Fire at Teays Valley Fire Department
PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Last week, a fire erupted at the Teays Valley Fire Department, originating in the engine compartment of one of their utility trucks parked in the bay.
Firefighter’s Shock
Lt. Cody Smith, a member of the firefighting and EMS team, was taken aback upon returning to work the following day.
Emotional Impact
“It’s difficult to witness the destruction of something you rely on at your own station,” Smith expressed.
Extent of Damages
The fire resulted in the loss of the utility truck, as well as firefighter gear and EMS equipment.
“Almost everything in the bay or that was part of the squad was affected—such as cardiac monitors, medical supplies, thermal imaging cameras, and radios,” Smith noted.
Restoration Efforts
In the aftermath, a restoration company has been working on-site to assess the situation and determine necessary repairs. They are also in discussions with the insurance company regarding the replacement of the truck. Smith mentioned that the rebuilding process has its challenges.
Community Support
He expressed gratitude for the support from community members and nearby fire departments, saying it has been incredibly meaningful to him.
“It’s reassuring to know that people still care, even when we’re not in urgent need,” Smith added. “Emergency services are often taken for granted until they are needed, so it’s heartening to see that people remember.”
Operational Status
Smith reassured that they continue to respond to emergencies and remain fully operational, with no expected impact on response times.
“We’re still here, ready to respond just as we did before the incident,” he stated.
Investigation into the Fire
Fire department officials confirmed that the official cause of the fire is yet to be determined. They anticipate that it will take at least three months to clean up and repair the facility.
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