Firefighters quickly extinguish a fire and safely rescue three cats from the home.
See story on page 6
Jakes Branch Handles
House
Fire
Jakes Branch Fire Department responded to a fully involved house fire.
See story on page 8
Hopkinsville House Fire
Crews arrived to find the front of a home well involved in fire.
See story on page 10
Owensboro Tornado Deployment
The Owensboro FD was brought in for tornado deployment.
See story on page 14
Truck Hanging Off I-65
Firefighters responded to a semi-truck crash on
Interstate 65 south with the truck’s cab hanging off the interstate.
See story on page 16
Cancer Screening Offered by Georgetown
Georgetown FD offering cancer screenings to all retired and current employees.
See story on page 21
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Henderson KOs Fire
Henderson Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 100 block of Clay Street. First arriving crews made an aggressive attack and knocked down the fire without incident. No injuries were reported.
- Photo courtesy of Henderson FD
Smoke Gives Stove Fire Away
Astove is the suspected culprit aftera callernoticed smoke coming from an apartment along West 13th Street on May 24, 2025. Firefighters made entry into the structure amid dense smoke and located a small fire on top of the stove in the kitchen which was quickly extinguished with a portable dry chemical extinguisher. No one was home at the time, and no injuries were reported. All occupants inside the adjacent apartment were able to self-evacuate out of precaution.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Quick Stop by Lexington
Lexington Fire crews responded to a fire on St. Anthony Drive recently. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and safely rescue three cats from the home. Two cats were taken forevaluation and care. - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
CarFire in Hopkinsville
Stations 2 and 4 arrived almost simultaneously to a vehicle fire with exposure concerns at 1448 hours on April 28, 2025, on Monte Carlo Court. Within five minutes of dispatch, firefighters had wateron the fire and made an excellent stop to prevent it from causing severe damage to the residence it was parked near. It was unknown what might’ve caused the vehicle to ignite.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Commercial Structure Fire in Georgetown
The Georgetown Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Bourbon Street. Dispatch advised that a commercial structure was on fire with flames visible above the garage door. Upon arrival, crews located a fire behind the garage doorwith help from a thermal imaging camera. Crews were able to force entry and gain access. E1 and E2 made entry into the building and found low visi-
bility and high heat, while TRK-1 began an initial search. E3 ensured a backline was in place and assisted interiorcrews with theirfire attack. Afterlocating the fire, crews quickly extinguished the blaze. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
Jakes Branch
Handles House Fire
On March 18, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours, Jakes Branch Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Dogwood View Lane off Pigeon Roost Road. Upon arrival, units encountered a fully involved house fire, along with a brush fire. Following extinguishment, units returned to service without furtherincident. Assisting on scene were Fisty Fire Department, Kentucky PowerCompany and Kentucky Division of Forestry.
- Photos courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
Vehicle Fire on
Cumberland Gap Parkway
Corbin firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Cumberland Gap Parkway. No injuries were reported. Corbin Police were also on scene.
- Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
Cover Story
Louisville Handles
2 Fires on 1 Block
At 1918 hours, Louisville Fire crews were dispatched to reports of a vacant house on fire in the 600 block of South 22nd Street. Crews arrived on scene within three minutes to find a two-story residential structure with heavy fire on the second floor. Command ordered defensive operations only on the vacant structure. It took approximately 13 minutes for25 firefighters to bring the fire under control using multiple handlines and masterstreams. Around 2000 hours, anotherfire ignited in the 600 block of South 22nd Street, shortly aftercrews gained control of the first fire. Crews quickly made theirway to a two-story residence with fire showing on the second floor. They were able to make entry and conduct searches of the structure while extinguishing the fire. All searches were negative, and the crews gained control in approximately eight minutes. Louisville Fire Arson is investigating both incidents. - Photos courtesy of Louisville FD
Mobile Home Fire
Firefighters from Zoneton, Okolona and Shepherdsville responded to the scene of a mobile home fire. Crews did an aggressive search, but no one was located and firefighters laterlearned the homeownerwas away. There was fire and smoke damage throughout the structure, but no injuries reported. Also helping on scene were Bullitt EMS, EMAand the Sheriff’s Office. The Red Cross was also called in.
- Photo courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District
Highway 476 CarFire
On April 28, 2025, at approximately 1038 hours, Jakes Branch Fire Department responded to Highway 476 in Bulan fora reported vehicle fire. Upon arrival, units found a pickup with heavy fire showing; units extinguished the fire and returned to service.
- Photo courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
Hopkinsville House Fire
Afew minutes after0200 hours on June 5, 2025, an alert neighborsmelled smoke and noticed a home along the 1300 block of Durett Avenue engulfed in flames. Crews arrived within five minutes of notification to find the front of the home well involved in fire. Firefighters immediately began suppression and search operations. Command quickly marked the fire undercontrol and all interiorsearches proved the home vacant. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Photos courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Detached Garage Fire
Three stations were dispatched to the 400 block of Marietta Drive just after1600 hours on May 14, 2025, aftera callerreported their garage on fire. Firefighters arrived within five minutes of notification and confirmed a working fire had made its way through the roof of the detached garage. They reported thick dark smoke coming from the structure. Crews worked quickly, putting wateron the fire within one minute of arriving, and command marked the fire out within six minutes. No injuries to firefighters oroccupants were reported.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Crews Respond to London forSAR Work
Owensboro Tornado Deployment
Twenty-fourhighly trained personnel - 12 from the Louisville Fire Department and 12 from Jefferson County Search and Rescue - mobilized as a unified Level 3 USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team to deploy to London, Kentucky. The area was struck by three tornadoes, causing widespread damage and creating a critical need forassistance. Ourteam, along with a representative from LFD supporting the state’s Incident Management Team (IMT), were on the ground to assist with search, rescue and potential recovery operations. Crews rolled out at 0200 hours with a full complement of resources, including the Battalion 2 buggy, Rescue 4, Rescue 11, and the Rescue 12 MSAR trailer, all loaded with specialized search and rescue equipment. We are proud of the dedication, skill, and heart ourpersonnel bring to every missionboth at home and across the Commonwealth.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
The Owensboro Fire Department was brought in by a mutual aid request fortornado deployment from Kentucky Emergency Management and assisted crews from Louisville Fire, Covington Fire and Paducah Fire with secondary searches of homes nearthe London-Corbin Airport. In all, ourteam completed dozens of searches overa few hours span. This was a fast response forteams across the state, but will be a long recovery forthose affected by this tragedy. Ourthoughts and prayers are with those impacted.
- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD
Louisville Crews Rescue Family
Louisville Fire Department was dispatched to a storm-related tree collapse on residence in the 1500 block of Wurtele Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found the tree had collapsed across the center of the home, trapping the occupants inside. Crews quickly initiated a coordinated extrication operation and successfully rescued fourindividuals: two adults and two young children. All fourvictims sustained what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital forevaluation and treatment. Following the rescue, crews remained on scene to secure the structure, control utilities, and ensure the residence was made as safe as possible underthe circumstances.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Lynn Grove MVA
Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) was dispatched to the 200 block of Browns Grove Road in the Lynn Grove community foran MVAwith injuries. While en route, dispatch advised that the vehicle was overturned with the occupant of the vehicle complaining of back pain. Upon arrival of CCFR, Murray-Calloway County EMS and bystanders had removed the patient from the vehicle and started providing medical care. The female driverwas taken by ambulance to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital to be checked out forhernon-life-threatening injuries. CCFR responded with one pumperand one support truck with nine firefighters who were on scene forapproximately one hour. CCFR was assisted by Murray-Calloway County EMS, Calloway County Sheriff’s Office and Glenn's Towing.
- Photo courtesy of CCFR
Truck Hanging Off I-65
The Louisville Fire Department responded to a semi-truck crash on Interstate 65 south, just south of the Kennedy Bridge. The truck’s cab was precariously hanging off the interstate. Rescue crews immediately initiated operations, utilizing a high point rope system. One LFD rescuerwas lowered into the cab. The rescue operation
took approximately 30 minutes, afterwhich the victim was safely transferred to Louisville Metro Emergency Medical Services (LMEMS). Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) handled all traffic forthis incident.
- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD
Aerial Training forTodd and Christian Counties
Fifty-eight firefighters representing departments from Todd and Christian counties came togetherin Fairview foraerial training. We were able to learn about surrounding departments resources and capabilities of theiraerial apparatus. These departments work togetheron a regularbasis, so it is important they come togetherin a controlled environment, and train on theirequipment. The following departments were represented: Fairview, Pembroke, Oak Grove, Elkton, Sharon Grove, Hopkinsville, and Novelis (Guthrie).
- Photos courtesy of Fairview VFD
TRAINING
Elizabethtown FD 1st to Have Live Fire Instructors
We are proud to announce that the Elizabethtown Fire Department, in collaboration with State Fire Rescue Training, the Kentucky Fire Commission, and IFSAC coordination, has achieved a historic milestone. We are now the first fire department in Kentucky to successfully have live fire instructors through IFSAC. This achievement underscores ourunwavering commitment to excellence in fire service training and education. It reflects the dedication and hard work of ourteam, who have continually strived to enhance theirskills and knowledge to betterserve our community. We extend ourheartfelt gratitude to State Fire Rescue Training, the Kentucky Fire Commission, and IFSAC fortheir invaluable support and coordination in this endeavor. Together, we are setting new standards in fire service training and ensuring the highest level of preparedness and safety forourcitizens.
- Photos courtesy of Elizabethtown FD
Up Close & Personal
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Firefighters from the Hazard Fire Department.
Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Firefighters from the Owensboro Fire Department.
Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Prescribed Burn in Pulaski County
Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health in the Fire Service as NFFFPartners with Darley forthe 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), in partnership with W.S. Darley & Company, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest. This initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.
The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights.”
With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters.
How to Participate:
• Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer.
• Essay Requirements: Submit a three-tofour-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
• Submission Period: March 24 - June 2.
“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly.”
Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented. For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit https://darley.com/essay-contest.
The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, assisted by the Kentucky Division of Forestry, performed a controlled burn this week in Pulaski County. Prescribed fire is an important tool in land management.
- Photos courtesy of Kentucky EEC
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’Association (FAMA) will be held on Tuesday, October 21 through Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL32819.
It’s an opportunity all fire chiefs, fleet managers and spec committees, to join FAMA’s 1st Annual Fire Apparatus Design Symposium! Afire apparatus is a huge investment for any fire department, and making sure it’s specified properly from the start is critical. Committees spend countless hours developing these specifications and have many questions. There appear to be many resources for getting answers to these questions, but often those answers are integrated into advertisements, and sales pitches from specific manufacturers. All too often, a committee ends up getting a specific opinion from one manufacturer, guiding them towards purchasing their product, instead of fact-based information on the technology, allowing them to make their own conclusions on which product to purchase.
FAMAis a non-profit organization and is recognized as the most comprehensive resource to the emergency vehicle industry. The association consists of apparatus manufacturers, as well as component manufacturers, and has existed for over 75 years. As a Fire Chief or Apparatus Committee, who can better answer your questions than the people who actually engineer, test and produce the products?
This symposium brings together the resources you need to guide you on safety, new technology, and apparatus design in general. By offering presentations delivered by competing vendor suppliers, you can be assured that the information will be fact-based on the technologies, and not a typical sales pitch..
The FAMAFire Apparatus Design Symposium has been strategically scheduled in a location that is easy to access from anywhere in North America, at a top-rate facility, with presentations from industry experts.
If your department wants to stay on top of apparatus tewchnology, and make connections with industry leaders, this is the one event you don’t want to miss!
FAMAFire Apparatus Design Symposium
CancerScreening Offered by Georgetown
Because firefighters have a nine-percent higherrisk of being diagnosed with cancerand a 14-percent higherrisk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, the Georgetown Fire Department and the Georgetown Fire Department CancerFoundation, is leading the way by offering cancerscreenings to all retired members of our department, and to current employees. With the support from MayorJenkins and the City Council, this is the third straight year we have offered the screening. We appreciate the support and look to continue to highlight the importance of cancerscreenings forfirefighters not only in ourdepartment, but across the state and nation as well.
- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
Lexington Places New Engine into Service
Members of the Lexington Fire Department proudly placed the new Engine 6 into service at Firehouse 6. This state-of-the-art apparatus comes aftera three-yearbuild process and marks a majorinvestment
in public safety by MayorGorton and the Lexington City Council. We were honored to have MayorGorton join ourcrews forthe traditional pushing Engine 6 into service - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
ARemarkable Legacy of Leadership and Service
Congratulations to former Louisville Fire Chief Russell Sanders on a remarkable legacy of leadership and service.
The Louisville Fire Department proudly recognizes Chief Sanders for his extraordinary contributions to the fire service - locally, nationally, and globally. As former NFPACentral Regional Director, Executive Secretary of the NFPA/IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and President of the U.S. Delegation to the CTIF, Chief Sanders has been a tireless advocate for safety, collabora-
tion, and progress in our profession.
Colleagues describe him as a mentor, a connector of the international fire community, and a powerful force for good. His leadership has shaped standards, strengthened global partnerships, and inspired generations of fire service professionals.
Chief, your dedication, humility, and impact are deeply appreciated. Thank you for representing Louisville and the fire service with such distinction.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Lexington Has Good Showing at FDIC
What an incredible way to kick off the season! Huge shoutout to the Lexington Firefighter Challenge Team for their outstanding performance at FDIC:
• The LFD Men’s Relay Team took 1st Place
• FF Sarah McGill earned 1st Place in her division and set a new U.S. record
• FF Andrew Cook claimed 2nd Place in the men’s division
• FF Mike Jeschawitz finished 3rd in the men’s division
• FF McGill and FF Cook dominated the Coed Tandem and Hybrid Relays, both took 1st Place
• FF Cook and FF Jeschawitz secured 1st Place in the Men’s Tandem Relay
• FF John Barnott’s Over-50 Relay Team earned 1st Place and his tandem team got 2nd.
Congrats LFD Firefighter Challenge Championship Series Team your hard work and dedication make us proud!
