Fire News Kentucky 1-2026

KENTUCKY Serving

Volume 4, No. 5

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Story on page 10.

- Fire Departments Lead the Way at Major Louisville Plane Crash

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January/February 2026

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 3

In this issue...

Early Morning Fire on Brush Creek Road The Clay City Volunteer FD was dispatched to a fully engulfed house fire.

See story on page 6

Hazard Handles Fire in Vacant Structure Firefighters dispatched for a heavy fire involved structure fire with several occupants.

See story on page 7

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

Fatal Fire in Louisville

COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

During a house fire an occupant was removed but unfortunately, was pronounced deceased.

See story on page 8

Searching for the Fire Firefighters search for hotspots after being alerted to a suspected structure fire

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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

See story on page 14 Proud Member Of:

Deer Saved from Sinkhole Fall Bowling Green Fire Department responded to a unique call — a young deer had fallen into a sinkhole.

See story on page 15

Owensboro New Firefighters Owensboro FD celebrated the 2025 Recruit Academy Class Graduation.

See story on page 19

PLUS: Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, January/February 2026

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No Injuries at Perryville House Fire Perryville Fire Department received a call at 0609 hours on October 30, 2025, from Danville 911 center, reporting a structure fire in the area of Leonard Street in Perryville. Upon arrival, personnel located a wellinvolved house fire. Units started attacking the fire immediately, additional units were dispatched to assist and all units were on scene for around four hours. The house suffered extensive damage but no one was injured.

- Photo courtesy of Perryville FD

Family Displaced by Hopkinsville Blaze Two stations worked to extinguish a structure fire at the corner of West 16th and Cherry Street. Firefighters were alerted just after 1130 hours on October 20, 2025, by a mailman in the area and arrived within two minutes of dispatch. On arrival, they found fire coming from a window in the kitchen. The family was able to escape the home without injury along with a few pets.

The home sustained significant damage and unfortunately the family was displaced.

- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

Page 6, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Early Morning Fire on Brush Creek Road In the early morning hours of November 6, 2025 at 0038 hours,the Clay City Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Brush Creek Road in Clay City. Upon arrival, fire crews found the home fully engulfed, with flames covering the A- and D-sides of the structure and about 50 percent involvement on the C-side. A vehicle was located in the driveway, and a nearby church was in proximity but was not affected. Stanton Fire Department provided mutual aid on scene, along with Powell County EMS. Firefighters conducted a full search of the residence after reports suggested a female occupant may have been inside. The search confirmed that no one was located within the structure. By 0206 the fire was fully extinguished, however, crews were called back at 0600 when the fire rekindled and again became fully involved.

- Submitted by Lisa Johnson

Newer Model SUV on Fire On November 16, 2025 at approximately 1730 hours, Calloway County 911 Communications dispatched Calloway County Fire and Rescue (CCFR) to the 200 block of Peach Orchard Road near the Stella community for a vehicle fire. First units in found a newer model SUV fully engulfed in flames on the edge of a field just off the roadway. The driver of the vehicle exited before it became fully involved. Murray-Calloway County EMS responded to evaluate the driver who was released. A full tank of fuel intensified the fire conditions and required additional time and effort to bring under control with firefighters utilizing water and foam. CFR responded with two pumpers, one tanker, and a brush truck; with nine firefighters were on scene for approximately two hours.

- Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 7

Hazard Handles Fire in Vacant Structure The Hazard Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire on Carter Street known to house several occupants. Engine 1, Engine 3 and Tanker 2 responded, as well as off-duty personnel for manpower. Upon arrival Shift 3’s chief advised the structure was near full involvement as crews deployed attack lines from both Engine 1 and 3. Due to reports of alleged persons occupying this abandoned structure, crews searched what tenable areas they could while others work to combat the blaze. Shortly into the job crews had to start battling the elements as temperatures plummeted and snow moved through the area. At approximately 2139 hours the fire was noted as being under control, and just before midnight all hotspots were deemed extinguished, and units left the scene.

- Photos courtesy of Hazard FD

Page 8, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Fatal Fire in Louisville

Louisville Fire Department (LFD) crews were dispatched to reports of a structure fire in the 700 block of South 31st Street involving a reportedly abandoned two-story residence. Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy fire conditions on the second floor of the structure, with exposure concerns to adjacent properties.

Firefighters quickly made entry, rescuing two occupants from the rear porch of the main fire building. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. During a search of the inte-

rior, a third occupant was located and removed from the structure.

Unfortunately, this individual was pronounced deceased. A total of 35 firefighters responded to the incident. The primary structure, a vacant home, sustained significant damage, along with one adjacent residence. The American Red Cross was assisting four displaced occupants from the neighboring property. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Louisville Arson Unit.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 9

Structure Fire on Naomi’s Road Highlights Public Safety Concerns On August 17, 2025, the Clay City Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Naomi’s Road, in Clay City. Upon arrival, firefighters found a home fully engulfed in flames. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the residence was occupied. Crews received word that a woman and a dog might have been inside, and men’s clothing was also seen hanging on the property, which raised further concern. After the fire was brought under control, firefighters searched through the debris but found no signs of victims. To ensure no one had perished in the blaze, Chief Eric Strange and Assistant Chief Billy Wilcox reached out for additional help. Wilcox contacted a friend who is a K-9 trainer with a certified human remains detection unit and has experience working fire scenes. The specially trained dog was deployed through the structure and confirmed what firefighters had hoped: no one had been inside.

- Submitted by Lisa Johnson

Pembroke, Mutual Aid Handle Structure Fire Pembroke Fire Department’s Chief Belair, Assistant Chief Rodgers, and Engine 1751, led

by Lieutenant Gee, responded to a reported structure fire. Mutual aid was provided by Fairview, Herndon, Oak Grove and Trenton.

Teams worked efficiently to extinguish the fire, confining it to the rear of the building. There were no injuries reported.

- Photos courtesy of Pembroke FD

Page 10, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Cover Story

Tragedy at Worldport: Fire Departments Lead Response to UPS Plane Crash in Louisville

On the evening of November 4, 2025, a UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed just after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident triggered a massive blaze, multiple explosions, and a multi-jurisdictional emergency response.

Fourteen lives were ultimately lost, including all three crew members, as firefighters battled a blaze fueled by tens of thousands of gallons of jet fuel. The aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure during its takeoff roll; according to NTSB investigators, the left engine detached before the plane became fully airborne. Nearly immediately, fire was seen on the left wing. The jet then lifted briefly, banked hard, and descended sharply. On impact, the plane struck a warehouse building, then crashed into a petroleum recycling facility and a scrapyard, creating a firestorm of fuel-fed infernos.

Authorities confirmed the enormous fuel load: approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel were reportedly on board. Thick, black smoke was visible for miles. Secondary explosions came from industrial storage tanks, especially at the recycling facility. A shelter-in-place order was issued, at first covering a five-mile radius around the airport, and later reduced. The Louisville Fire Department (LFD), under Chief Brian O’Neill, described the scene as, “fire everywhere,” when they first arrived.

In total, 38 fire apparatus from departments across the region responded. Additional support came from emergency management, state agencies, the Kentucky National Guard, and specialized task forces. Firefighters worked 12-hour shifts, rotating to maintain endurance under physically exhausting conditions.

- Photos courtesy of Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District

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Corydon Handles Truck Fire

The Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue responded to a truck on fire, on Fifth Street in Corydon. - Submitted by Bryan Coghill

Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 11

1 Person Displaced

by Louisville Fire

On the evening of October 30, 2025, the Louisville Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire at the 1600 block of Alma Avenue. The incident was reported at 2154 hours, with crews arriving within five minutes. On arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire showing from multiple windows on the front of the structure.

Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack using three 1.75-inch handlines, and conducted primary and secondary searches. One person was located outside the structure. He declined medical attention. He stated that the fire started due to ashes being improperly discarded. He attempted to extinguish the fire with water but was unsuccessful. A total of 24 firefighters, four engines and two trucks, worked to bring the fire under control by 2207.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD

Page 14, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Where There’s Smoke ...There’s Fire Hopkinsville firefighters continued to search for hotspots after being alerted to a suspected structure fire along the 100 block of South Kentucky Avenue on November 18, 2025. Firefighters responded within three minutes after a caller in the area noticed the dense smoke around 2100 hours. The involved home was vacant at the time of the blaze, however, a small apartment behind the home was occupied.

Ultimately, over a dozen firefighters were on scene working to extinguish the blaze after command ordered defensive operations due to concerns with the roof. The cause was under investigation.

- Photos courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

Quick Knock Down in Corydon The Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue, assisted by the Cairo Fire Department, responded to a house fire on Doresy Street in Corydon. Upon arrival there was flames coming out the rear of the residence. Units made a quick knock down, and was able to salvage 95 percent of the family’s belongings.

- Submitted by Bryan Coghill

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 15

Deer Save from Sinkhole Fall

Bowling Green Fire Department responded to a unique call — a young deer had fallen into a 15-foot sinkhole. Thanks to the incredible teamwork between our firefighters, the Warren County Humane Society, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, we were able to safely bring this little one back to solid ground!

- Photos courtesy of Bowling Green FD

HazMat Call for Lexington

A couple of weeks ago, Lexington Fire’s Hazardous Materials Team Lexington Fire Department’s HazMat Program is trained and responded to a call on Versailles Road involving a reported haz- equipped to handle everything from fuel leaks to chemical releases, ardous material spill. Hazmat specialists quickly contained and keeping our community safe when the unexpected happens. mitigated the hazard, preventing further environmental impact and - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD ensuring the safety of nearby residents and businesses. The

Page 16, Fire News, January/February 2026

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TRAINING

Henderson Provides Bail Out Session

The Henderson Fire Department hosted training for Henderson Municipal Power and Light. The training, led by Engineer Brandon Lingerfelt, focused on bucket truck emergency bail out operations for HMP&L employees. The participants practiced using their new bail out kits to prepare for emergencies that may require immediate evacuation of the buckets.

Proactivity saves lives.

- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

Zoneton Cardiac Arrest Training Zoneton held its Monday night training on October 20, 2025, focussed on cardiac arrest emergencies. First the basics (which can be done by anyone): hands only CPR. Early CPR significantly improves survival chances.

Once chest compressions are underway, we will then use bag-valve masks to provide air to the patient.

After those are established, we move on to semi-automatic external defibrillator. In a cardiac arrest event, a heart may have a rhythm that can be improved with an elec-

trical shock.

If shock is not advised, we continue with CPR, but add a machine called a LUCAS Device which takes over the chest compression component. These devices have shown great promise in cardiac arrests. Bullitt County Government provided one LUCAS device to each fire district a few years ago.

We were joined by our next door neighbors from the Nichols Fire District.

-Photos courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District

Page 18, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Fire Academy of Kentucky Graduates 38 The Kentucky Fire Commission recognized 38 recruits from 23 fire departments across the Commonwealth on November 14, 2025, in a graduation ceremony at the Fire Academy of Kentucky.

Class 007 recruits spent 13 weeks training in Muhlenberg County and will return to their respective fire departments as certified firefighters and ready to serve their communities.

The Fire Academy of Kentucky is aligned with Madisonville Community and Technical College as a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) facility. Each recruit received 24 college credits, placing them approximately one third of the way to a KCTCS Associate of Applied Science-Fire Science Technology degree.

- Submitted by Erica Adams Cole

Henderson Probies on the Job Probationary firefighters from the Henderson Fire Department.

- Photo courtesy of HFD

Preparing for Every Possibility Hazardous materials incidents can occur without warning in any place, at any time. Bowling Green crews conduct regular, hands-on training using realistic scenarios and specialized equipment to ensure swift, effective response when it matters most. From material identification with specialized detection tools to decontamination protocols, we prepare for every possibility.

- Photos courtesy of Bowling Green FD

Hazard Fire Crew Firefighters from the Hazard Fire Department.

- Photo courtesy of Hazard FD

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 19

Owensboro New Firefighters

Owensboro Fire Department celebrated the 2025 Recruit Academy Class Graduation at the Walter Freeman Fire Training Center. Congratulations to our newest firefighters: Shain Crousore, Bradley Hamilton, Blake Henry, Logan Raymer and Matthew Wilkerson.

- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD

Page 20, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Eyes in the Sky, Safer on the Ground

Drone technology is becoming one of the most powerful tools in the fire service, and for good reason. From the moment they lift off, drones give Lexington firefighters the critical advantage of seeing what can’t be seen from the street level.

With a true bird’s-eye view, our crews can quickly size up incidents, assess fire spread, and make better tactical decisions. Drones also allow us to locate and monitor hotspots with precision, helping prevent rekindles and improving overhaul efficiency.

Whether it’s a structure fire, wildland response, or large-area search, drones can cover massive geographic zones in minutes — keeping firefighters safer and speeding up the path to incident control.

Technology doesn’t replace experience, but it makes us smarter, faster, and more effective. Our drone here at the Lexington Fire Department doesn't fly full-time, but stays available to dispatch to the scene.

- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD

Fire Station 5 Officially In-Service!

The first new station built in Hopkinsville since 1999, is not only a Fire Station, it is a state-of-the-art training facility that will equip and prepare firefighters and EMS personnel with the skills they need to save lives every day. A special thanks to our elected officials, construction/design partners, city employees, and lastly, our community for their support.

- Photos courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 21

Welcome, Covington’s Newest Firefighters!

The latest class of Covington Fire/EMS Department recruits were officially sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall, marking the largest recruit class since 2004. These 13 recruits spent 13 weeks training to prepare for a career of service and sacrifice, and many of them are already out in the community putting those skills to work. Please join us in congratulating our newest Covington Firefighters: Landon Meyer, Andrew Bunton, David Carlin, Matthew Murray, Brett Barnett, Sam McKee, Ethan Lobosky, Andrew Work, Mitchell Deye, Will Smith, Michael Lee, Nolan Kresser and Karly Egbers, We’re grateful for your commitment to keeping Covington safe.

- Photos courtesy of Covington FD

Corydon F&R Responds to MVA on Highway 359 The Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue responded to an MVA with minor injuries and entrapment on Highway 359, assisted by the Union County Fire Department.

- Submitted by Bryan Coghill

Page 22, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Bowling Green and Toys-for-Tots The Bowling Green Fire Department was honored to partner with Toys-forTots Southern Kentucky to help make Christmas a little brighter for children in our community.

- Photos courtesy Bowling Green FD

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: 2026 EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO October 22–24, 2026 |Mohegan Sun, CT Specialized Pre-Conferences: October 21, 2026 The 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo invites experienced and dynamic presenters to share their knowledge, expertise, and innovative ideas with EMS, fire, and first responder professionals from across the country.

Now Accepting Presentation Proposals: We are seeking cutting-edge and engaging presentations that reflect the most current practices, research, and trends in the emergency services industry.

Presentation Categories: Proposals are encouraged in the following focus areas: Basic Clinical: Foundational patient care, assessment, and treatment techniques; Advanced Clinical: Complex or specialized medical and trauma care, innovations in pre-hospital medicine, and emerging clinical technologies; Operations: Incident management, safety, interoperability, and field operations.; Educators: Instructional methods, classroom innovation, simulation, and professional development; General: Topics of broad interest across EMS and fire disciplines, including wellness, culture, and workforce development; Administrative/Leadership: Strategic planning, leadership development, budgeting, personnel management, and policy; Fire-Based Classes: Fireground operations, tactics, suppression, prevention, and firefighter health and safety; Fire Based Hands-On Training Sessions: Interactive, skill-based programs offering attendees practical experience in controlled training environments.

Specialized Pre-Conference Events - October 21, 2026;featuring two focused learning opportunities: Pediatric Symposium: Sessions designed to enhance care and advocacy for pediatric patients (pre-hospital and emergency); and Weathering the Storm – Preparedness Summit: A full-day program addressing disaster response.

Submission Details: Presenters should submit session proposals that are interactive, relevant, and evidence based. Content should be designed to inform, inspire, and empower participants to elevate their professional practice. Submit proposals through the EMS & Fire Pro Portal found on the presenter tab of our website www.emspro.org.

Deadline & Selection: All proposals must be received by January 30, 2026.

Submissions will be reviewed by the EMS & Fire PRO Expo Education Committee.Share your expertise, connect with peers, and make an impact at the 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo. Contact Information: www.emspro.org | info@emspro.org.

NFFF AWARDS OVER $500,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has awarded 56 scholarships totaling $535,109 to the spouses, children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Since 1997, the NFFF Scholarship Program has provided more than $7.39 million in tuition assistance to 1,765 students across the country. This year’s recipients include 38 returning scholars and 18 first-time recipients. NFFF awards scholarships based on applicants’ financial need and academic performance, with a special consideration for those working toward degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and public safety fields.

“These scholarships reflect the NFFF’s ongoing commitment to the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “Stepping up to cover all or some of their tuition is the least we can do, and I know our generous partners feel the same.”

Since 2005, Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship program, named in honor of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, a longtime advocate for firefighters and fire safety who played a crucial role in the establishment of NFFF. “For 20 years, our partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has been an unbreakable bond, rooted in our deep commitment to honor the enduring legacy of these national heroes,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, Executive Director, Motorola Solutions Foundation.

In addition to the support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of the following: Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fund; Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund; Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund; Mission Square Retirement; National Association of State Fire Marshals;B urton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation; Global Health & Safety; Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation; Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation; Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information visit www.firehero.org.

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 23

Good News in a Small Package Recently, Station 1 responded to an emergency that they don’t often encounter. Crews arrived within minutes of notification and not too long after that, a healthy baby boy was born! Mom and baby were transported to Jennie Stuart Medical for further evaluation but were otherwise doing excellent. Hats off to this crew for managing a stressful (but exciting) call for service.

- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS

Special Deployment Trailer Being Funded by Grants The Georgetown Fire Department is proud to announce that their Special Deployment Trailer project is being funded in part by a $500 grant from the Kentucky American Water Company, along with support from other grant partners. This trailer will enhance the department’s ability to respond to special operations and community emergencies, improving safety and readiness for everyone served. A big thank you to the Kentucky American Water Company and our other grant partners for helping make this project possible. Your support ensures we can continue to protect and serve our community, and surrounding communities, at the highest level.

- Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD