and other Montgomery County units were dispatched to the 300 block of Leafcup Road, box area 31-14 for the deck on fire. Company 31 units arrived on the scene with smoke showing from the front and rear of a three story end row home. Upon further investigation Truck 31 reported a deck on fire with extension to the house. Crews quickly controlled and extinguished the fire.
Fatal Apartment Fire - November 22, 2007 - At 0523 hours, while units were still cleaning up from a small fire in the unit block of Crestwood Drive in Gaithersburg, Engine 31, Truck 31, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County units were dispatched just blocks away to the 300 block of North Summit Avenue, box area 08-14, for the apartment fire. National Institute of Standards and Technology Engine 531 arrived on the scene with a three story garden apartment building with smoke showing from the terrace level apartment in the rear. While Engine 33 was advancing its handline from the rear entrance of the apartment, the officer located an unconscious male victim. With the assistance of Truck 31's crew the victim was removed out the rear terrace level door of the fire apartment. While Engine 31 and EMS crews cared for the patient, Truck 3's crew threw ground ladders to the building, while Rescue Squad 3 controlled utilities and searched the remaining apartments. Sadly, the victim succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. The fire was contained to the kitchen of the apartment.
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Door Pop On Seven Locks Road - November 21, 2007 -At 1843 hours, Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Brush 105 came across a collision with entrapment at Seven Locks Road and Tuckerman Lane. Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 331 responded. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the drivers door. Ambulance 339 transported the patient as a priority 3 to an area hospital.
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One Overturned On Rockville Pike - November 18, 2007 -At 2014 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 were dispatched to the 1200 block of Rockville Pike fore the traffic collision with rollover. Units arrived on the scene to find an SUV on its side against a tree. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle utilizing cribbing, struts, and a tie back. Rescue Squad 3 then flapped the roof down to free the patient.
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Double Fatal Collision on Avery Road - November 19, 2007 - At 1609 hours, Ambulance 339, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, Truck 3, and other Montgomery County units were dispatched to Norbeck Road and Avery Road for the traffic collision with 2 unconscious. At 1612, Montgomery County Police went on the scene with a single car vs a tree with three patients, two of which were pinned, and one not breathing. Chief 3-5 arrived on the scene and confirmed MCPD's report. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and provided access to both the patients on the passenger side of the vehicle using a combination of tools. The front passenger was confirmed as a priority 4 (dead) and the driver and rear passenger were transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center. Unfortunately a second occupant of the vehicle succumbed to his injuries as well.
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House Fire Off Norbeck Road - November 15, 2007 - At 2348 hours Engine 33, Truck 3, and Rescue Squad 3 responded to the 5100 block of Clavel Terrace, box area 25-14, for the house fire. Crews found fire in the kitchen of the two story home.
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Second Arson Fire In Twinbrook - November 14, 2007 - At 0642 hours, Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 211 was dispatched to Company 23's area for a reported brush fire in the 13000 block of Ardennes Ave. While enroute the box alarm 23-06 was filled for the house fire in that location. Kensington Engine 211 arrived on the scene with fire on the exterior of the house with extension into the house. Crews quickly knocked the fire, vented, and overhauled. This fire is in the same neighborhood as the fire on Denfield Road a week earlier and is in the same house that a fire occurred in on May 12th of this year. The house was vacant due to the earlier fire and the fire was started in a similar manner to that of Denfield Road.
Another Fire In Company 23's Area - November 10, 2007 - At 2101 hours Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 239, and other Montgomery County units responded for smoke from the apartment with an activated alarm in the 5100 block of Parklawn Terrace, box area 23-02. Company 23 arrived on the scene with a 3 story garden apartment building with nothing evident. Company 23 found a warm apartment door on the first floor, forced the door, and found an apartment charged with heavy smoke. Upon advancing their line into the apartment, Engine 231 found the kitchen on fire. Company 23 worked in the fire apartment, while Truck 3 threw ladders and checked the floors above for extension. Rescue Squad 3 searched the building and controlled the utilities.
One Overturned In Derwood - November 9, 2007- At 1310 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 and Ambulance 289 were dispatched to Muncaster Mill Road and Needwood Road for the traffic collision with rollover. Gaithersburg Company 28 arrived on the scene with a single vehicle on it side with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then did a partial roof removal to free the patient. The patient was transported by Gaithersburg Ambulance 289 to Suburban Hospital.
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Morning House Fire In Twinbrook - November 8, 2007- At 0734 hours, Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 39 and other Montgomery County units were alerted to the 5700 block of Denfield Road, box area 23-05, for fire from the rear of the house. Company 23 units arrived onscene with smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story cape cod house. Engine 231 stretched a line to the rear of the house were they found fire on the deck of the house, up the stairs, in both bedrooms on the second floor, and in the void space in the roof and attic. Engine 231 extinguished the fire up the stairs and into one bedroom, while Engine 31 took their line into the other. Aerial Tower 23 opened up the first floor and vented the roof, while Truck 3 worked on the second floor. Rescue Squad 3 controlled utilities, performed a primary search and also assisted crews opening up on both floors. The house was vacant at the time of the fire and is believed to be arson related.
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Heavy Fire Showing In Gaithersburg - November 6, 2007 - At 1641 hours, Engine 31, Engine 31, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County units were dispatched to the 17100 block of Queen Victoria Court, box area 08-01, for the apartment on fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 8 units arrived onscene with heavy fire showing from the top floor of a 4 story garden apartment building. First in units were forced to abandon the standpipe after the riser broke off underground after being charged. These units were forced to stretch lines all four floors to the fire floor. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and a Second Alarm were also brought to the scene.
One Pinned In Potomac - November 3, 2007 - At 0158 hours, Rescue Squad 3 and units from the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 13000 block of River Road for the traffic collision. Bethesda Fire Department Chief 6, who lives in the area, arrived on the scene with a single vehicle that struck a telephone pole, drove through a brick wall, and hit a brick pillar, pinning the driver between the driver's door and dash. Rescue Squad 3 and Cabin John Park VFD Truck 10 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's door from the vehicle, freeing the driver. The driver was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center as a priority 2 trauma.
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Warehouse Under Renovation Burns - October 8, 2007 - At 0917 hours, Engine 231, Engine 33, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, and Rescue Squad 3 were dispatched to the 4900 block of Boiling Brook Parkway for the report of the roof of a building on fire. Engine 231 arrived on the scene of a three story warehouse under renovation with smoke showing. Units entered the top floor of the warehouse under moderate smoke conditions. Rescue Squad 3 located what appeared to be a trash fire in the middle of the warehouse. The trash fire was extinguished quickly while crew continued to search the structure and open up for ventilation. As crews continued to work on venting the considerable amount of smoke from the building, Command learned that a flash fire had occurred between the drop ceiling and roof. Upon investigation, nearly all of the insulation in the ceiling had appeared to be burned. As a result of this discovery, multiple handlines were stretched into the warehouse and all of the drop ceiling tiles and insulation was removed hydraulically.
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One Pinned On Montrose Road - September 28, 2007 - At 0014 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 were dispatched to Montrose Road at Tildenwood Drive for the personal injury collision. Company 23 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with two priority 1 patients, one of which was pinned in their minivan. Medic 39 and Aerial Tower 23 were requested to assist. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the minivan, removed the drivers side front door, popped the passengers front door, flapped the roof, and then pushed the dash of the van. Both traumas were transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Second Cut Job of Night - September 15, 2007 - At 0551 hours, Rescue Squad 3 was dispatched to the intersection of Muddy Branch Road and West Side Drive for the personal injury collision. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department units arrived on the scene with one trapped in their pickup truck. Rescue Squad 3 arrived to fin the vehicle already stabilized by Engine 81. Rescue Squad 3 removed the drivers door and the roof, allowing EMS crews to remove the patient.
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Door Pop On Rockville Pike - September 14, 2007 - At 2127 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to Rockville Pike and Hubbard Drive for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Company 23 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one trapped. Engine 231 stabilized the vehicle, while medic 239 evaluated the patient. Rescue Squad 3, upon arrival, removed the drivers side door.
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House Fire In Twinbrook - September 11, 2007 - At 1603 hours, Engine 231, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 13000 block of Ardennes Avenue, box area 23-06, for the house fire. Engine 231 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from a 1 1/2 story single family home. Engine 231 pulled a crosslay and attacked the fire, Truck 3 threw ladders, and assisted the fire attack by opening up the walls and ceiling, and Rescue Squad 3 controlled the utilities and performed a search of the home.
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Dump Truck Overturned With One Trapped - September 6, 2007 - At 0419 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 were dispatched to the main lanes of Northbound Interstate 270 between Route 28 and Shady Grove Road for the personal injury collision with one overturned. Ambulance 38, Medic 239, and Truck 3 were dispatched to the local lanes. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene with a dump truck overturned with the driver trapped. The dump truck driver fell asleep, drove the truck on the jersey wall dividing the main and local lanes, hit a light poll, and then turned the vehicle over. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle while Engine 33 disconnected the battery and pulled a handline. Rescue Squad 3 removed the windshield, cut the posts on the cab, and then used a ram to flap the roof back, allowing access to the patient. The patient was immobilized by EMS crews and transported as a priority 3 patient to Suburban Hospital.
 
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Deck Fire Extends Into Gaithersburg House - September 1, 2007 - At 0610 hours Engine 33, Truck 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 18300 block of Gardenia Way for the deck on fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 arrived on the scene with fire showing from the rear of a two story split level home. The fire originated on the deck and extended into the first floor of the home and attic. Rescue Squad 3 also responded on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Truck 31 responded on the Task Force. The fire caused $350,000 in damage.
 
Click image for larger view. Pictures courtesy of Jeff Westley
Hanger Fire At County Airpark - August 29, 2007 - At 2052 hours, while the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was conducting its monthly meeting, Engine 33, Truck 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg for the hanger on fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene with smoke showing from a aircraft hanger. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added bringing Rescue Squad 3 and Truck 31 to the scene to assist. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, saving the aircraft and a car in the hanger.
 
Click image for larger view. Pictures courtesy of Jeff Westley
One Pinned On Norbeck Road - August 25, 2007 - At 2255 hours Engine 33 and Medic 39 were dispatched for a bicyclist struck involving two vehicles at East Gude Drive and Norbeck Road. As units were arriving on scene, Rockville City Police reported that the driver of the second vehicle was pinned. Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 38, Truck 3 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Units were added to the incident. The crew from Engine 33 stabilized the vehicle while the crew from Medic 39 assessed the patient, determining the patient to be unresponsive. Rescue Squad 3 cut the driver's side doors and roof, and then pushed the dash forward off the driver's legs. Medic 39 transported the patient priority 1 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center, while Ambulance 38 transported the bicyclist with minor injuries to Shady Grove Hospital. Ambulance 219 also transported one firefighter to Shady Grove Hospital with minor injuries.
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Lunchtime Fire In Twinbrook - August 10, 2007 - At 1109 hours Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 1200 block of Veirs Mill Road, Company 3's area, for the house on fire. Company 3 units arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from a single story single family home. Engine 31 and Engine 231 were on other incidents, so Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 211 was dispatched first due. By the time of their arrival fire was showing from the rear of the home. Crews found heavy fire in the rear of the house and in the attic. Truck 3 and Aerial Tower 23 began ventilating the home and opening up walls and ceilings. Rescue Squad 3 controlled utilities and searched the home. Engine 331 pulled a back up line and assisted in extinguishing the fire. The fire caused $150,000 in damage.
 
Click image for larger view. Pictures by Eric Bernard.
Another Ride On Bus vs Vehicle Traps Driver - August 2 , 2007 - Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Montgomery College for the personal injury collision with one trapped.
Click image for larger view. Pictures by Ed Tenney
 
One Pinned In Box Truck - July 31, 2007 - At 0814 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of E. Gude Drive and Southlawn Lane for the personal injury collision. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a four vehicle collision with one pinned in a box truck. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the truck with cribbing and step chocks, removed the driver's side door, made a relief cut, and then pushed the dash with a ram to bring the steering column off the driver. The driver was removed by EMS personnel and transported to Suburban Hospital by Ambulance 38.
 
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RVFD Assists With Firehouse Expo Training - July 24, 2007 - Firehouse Expo 2007 was invited again this year to host Hands-On Training in Rockville. Rockville firefighters assisted Firehouse Expo instructors with training, equipment, and apparatus. This years training covered engine and truck company operations.
 
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Honor Guard Wins Three Awards - July 22, 2007 - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard won three awards marching in parades this weekend. The Honor Guard won the Judges Award (along with Canteen 3 and Engine 34) at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department Parade in Frederick County and the Judges Award and Longest Distance Traveled Award at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department Parade in Queen Anne's County. Look for the Honor Guard marching in future competitions around the area.

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Two Trapped On River Road - July 22, 2007 - At 1630 hours Rescue Squad 3 responded with units from the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department to the intersection of River Road and Riverwood Road for the vehicle collision with one overturned. Cabin John units arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision, with one vehicle on its side, with two occupants trapped. Rescue Squad 3 finished Cabin John Truck 10's stabilization by tying the vehicle back. Rescue Squad 3 then flapped the roof to extricate the two occupants. Ambulance 339 also responded to transport one of the patients to an area hospital.
Electrical Panel Sparks House Fire - July 18, 2007 - At 1828 hours, Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 331, Engine 311, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Ambulance 238, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the house fire in the 600 block of Woodfield Court, box area 03-06. Company 3 units arrived on the scene with a two story split level single family home with smoke showing. The electrical panel caught on fire and extended through the walls into the kitchen and other rooms above. Crews were able to extinguish most of the fire and hold the fire around the panel in check until PEPCO arrived 45 minutes later to shutoff the electricity. The fire caused $45,000 in damage.
 
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Aspen Hill Apartment Fire - July 15, 2007 - At 2107 hours, Engine 31 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 3200 block of Weeping Willow Ct, Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 25's area, for the apartment fire. Kensington VFD Company 25 arrived to find smoke coming from a terrace level apartment in a four story garden style apartment building. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added, brining Aerial Tower 23. Upon entering the apartment, units found fire in a bathroom and bedroom, extending down a hallway. The fire was quickly extinguished, causing $30,000 in damage.
Second Alarm Townhouse Fire - July 15, 2007 - At 1236 hours, Engine 311 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 10300 block of Royal Wood Court, Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department's Company 8's area, for fire coming from the second floor of a townhouse. Gaithersburg Aerial Tower 8 arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from the second and third floors of a three story, middle of the row, piggyback style townhouse. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and the second alarm were added, bringing Truck 31 on the RID, and Engine 31, Rescue Engine 33, and Truck 3 on the second. Upon entering the building of origin, crews found fire being fed by a propane tank on the second floor deck. The fire quickly spread through the roof, and to both the "B" and "D" exposures. It took crews approximately one hour to bring the fire completely under control. The fire caused approximately $1,000,000 in damage.
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House Fire In Company 31's Area - July 14, 2007 - At 0337 hours, Engine 311, Truck 31, Medic 319, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the unit block of Glazebrook Court, box area 31-32, for the house on fire. Company 31 arrived on the scene with fire showing from the roof of a two story single family house. Crews extinguished the fire in approximately 20 min.
Lightening Causes House Fire In Rockville - July 14, 2007 - At 0117 hours, Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched for an investigation of a lightening strike in the unit block of Clemson Court. Upon arriving on the court, Rescue Engine 33 found fire on the outside of a two story single family home. Box 03-09 was filled, bringing Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Ambulance 38, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. Rescue Engine 33 awakened the family of four in the home, helping them evacuate. The fire, which started on the exterior of the house, extended into a second floor bedroom and into the attic. The fire was quickly extinguished and the fire was held with the 17 members on the three Company 3 units.
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One Trapped In Potomac - July 09, 2007 - At 1125 hours Ambulance 339, Medic 39, Rescue Engine 33, Engine 331, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane for the collision with one trapped.
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Olney House Fire - July 5, 2007 - At 0521 hours, Engine 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 4400 block of Holly Ridge Road, Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department Company 40's area, for the house fire. Sandy Spring Engine 401 arrived on the scene with heavy fire at the carport, extending ito the house.
 
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Attic Fire In Poolesville - June 13, 2007 - At 1724 hours, Engine 311 Truck 31, Tanker 31 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded to the 22000 block of Peach Tree Road, Upper Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department's area, for a house fire. Units arrived on the scene with a two story single family home with fire in the attic.
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One Trapped On Frederick Road - June 11, 2007 - At 1143 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Gaithersburg-Washignton Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 responded to the 15800 block of Frederick Road for the vehicle collision infront of the Crowne Gas Station. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find a two vehicle t-bone collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the driver's sidewall. Ambulance 38 transported the patient to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.
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Small Fire In Bail Bonds Office - June 11, 2007 - At 0243 hours Engine 31 and Truck 3 responded to the unit block of S.Washington Street, in downtown Rockville, for the Automatic Fire Alarm. Company 3 arrived on the scene at a bail bonds office with smoke showing. The front door was already broken upon arrival. Engine 31 called for the box alarm to be filled. Engine 31 stretched a line, while Truck 3 threw ladders, ventilated, and initiated a search. Engine 31 and Truck 3 were able to quickly extinguish the fire before any other units arrived on the scene. The fire is under investigation for arson.
Image courtesy WUSA Channel 9
Rollover With Vehicle On Fire - June 10, 2007 - At 1134 hours Rescue Squad 3, Engine 311, Truck 3, Truck 31, and units from the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department responded to the ramp from westbound Interstate 370 to southbound Interstate 270 for a single vehicle that rolled over and was on fire. The single patient was flown as a priority 1 multi-system trauma to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The vehicle hit the wall of an overpass and rolled approximately 100 feet off the road, up an embankment before righting itself and catching on fire. Two off duty Montgomery County Police Officers pulled the single occupant from the vehicle.
 
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Wrecker Wrecks Civic, Kills One - June 2, 2007 - At 0154 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of Rockville Pike and E. Middle Lane for the collision with one pinned. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a Honda Civic vs a heavy duty wrecker with two traumas, one of which was pinned under the wrecker's bumper and the passenger's door. The driver of the Civic was a priority 1 trauma, so crews rapidly removed him from the vehicle. Once the driver was removed, crews could perform a better evaluation of the passenger, and found her to have injuries incompatible with life. The driver was transported by United States Park Police Helicopter Eagle 1 to Suburban Trauma Center in Bethesda. The passenger was extricated the next morning after the police investigation was concluded.
 
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Rollover with Entrapment- May 27, 2007 - While on a vehicle collision at Route 355 and Readland Road, the Public Safety Communications Center asked if Rescue Squad 3 could clear to respond to Interstate 270 for another vehicle collision. Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 331 responded to Northbound Interstate 270, in the main lanes, between Route 28 & Shady Grove Road. While enroute the incident was upgraded to a personal injury collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene to find a vehicle that had rolled over, righted itself back on all four wheels, with an adult female trapped. Rescue Squad 3, stabilized the vehicle, removed the driver's sidewall, and removed the roof. The patient was quickly removed and transported by Medic 239, along with a second patient by Ambulance 339, to Suburban Hospital.
 
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One Trapped During Test Drive - May 25, 2007 - At 1416 hours, Ambulance 238, Rescue Squad 3, and Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 211 responded to the intersection of First Street and Baltimore Road for the personal injury collision. Kensington Engine 211 arrived on the scene with a three vehicle collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the passenger sidewall. Medic 39 was called to assist and transported the trapped patient to Suburban Trauma Center in Bethesda. The passenger trapped in their vehicle was along for a test drive of the new vehicle.
 
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Car Down Embankment With Entrapment - May 24, 2007 - At 1501 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the unit block of Guy Court for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Chief 3-1 arrived on the scene with a single vehicle rolled over down an embankment with the driver trapped. The driver lost control of her vehicle, went off the road, rolled through her front yard, over her fence, down an embankment, and into the woods. Rescue Squad 3, arrived on the scene and cut the fence to provide better access for tools and personnel. The vehicle was elevated by heavy brush and large rocks. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle with a combination of cribbing under the hood and trunk, as well as a strut on the driver's side. Crews then removed some of the brush to allow better access for extrication. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the passenger's sidewall. Once the patient was removed, crews from Engine 31 and Rescue Squad 3 used a stokes basket and hauling system to bring the patient up the steep grade. Medic 39 transported the patient to Shady Grove Hospital.
 
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House Fire In Potomac - May 19, 2007 - At 2233 hours, Engine 311, Engine 331, Engine 31, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, Tanker 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 12000 block of Wetherfield Lane, box area, 30-09, for the house fire. Bethesda Fire Department Chief 6, who was in the area, arrived on the scene with a deck on fire, with extension into the house and smoke showing from the first and second floors. The rural water assignment (Water Supply Task Force) and Rapid Intervention Dispatched were added, bringing Truck 3 and other units. The fire was quickly controlled by first arriving units.
Remembering A Friend - Donald "Duck" Wilt - May 17, 2007 - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department remembered our friend Donald "Duck" Wilt on May 16th and 17th. The Pumphrey's Colonial Funeral Home, at 300 W. Montgomery Avenue in Rockville, received friends on Wednesday, May 16th from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm for a viewing, and Thursday, May 17th for the funeral service. Following the funeral, a procession traveled through downtown Rockville to the Rockville Cemetery where "Duck" was buried.
Click on image for larger view. Pictures by Ed Tenney (More photos soon)
 
Gradall Traps One - May 16, 2007 - At 1036 hours, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, and additional EMS units from Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department responded to Indianola Drive and Crabbs Branch Way for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Units arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle collision involving a Gradall with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicles and removed the rear passenger side door and "B" post of the car that struck the Gradall. The driver was then removed and transported as a priority 2 trauma by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 3 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The driver of the second car was transported by ground as a priority 2 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center in Bethesda and the driver of the Gradall walked away with minor injuries.
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Passing of Donald "Duck" Wilt - May 13, 2007 - It is with deep sorrow that the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department announces the death of Life Member Donald "Duck" Wilt. The crew from Truck 3 had stopped by for a visit on Saturday, May 12, 2007 when Duck suddenly became ill. Despite the efforts of Truck 3, Engine 31 (ALS) and Medic 239, Duck died at Shady Grove Hospital.

Duck joined RVFD on October 27, 1965 and served in a number of administrative capacities, including as Vice President and Trial Board member. He is the twin brother of Life Member Ronald Wilt and the younger brother of RVFD's longest serving member, George Wilt, Jr. Duck is also the uncle of Life Member and MCFR Lt. Joey Wilt.

Please keep the Wilt family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral information will be posted shortly.
Images courtesy Ed Tenney
Fire Showing In Twinbrook - May 12 , 2007 - At 1951 hours, Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Ambulance 238, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 13100 block of Atlantic Avenue, Company 23's area, for the house on fire. While enroute units were advised of the possibility of people trapped. Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief 17-7 arrived on the scene with a two story single family house with heavy fire on the second floor. Engine 231, who was out of position from an earlier incident, arrived as the second engine and pulled a back up line for Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 211. Aerial Tower 23 and Truck 3 both threw ladders, ventilated, and assisted with fire attack. The fire caused approximately $200,000 in damage.
Vehicle vs Pole Pins One - May 3 , 2007 - At 2037 hours, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the intersection of N. Summit Avenue and Girard Street for the personal injury collision with entrapment. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 8 units arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one into a pole. The vehicle that struck the pole wrapped itself around the pole, pinning the driver's lower extremities under the dash. The drivers's left foot was entangled around the brake pedal and his left leg was pinned by the drivers door and dash. After the car was stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 cut the drivers door from the vehicle. It was still wrapped around the telephone pole, but provided relief for the drivers side of the dash to be pushed. Rescue Squad 3 also cut all three posts on the driver's side, made a relief cut and pushed the dash. The dash was initial pushed enough to allow the patient's leg to be disentangled from the brake pedal, and then further to free his leg from under the dash. The patient was removed from the vehicle and flown by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 to an area Trauma Center.
 
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Trap Job On W. Montgomery Ave - May 3 , 2007 - At 1332 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the intersection of W. Montgomery Avenue and Research Boulevard for the personal injury collision. Company 3 units arrived on the scene with a two vehicle t-bone collision with one trapped. Medic 39 was added to the call for the trapped patient who was determined to be a priority 2 trauma. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's sidewall and the roof of the vehicle. The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
 
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Baskin Robbins Fundraiser - May 2, 2007 - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank Baskin Robbins, located at 1617 Rockville Pike (Congressional Plaza), for their participated in a fundraiser to raise money for the Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department.

 
Pictures by Ed Tenney. Click image for larger view.
Laytonsville House Fire - May 2 , 2007 - At 0330 hours, Truck 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 7700 block of Shady Brook Lane, box area 17-04, for fire in the living room of a house. Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department Company 17 units arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from the rear of a two story single family home. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added, bringing Rescue Squad 3 and other MCFRS units. Truck 3 threw ladders, ventilated, and opened up the side of the building and roof to allow crews to extinguish extension. The fire caused $200,000 in damage.
 
Pictures by Jeff Westley. Click image for larger view.
Ride On Bus Traps One - May 1 , 2007 - At 1606 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the 15900 block of Frederick Road for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Company 3 units arrived on the scene with a three vehicle collision involving a pick up truck, a Ride On Bus, and a SUV on its side with a single occupant trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle utilizing a tie back, struts and cribbing and then proceeded to extricate the patient.
 
Pictures by Ed Tenney. Click image for larger view.
Door Pop In Aspen Hill - April 29, 2007 - At 1624 hours, Rescue Squad 3 was dispatched to Connecticut Avenue and Weller Road, Kensington Company 18's area, for the personal injury collision. Kensington Engine 181 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle t-bone collision with a priority two trauma trapped in the driver's seat of their minivan. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene and completed stabilization of the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 then removed the driver's side door of the vehicle, allowing Wheaton Medic 21 access to the patient. The patient was transported as a priority 2 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click image for larger view. Images by Sue Malloy.

Voice of America Features RVFD In Broadcast - April 17, 2007 - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department was featured in a broadcast by Voice of America entitled "Volunteers Fight Fire to Protect Their Community." The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 115 million people.

Click here to read the article and watch the clip from the broadcast on their web site.

Germantown Townhouse Fire - April 27, 2007 - At 0007 hours, Engine 311 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 13300 block of Bayberry Drive, Box Area 29-25, for the townhouse fire. Germantown Volunteer Fire Department Company 29 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from sides "A" & "D" of a townhouse. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Task Force assignments were added, bringing Truck 31, Engine 31, and Air 33. Engine 331 pulled a back up line and assisted Germantown Engine 291 with extinguishing the fire, while Engine 31 reported to an exposure.
Trailer Home Fire In Gaithersburg - April 18, 2007 - At 0713 hours, Engine 311, Rescue Engine 33, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 19500 block of Frederick Road, box area 8-22, for the trailer fire. While units were enroute, the Public Safety Communications Center advised that the trailer was visible from a traffic camera and that it was a working fire.
 
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy of NBC4.com
Box Truck Fire At Loading Dock - April 13 , 2007 - At 1010 hours, Gaithersburg Engine 281 and Ambulance 289 were dispatched to the 800 block of King Farm Boulevard for the auto fire. Rescue Squad 3, having just cleared another call in the area, added themselves to the incident as a first responder. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene with a box truck on fire at the loading dock of the building. Box 3-33 was immediately filled, bringing Engine 31, Engine 231, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. The fire did not extend into the building, but did fill the building with smoke.
 
One Overturned On Falls Road - April 4 , 2007 - At 1211 hours, Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the intersection of Falls Road and S. Glen Road for the personal injury collision. Ambulance 339 arrived on scene with a single car rollover, resting on its hood and roof. One occupant was still belted in the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 arrived and stabilized the vehicle with cribbing, step chocks, and struts. Once stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 removed the rear driver's side door and "B" post to allow crews to access the patient. The patient was immobilized and transported to a local hospital.
 
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RVFD.org Featured In Fire Rescue Magazine - March 30, 2007 - RVFD.org was featured in the March 2007 issue of Fire Rescue Magazine in an article on page 60 entitled "It's the Little Things: 5 Strategies for successful Volunteer Recruitment & Retention" by Tom Winn. In the article, strategy "No. 4: Impressive Web Site," Rockville Volunteer Fire Department's web site RVFD.org is noted as an example of an impressive web site.
Deck Fire With Extension - March 29 , 2007 - At 1249 hours Engine 311, Engine 33, Engine 331, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the unit block of Pontiac Way, box area 31-14, for the townhouse fire. Company 31 arrived on the scene with fire on the deck of a townhouse with extension into the house. Units opened up the rear of the house and extinguished the extension quickly.

Rockville VFD 2006 Awards Banquet -March 24, 2007 - The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank J.P. Flaim of The Junkies for serving as our Master of Ceremonies at our annual awards banquet at the Pooks Hill Marriott. You can tune into The Junkies weekdays from 5-10 am on 106.7 Free FM.

RVFD would also like to thank Burtonsville VFD, Cabin John VFD, Germantown VFD, and Kensington VFD for staffing our apparatus for the evening.

 

Bethesda Townhouse Fire - March 16 , 2007 - At 1833 hours Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and Bethesda Fire Department units were dispatched to the 7500 block of Bradley Boulevard for smoke in the area. While enroute, the Public Safety Communications Center advised units the had additional calls for a townhouse on fire and that they were filling the box assignment. At 1837 hours, Engine 331, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the townhouse fire in box area 10-13. Cabin John Park Company 10 arrived on the scene with a middle of the row townhouse with smoke showing. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Task Force was called for bringing Aerial Tower 23 and Truck 3. Upon entering the structure units found heavy fire in the basement of the two story townhouse.The fire was caused by an electrical short in the box and caused $700,000 in damage.
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Heavy Fire In Garrett Park - March 14 , 2007 - At 1425 hours, Aerial Tower 23 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11200 block of Kenilworth Avenue, Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 5's area, for the rear of a house on fire. Kensington Engine 52 arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from a two story single family house. Engine 31, Truck 3, and Air 33 also responded on additional assignments.
 
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Car Vs Truck Pins One - March 12 , 2007 - At 0859 hours, Rescue Squad 3 and Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department units were dispatched to the intersection of River Road and Beall Mountain Road, Cabin John Company 30's area, for the personal injury collision with one pinned. Cabin John Engine 301 arrived on the scene with a head on collision involving two cars and a Mack truck, with one severly pinned. Cabin John Truck 10 stabilized the vehicle and removed the doors and roof before the arrival of Rescue Squad 3. Rescue Squad 3's, upon arrival, set up their plasma cutter to remove a sign post that could not be cut by hydraulic cutters or a sawzall, and was impeeding the extrication. Rescue Squad 3 then freed the patient's right leg from the brake pedal. The patient was transported by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland.
 
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Building Fire At Printers - March 10 , 2007 - At 0222 hours, Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 81 and Rescue Squad 3 were dispatched to the 9000 block of Comprint Court for the automatic fire alarm. Gaithersburg Engine 81 and Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from all sides of a single story printer company. Gaithersburg Engine 81 filled the box and requested the Rapid Intervention Dispatch and a Task Force. Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 311, Engine 331, Truck 3, Truck 31, Aerial Tower 23, Air 33, Medic 39, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the fire in box area 28-18. Rescue Squad 3 forced entry to the building and units found pallets of paper on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, however due to the size of the building and the amount of smoke, units were faced with the task of ventilating the building. All the truck companies from Rockville and Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department's Air Boat 10, which was specialed to the scene at 0312 hours, were utilized to ventilate the building.
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One Pinned In Potomac - March 4 , 2007 - At 0120 hours, Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to Democracy Boulevard and Newbridge Drive for the personal injury collision with one pinned. Company 33 units arrived on scene with a single car overturned, wrapped around a tree, with one pinned. Chief 201 arrived on scene moments later and after further size-up advised units that there was a single patient heavily pinned, stating that there would be an extended extrication. Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Truck 10 arrived on scene and began building a box crib under the hood of the vehicle. Shortly after Rescue Squad 3 arrived on scene and took over the extrication from Cabin John Truck 10.
Click image for more pictures. Pictures by Brian Consolo and Tim Smittenaar.
Rescue Squad 3 finished building two box cribs under the hood, used a Paratech strut to stabilize the side of the vehicle, and tied the vehicle to the tree with ratchet straps. While the patient was being evaluated by Cabin John Medic 309, Rescue Squad 3 removed glass from the vehicle and prepared to remove the sidewall of the vehicle. Once the sidewall was removed it became evident that the patient's arms and upper body were pinned between the driver's side center console, the roof, the dash, and many other parts of the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 used a combination of hydraulic rams and spreaders to free the patient. Cabin John Medic 309 transported the patient as a priority 1 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Fire Showing In Company 33's Area - March 2 , 2007 - At 2042 hours, Engine 331, Engine 231, Engine 33, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 339, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11800 block of Greenleaf Ave, box area 33-03, for the house on fire. While enroute the Public Safety Communications Center advised units that they were adding the Rapid Intervention Dispatch to the box alarm because they were receiving multiple calls. Germanton Volunteer Fire Department Chief 29-1 arrived on the scene first with heavy fire showing on side "A" of a two story single family home. Engine 331 stretched a 1-3/4" attack line to the front door and began knocking the fire. Engine 231 pulled a backup line to assist Engine 331 with fire attack, while Engine 33 became the Rapid Intervention Company. Aerial Tower 23 forced entry for Engine 331, threw ladders and ventilated. Rescue Squad 3 forced entry to the garage door and searched all floors and controlled the utilities. The fire was quickly knocked and crews remained on the scene to overhaul.
Click image for larger view. Pictures by Scott Glazer
Heavy Fire In Twinbrook - February 26, 2007 - At 2106 hours, Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 38, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 1400 block of Veirs Mill Road, box area 03-01 for the house on fire with people trapped. Company 3 arrived on scene to find a one story single family home with heavy fire showing from sides "A, B, & C." The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and a Task Force were added, bringing Medic 39, Air 33, and other MCFRS units. Upon size-up, Company 3 units were advised by a neighbor that the home was for rent and unoccupied at the time. Engine 33 pulled a 300' 2" attackline to the front door and entered the structure with Truck 3 and Rescue Squad 3. Rescue Squad 3 began a search of the house while Truck 3 and Engine 33 attacked the fire. Fire was found in all rooms on the first floor and in the attic. Truck 3 opened up the ceilings in each room as the fire was knocked, allowing Engine 33 to attack the fire in the attic. After an aggressive attack the fire was knocked and units remained on the scene for considerable overhaul. A second Task Force was requested to fill staging, however none of the units were utilized. Damage to the home is estimated at $450,000.
Click image for larger view. Pictures by Jon Berry & Larry Gaddis.
Ice Rescue...Almost - February 25, 2007 - At 1609 hours, Medic 39, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, Cabin John Boats 10 & 30, Cabin John Strike Teams 10 & 30, the Underwater Rescue Team, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 600 block of College Parkway for the Ice Rescue at the College Gardens Park. Company 3 units arrived on the scene to find footprint leading to a hole in the ice of a frozen pond with no witnessed victim. Company 3 units setup to support Cabin John water rescue units upon their arrival. Once on the scene a rescuer from the water rescue team checked the hole and found no signs of any victims falling through the ice. The ice appeared to have been broken in a small spot, allowing water to appear on the surface, but was still to solid to be possible for anyone to fall through. Units packed up their equipment and returned to service.
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Kitchen Fire In North Potomac - February 22, 2007 - At 1624 hours, Engine 311, Engine 31, Truck 31, Truck 3, Medic 39, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 14000 block of Saddle River Drive, box area 31-13 for the kitchen fire. Company 31 arrived on the scene with a two story single family home with smoke showing. Engine 311 advanced a handline into the house from the rear of the structure and was met by heavy smoke. Engine 311 found the basement stairs and advanced down the stairs, locating the fire in a basement bedroom. Engine 31 advanced a backup line behind Engine 311, While Truck 31 and Truck 3 threw ladders and ventilated. The fire was quickly knocked and contained to the basement.
One Trapped On Interstate 270 - February 18, 2007 - A sudden and unexpected snow storm brought icy road conditions and caused numerous vehicle collisions through out the area.  At 2000 hours, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 231, Ambulance 238 and Battalion Chief 103A responded for a personal injury collision on Southbound 270 at Rockledge Drive.  Upon arrival units found multiple vehicles involved including a Maryland State Police Trooper.  Battalion Chief 103B determined that there was a total of 3 patients, including one patient who was trapped in their vehicle.  Medic 239 was dispatched to assist with a priority two trauma. Command was established and Rescue Squad 3 quickly removed the passenger side door to extricate the trauma.  All three patients were transported to Suburban Hospital.
 
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Fire Alarm to Service Call to Building Fire - February 16, 2007 - At 0021 hours, Engine 331 and Truck 3 were dispatched to the 1000 block of Seven Locks Road, box area 33-15, for the automatic fire alarm at the Natural Body Day Spa. While enroute the Public Safety Communications Center cancelled Truck 3 and reduced the incident to a service call to reset the alarm. Engine 331 arrived on the scene with smoke in the day spa at the single story strip shopping center. Upon further investigation, Engine 331 found heavy smoke through out the building and requested to fill the box assignment. Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 238, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded. Crews found fire in the laundry room with extension. The fire was quickly controlled and caused $100,000 in damage to the spa.
Historic Home Burns In Brookville - February 6, 2007 - At 0818 hours, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 300 block of Market Street, box area 40-03, for the basement fire. Sandy Spring Engine 401 arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from the basement and first floor of a two story single family home. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Second Alarm were added, bringing Aerial Tower 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, and Air 33. Damage was estimated at $700,000.
 
Click image for larger view. Images Courtesy WTOP.com

Volunteer Contract First In Country- January 30, 2007 - News Release republished courtesy of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service - MCFRS.org - Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Council President Marilyn Praisner, County Fire Chief Tom Carr and Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association President Marcine Goodloe came together on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 to celebrate and recognize the first ever Direct Negotiation Agreement between Montgomery County Government and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.

In May 2004 the Montgomery County Council approved CB 36-03 legislation to create a more unified command and control structure for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. The legislation established for the first time the position of a uniformed County Fire Chief who has authority to administer, direct and originate fire and rescue operations for the entire Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, career and volunteer. Fire Chief Thomas W. Carr, Jr. was appointed Acting Fire Chief in October 2004 after a nationwide search was confirmed by the County Council and sworn-in as County Fire Chief in January 2005.

Other provisions of the new legislation included elimination of the previous position of Fire Administrator, the seven-member Fire and Rescue Commission was retained as a quasi-judicial review board to assist the new chief; and the Chief of the Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services was enhanced and redefined with a clear role in the administration, recruitment, retention and promotion of volunteer personnel and facilities.

Council Bill 36-03 reorganized the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and created the first ever County Fire Chief. Part of the reorganization included exclusive Local (volunteer) Fire Rescue Departments (LFRD) representation by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) in accordance with Montgomery County Code, Chapter 21. This is the first and only known such arrangement for a volunteer fire/rescue organization in the United States (and possibly in the world).

A negotiating team made up of MCVFRA representatives met with Montgomery County Government representatives and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service representatives and were involved in direct negotiations. Among other things highlights involve: volunteer recognition (defined volunteer status), clarified volunteer member record keeping guidelines, defined disciplinary process (including rights and protections/guarantees), provides for MCVFRA administrative and organizational funding, created a nominal fee for each active volunteer participants, formation of Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) Advisory Committee, improved death benefit, provides for additional medical expenses associated with annual physicals for volunteer members, and more.

The new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) had unanimous support of the MCVFRA Board of Directors, which is comprised of the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and five district representatives. These are voluntary positions and all nine members are associated with local volunteer fire and rescue departments. The MOA was voted on and approved by the volunteers at large. There are 19 corporations and over 1,000 volunteer members that form the MCVFRA.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association member departments have served the residents of Montgomery County for 85 years. Today’s volunteers are involved in all types of emergency services from entry level firefighter and emergency medical technician to those of fire and rescue chiefs. The fire service has evolved from an all volunteer beginning to one of the largest combination (career/volunteer) systems in the Country. The majority of the community based local fire and rescue stations are owned by volunteer organizations and for the most part are staffed around the clock by a combination of career and volunteer personnel.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is a full spectrum life safety agency protecting nearly 1 million people who live and work in Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction. The MCFRS is a combination system (career/volunteer), operating with a budget of about $195 million, comprised of nearly 1200 career uniformed personnel and professional civilian staff and an equal number of volunteers, nearly half of whom actively participate in emergency response. There are over forty fire and rescue facilities, including a 56 acre training academy, state-of-the-art communication facility, as well as thirty-five community fire and rescue stations strategically located throughout Montgomery County’s 500 square miles in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

News Release republished courtesy of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service - MCFRS.org

Police Find Fire In Upper Montgomery - January 29, 2007 - At 0349 hours, Engine 311, Truck 31, Medic 319, other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units, and Frederick County units were dispatched to the 19000 block of Fisher Avenue, box area 14-01, for Montgomery County Police on scene with fire from the roof of a townhouse. While enroute the Public Safety Communication Center advised units of additional calls reporting a second townhouse on fire. The second alarm was added while units were still enroute, bring Engine 31, Truck 3, and other MCFRS and Frederick County units. Upper Montgomery Engine 141 arrived on the scene with fire showing from two middle of the row townhouses. Damage was estimated at $350,000.
 
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Two Alarm Fire in Kentlands Taxpayer - January 28, 2007 - At 0929 hours, Engine 311 and Truck 31 were dispatched for heavy smoke in the area of 219 Market Street. Company 31 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from a three story taxpayer. At 0934 hours, the box assignment was filled for box 31-35, bring Engine 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Second Alarm were added, bringing Truck 3 on the RID, Engine 331, Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23, and additional MCFRS units. The fire started in a wood stove in a first floor restaurant and ran the height of the building, with extension on all three floors. Damage is estimated at $200,000.
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Rescue Squad 3 Saves Bambi - January 27, 2007 - At 1538 hours, rescue Squad 3 was dispatched to assist Rockville City Animal Control with a deer trapped in a community pool's fence in the 300 block of Saddle Ridge Circle. Rescue Squad 3 cut the fence with hydraulic cutters and freed Bambi to get hit by a car another day.
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One Trapped Infront of King Pontiac - January 26, 2007 - At 1827 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 were dispatched to the 16200 block of Frederick Road for the personal injury collision with one trapped. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one trapped in a Jeep Cherokee. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the driver's sidewall. The patient was extricated from the vehicle and then transported by Medic 39 as a priority 2 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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One Ejected With A Leg Amputation -January 23, 2007 - At 2032 hours, Medic 319, Engine 311, Truck 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 14100 block of River Road for the personal injury collision with one pinned. Company 31 arrived on the scene with a van on its roof, balancing on a guardrail and bridge, with a single patient ejected. The patient amputated his leg while being ejected and was flown by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

Picture by Master Firefighter Rick Triplett
Junk Filled House Trashed By Fire - January 23, 2007 - At 1253 hours, Engine 311, Truck 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded to the 18700 block of Walkers Choice Road, Box Area 08-16, for the kitchen fire. Battalion Chief 5 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from a two story townhouse. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added, brining Truck 3. The house was filled with two to three feet of trash through out. Crews had to enter through a window to knock the fire because the doors would only open six to 10 inches before becoming blocked by trash.
Trailer Fire In Gaithersburg - January 14, 2007 - At 0644 hours, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a shed fire in the 19500 block of Frederick Road, Box Area 08-22. Gaithersburg Company 8 arrived on the scen with two sheds well involved, extending into a trailer home. The trailer fire assignment was filled and the Rapid Intervention Dispatched added, bringing Engine 311, Truck 3, and other MCFRS units. The fire caused $95,000 in damage and was extinguished quickly.