FEB. 1: MUNCIE, IN – Massive fire destroyed a landmark two-story business building that housed several retail shops. The blaze was fought defensively, which was a decision confirmed by the building’s exterior walls collapsing.
FEB. 2: OLD FORGE, PA – A dog’s bark first drew attention to the smoke billowing out the back of a neighborhood café. The local “hot spot” was destroyed; one person was hospitalized. A tenant had been living in one second-story apartment but was out by the time first responders arrived.
FEB. 3: HAWTHORNE, NY – Six people were killed in a train-car crash that sparked fire in the lead car of the train. At least 12 other passengers were injured and hundreds of others evacuated to a local gym.
FEB. 10: BUFORD, GA – Crews found a turn-of-the-century building about 50 percent involved and allowed the fire to burn itself out due to potential plumbing chemicals on the property. Part of the building was used by a plumbing business that was in the process of vacating. The move was precautionary due to possible runoff issues.
FEB. 16: MOUNT CARBON, WV – Oil cars were still burning more than a day after a train carrying 3 million gallons of North Dakota crude derailed in a snowstorm. Hundreds of families were evacuated after losing their drinking water and electricity with 19 tanker cars slammed into each other and caught fire, leaking oil into a Kanawha River tributary and burning a nearby house down to its foundation.
FEB. 27: LAS VEGAS, NV – Five adults and five children are receiving assistance after being displaced after a fire in their home. One person sustained critical second- and third-degree burns during the incident and was taken to the hospital. It is believed that the woman evacuated and then went back inside to fight the fire with a garden hose. Damage to the home was estimated at $75,000.
FEB. 27: FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – Damage was estimated at $300,000 after fire in a single-family home. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the second floor and roof of the two-story home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and brought the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes. The occupants escaped unharmed when smoke alarms sounded. An open flame torch used within the roof area to repair plumbing caused the fire.
Thanks to contributors: Jay K. Bradish and Timothy R. Szymanski.
