Hurricane Fire & Rescue

08/23/2026

Hurricane Fire & Rescue Responds to Animal Rescue

While several Hurricane Fire & Rescue crews battled a one-alarm structure fire, additional members responded to a report of a kitten trapped in a downspout drain.

Crews worked for approximately an hour, using a rotary hammer and hand tools to safely free the kitten. The kitten was rescued and turned over to the property owner.

Whether responding to a structure fire or helping one of our smallest community members, Hurricane Fire & Rescue remains ready to answer the call.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue — Honor, Pride, Integrity.

08/23/2026

Hurricane Fire & Rescue Responds to Residential Structure Fire

Hurricane Fire & Rescue crews responded this evening to a suspicious vacant residential structure fire involving a two-story garage apartment.

An on-duty, four-person engine company arrived quickly. With support from additional Hurricane Fire & Rescue units and mutual aid from Cabell County departments, crews brought the fire under control. 18 firefighters responded on the 1 alarm assignment.

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the suspicious fire.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue — Honor, Pride, Integrity

08/19/2026

Hurricane Fire & Rescue Receives New State-of-the-Art Hazardous Materials Training Simulator

Hurricane Fire & Rescue is proud to announce the addition of a new, state-of-the-art hazardous materials training simulator at its regional training center.

Manufactured by Fireblast, based in Murrieta, California, the advanced simulator will provide firefighters, emergency responders, and industry personnel with high-end, realistic training scenarios designed to better prepare them for hazardous materials incidents.

Fire Chief Paul Niedbalski stated that the simulator will allow responders to train in a controlled environment while experiencing realistic conditions and challenges that may be encountered during actual hazardous materials emergencies involving highway tankers and rail cars. This technology will enhance hands-on training, improve decision-making, and strengthen the skills necessary to safely manage complex incidents.

“The addition of this simulator represents a significant step forward in our training capabilities,” said Chief Niedbalski. “It will ensure our personnel and regional partners are better prepared to respond safely and effectively to hazardous materials incidents.”

The new simulator represents another major investment in training and preparedness for Hurricane Fire & Rescue, Putnam County Fire Departments, and the communities they serve. It will also expand opportunities for regional emergency responders and industry partners to participate in specialized hazardous materials training.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue remains committed to providing the highest level of training, preparedness, and service to its firefighters, emergency responders, and community.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue
Pride. Honor. Integrity.

08/19/2026

Hurricane Fire & Rescue Welcomes 20 New Members

HURRICANE, WV — August 19, 2026 — Hurricane Fire & Rescue is proud to announce the addition of 20 new members to the department.

Fourteen new members have joined the department’s Special Operations team, bringing additional personnel and capabilities to support the department’s response to specialized emergency incidents.

In addition, six new volunteer firefighters have joined Hurricane Fire & Rescue. These volunteers have answered the call to serve their community and will become an important part of the department’s continued efforts to provide professional emergency services to the citizens of Hurricane and surrounding areas.

“We are proud to welcome these new members to Hurricane Fire & Rescue,” said department leadership. “Their willingness to serve, train, and make a commitment to our community is what makes the fire service strong. We look forward to their contributions and continued development as members of our department.”

The addition of these 20 members strengthens Hurricane Fire & Rescue and enhances the department’s ability to respond to emergencies while continuing to provide a high level of service to the community.

Please join Hurricane Fire & Rescue in welcoming our newest members and thanking them for their commitment to serving others.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue
Pride. Honor. Integrity.

08/16/2026

Hurricane Fire Department Announces Successful Completion of Physical Skills Testing for All Candidates

On Saturday, the Hurricane Fire Department conducted a physical skills test for prospective new hires. Seven experienced candidates participated in the assessment, which evaluated essential firefighting and EMT competencies.

The department is pleased to report that all seven candidates successfully completed the pre-employment physical skills examination and are now eligible to advance to the next stage of the hiring process.

Hurricane Fire Department extends its appreciation to each candidate for their effort, professionalism, and dedication throughout the testing process and wishes them continued success as they move forward in the selection process.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue
Pride • Honor • Integrity

08/14/2026

Yesterday, Hurricane firefighters participated in our weekly maintenance of all ground and aerial ladders. This routine maintenance includes cleaning, inspecting for damage, and operating each ladder to ensure proper function and efficiency when needed on an emergency scene.

Later in the day, on-duty and on-call members reviewed and demonstrated basic peaked-roof ventilation operations, led by Captain Burdette. Regular hands-on training helps keep our members prepared, proficient, and ready to serve the citizens of Hurricane and surrounding communities.

Hurricane Fire & Rescue
Pride. Honor. Integrity.

08/03/2026

07/27/2026

Today, crews from the Hurricane and Putnam County Fire Departments participated in a joint training exercise focused on relay pumping and aerial water tower operations.

Training together strengthens coordination, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures both departments are prepared to provide a reliable water supply during defensive fire operations involving large residential homes and commercial occupancies.

Working together today helps us better serve and protect our communities tomorrow.