BAVFC 2014 Activity History Highlights Busy Year of Emergency Response and Member Milestones

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company’s 2014 activity history reflects a busy year of fire, rescue, mutual aid, department growth, and member accomplishments. Throughout the year, BAVFC crews responded to working fires, serious motor vehicle collisions, woods fires, apartment fires, and mutual aid incidents while also recognizing several members for major service milestones.

The year began with fire and rescue activity in January, including a dwelling fire in Box 705 on January 22. Later that month, on January 31, Mike Valle answered his 5,000th fire call, marking a significant personal milestone and reflecting years of dedicated service to the community.

March brought several outdoor fire responses during windy and challenging conditions. On March 22, crews responded to a woods fire off Timberlea Drive involving approximately five acres on a steep hillside. Companies 3, 13, and 7 operated on the scene for about three hours. E. Hopkins served as acting officer. BAVFC also recorded a woods fire in Box 324 that same date. On March 31, Mark Ensor answered his 5,000th fire call, and Ricky Davis, Jr. answered his 20,000th fire call, an extraordinary achievement in volunteer fire service.

April included a serious dwelling fire and mutual aid woods fire. On April 11, crews responded to a dwelling fire at 18 Huntington Place. Fire was found in the basement ceiling and kitchen wall, requiring firefighters to open walls and ceilings to reach and extinguish hidden fire. Damage was estimated at $10,000. Company 3 operated with three engines, a truck, and an ambulance on the scene. M. Walker served as acting officer. That same day, BAVFC also handled a personal injury rescue in Box 321.

On April 19, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid woods fire on Fallston Valley Court in Box 1324. The fire involved approximately five acres. Company 3 responded with two engines, two brush units, Utility 371, and Utility 388, operating for about four hours. M. Walker served as acting officer.

In May, the company recognized support from the Morris Mechanic Foundation through a donation. In June, BAVFC continued its fire and rescue operations, including a serious rescue on June 7 at Route 22 and Thomas Run Road. One person was pinned, and firefighters completed a driver-side vehicle removal to free the occupant. Two patients were involved. Ry. Davis served as acting officer.

On June 25, crews responded on mutual aid to a dwelling fire in the 2500 block of Fairway Drive, Box 411. The fire involved an attic and bedroom after a lightning strike. Engine 315 arrived first, and Engine 312 established a 1,200-foot large-diameter hose supply line. Companies 4, 3, and 8 operated on the scene, with Company 3 providing three engines. B. Snyder served as acting officer.

July was especially active for rescue and fire operations. On July 1, Rescue 351 responded to the 1800 block of Churchville Road for an overturned minivan with occupants trapped. Four ambulances and an aviation transport were requested. The rescue crew stabilized the vehicle and used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the trapped occupants. Ry. Davis served as acting officer. That same date, the department also noted the passing of Past Assistant Chief and Life Member Dickie Vaughn.

On July 3, BAVFC placed a new all-terrain vehicle in service, adding a valuable resource for off-road incidents, large-area events, and difficult-access emergencies. That same day, crews responded to a building fire at 407 Churchville Road after a lightning strike caused a fire in the attic. Firefighters faced difficult access conditions but held the fire to a small area. Company 3 operated with five engines and two trucks. Damage was estimated at $10,000. B. Snyder served as acting officer.

Additional rescue incidents followed in late July and August. On July 31, crews responded to Route 22 and Moores Mill Road for a crash with one person trapped on the passenger side. Firefighters used multiple hydraulic rescue tools to remove the entire passenger side of the vehicle, and the patient was transported to a trauma center. Ry. Davis served as acting officer.

On August 10, crews responded to Moores Mill Road and Econ Drive after a single vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Three people were injured, including one seriously, and one fatality was reported. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate one occupant. M. Johnson served as acting officer.

The fall months brought several major fire responses. On October 1, crews responded to a dwelling fire at 405 Forest Valley Drive. Fire involved a bedroom, hallway, and attic, and the first floor sustained heavy damage. Several pets died in the fire. Companies 13 and 7 also assisted, each providing an engine. Damage was estimated at $100,000. B. Snyder served as acting officer. The department also recorded an apartment fire in Box 321 and a dwelling fire in Box 382 that same date.

On October 7, the company noted the passing of Past President and 35-year member Payson Getz. On October 28, crews responded to a building fire in the 1300 block of Prospect Mill Road, where a large work shed was well involved on arrival. Company 3 handled the incident with five engines and a truck. Damage was estimated at $10,000. Ry. Davis served as acting officer.

November included several significant fires and a long-distance transfer. On November 2, Engine 315 transferred to Baltimore City Station 6 while city crews handled multiple alarm fires. That same day, BAVFC responded to a building fire in the 600 block of Marketplace Drive at Einstein Bagel, where a mulch fire extended into the walls and ceiling. Crews made a quick knockdown, though considerable smoke was present inside the building. Companies 3, 4, 13, and 8 operated on the scene. Damage was estimated at $25,000. Ry. Davis served as acting officer.

On November 16, BAVFC assisted with a mutual aid dwelling fire on Beechwood Lane in Box 1323. The home was fully involved on arrival, and the incident reached two alarms. Company 3 responded with four engines and Utility 388 and operated for about four hours. Companies 13, 3, 8, 1, and battalion chiefs BC48 and BC38 were among those operating on the scene. M. Walker served as acting officer.

On November 20, crews handled two additional fires. At 491 Moores Mill Road, firefighters responded to a fourth-floor apartment fire involving contents in a room. Company 3 operated with four engines and a truck, assisted by Company 13. Damage was estimated at $50,000. Later, crews responded to a dwelling fire in the 1700 block of Woodhome Road, where a chimney fire extended into the exterior flue box. Firefighters knocked the fire down with two hose lines. Companies 3, 8, and 4 operated on the scene. Damage was estimated at $10,000. B. Snyder served as acting officer.

The year closed with additional activity and member recognition. On November 30, John Eid answered his 10,000th fire call. In December, BAVFC recorded a multiple-injury personal injury crash in Box 343, an apartment fire in Box 301, and on December 31, Bob Kral answered his 10,000th fire call.

The 2014 activity history demonstrates the wide range of emergencies handled by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and the continued commitment of its members. From major fires and rescues to mutual aid responses and community service milestones, BAVFC members remained active throughout the year in support of Bel Air and surrounding communities.

Residents are encouraged to follow the department’s website and social media pages for updates, fire prevention information, and opportunities to support or volunteer with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.