The Chesterfield Fire Department responded to a mutual aid call in August from the Ruby - Mt. Croghan Volunteer Fire Department in the Wexford community.

The fully involved structure fire resulted in a fatality. The victim was identified as Mrs. Donnie Horn.

Two Chesterfield firemen, Ken Harmon and Daniel Lamson, were sent into the structure to perform a search and located the body of one of the home's occupants near the front entrance.

Chesterfield Fire Chief Michael White lauded the men, saying he had confidence in their training and experience to accomplish the search.

“We train in search and rescue, and in this incident, our men knew what to do,” he said.

“Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. A victim may be awakened by the fire and attempt to exit the house before being overcome by smoke. Obvious places to look for a victim are in a hallway or by the door. Some victims try to hide from the smoke and can be found under beds or in closets,” White said.

White said mutual aid calls by neighboring fire departments are always urgent. Recalling a mutual aid call made by Chesterfield in July, he said, “Our surrounding departments have mutual aid agreements that work, and we are very fortunate to have good relations with those departments.”

Chesterfield Fire Department will observe Fire Prevention Month by visiting schools, talking with students, and providing demonstrations about fire prevention and safety this month.

“Our efforts will go toward making as many people as we can aware of the dangers of fire, and the many things we can do to keep us from again having to search for a victim,” White said.

Gale Baker may be reached at galebaker@thecherawchronicle.com