COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS PRAISED - "Water Blitz" Knocked Fire Down

(05/24/2007)
County fire departments are being praised for their hard work Tuesday morning in what could have been a rapidly expanding fire in Grantsville.

Grantsville Fire Chief Craig Gherke says "I want to say thanks to the Arnoldsburg and Upper West Fork Volunteer Fire Departments for their help on the fire in Grantsville on May 22."

"With the quick response of Grantsville Fire Department and the aid of Arnoldsburg and Upper West Fork, we got the fire contained and allowed minimum damage to adjacent structures."

"I am proud to have a good working relationship with the other two departments in the county."

"From talking to the people of Grantsville, they also praised the fire departments."

Regarding the Arnoldsburg and Upper West Fork department's help, Gherke said "Someday I hope we can repay the favor."

The Steve Barr family is thanking the Calhoun County Fire Departments "For the wonderful job they did on Monday night in saving our home."

The Grantsville VFD quickly responded to the blaze, attacking it with a barrage of water from a turret gun mounted on the department's newest pumper truck.

The "blast" of water from the pumper tank likely knocked the fire down until a regular hose and water attack was set up.

The pumper's water tank, about 2000 gallon, is depleted very quickly using the water blitz.