By FireRescue1 Staff
CRAIGSVILLE, W.Va. — Two volunteer firefighters died Thursday night while tackling a mobile home fire in West Virginia.
Chief Tim Blake, of the Craigsville Beaver Cottle Volunteer Fire Department, told a news conference Friday that about 18 firefighters from the department initially responded to the fire at about 10 p.m.
Lt. Johnnie Hammons, 49, and Timothy Nicholas, 26, became trapped in the blaze and several attempts to reach them failed.
"The Craigsville Beaver Cottle Fire Department asks for everyone to keep the families of our fallen brothers in their thoughts and prayers," Chief Blake told the news conference.
"We also ask that you keep our department and its members in your prayers."
Reid Cook, of the West Virginia Fire Marshal's Office, which is investigating the fire, told the news conference, "We will be treating this like any other fire except we will give 110 percent as we want to know why this happened and how we can prevent it in the future."
He added investigating a fire that involved a firefighter fatality is always difficult.
"We are one big family," he said. "It hurts, especially when some of my guys know the deceased firefighters."
Lt. Hammons had been with the department for about 11 years, wile Firefighter Nicholas joined last year.
Chief Blake said he has received calls from departments from across the country offering their condolences and support. He added neighboring organizations had also offered staff to cover the station while the department mourns.
"We are a grieving fire department, it's going to take time," he said.
Funerals for Firefighter Nicholas and Lt. Hammons will be held Tuesday, February 24, at the Summersville National Guard Armory. Nicholas' funeral is scheduled for 2:30 pm and Hammons' will be held at 10:30 am. There will be a visitation for both firefighters Monday, February 23 from 6-9pm at the Armory.
