A West Virginia State Police trooper helped rescue an elderly woman and assisted a 10-month-old infant during a house fire on Kalafat Drive in Buckhannon on February 7, according to a press release from the state police.
Trooper C.J. Elmore was the first law enforcement officer to arrive on scene at approximately 1 p.m. after responding to a reported commercial structure fire. Upon arrival, Elmore observed smoke coming from a nearby residential structure.
As Elmore approached the residence, he heard a male individual shout, “My baby girl,” as the man ran into the smoke-filled home. Elmore immediately began moving toward the residence and asked whether any occupants remained inside. A woman told him her elderly mother was on the back porch, according to the release.
Elmore ran through the smoke to the back porch and assisted the elderly woman down an outside staircase, safely escorting her to awaiting emergency medical personnel. He then noticed a 10-month-old infant who had been removed from the smoke-filled home and was in need of medical attention. Elmore carried the child to emergency medical services for evaluation.
All eight occupants of the residence were safely evacuated without major injury, according to the press release.
Elmore then assisted the Buckhannon Fire Department and Upshur County EMS with traffic control to ensure the safety of emergency responders and the public. Buckhannon PFC J. Warner also assisted Elmore at the scene, according to the Buckhannon Police Department.
Mutual aid was provided by the Elkins Fire Department, Adrian Fire Department and Washington District Fire Department. The BPD also thanked Sheetz in Buckhannon for donating hot coffee to first responders.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
