All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

This is definitely a drill: West Virginia firefighters practice blaze-battling tactics in Camden Avenue apartments

Lt. Linn Baxa during a drill at Wesleyan's Camden Apartments Friday.

BUCKHANNON — Approximately 30 West Virginia firefighters — including 11 from Upshur County — attended a two-day training session Thursday and Friday, June 27-28, in the soon-to-be razed Camden Avenue Apartments.

West Virginia Wesleyan College plans to tear down buildings and turn the area into a green space in the near future. So, instructors from three states — including the Buckhannon Fire Department’s own Capt. Joey Baxa — took advantage of the opportunity to train.

A group photo of training attendees.

Baxa said Andy Starnes of Charlotte, North Carolina, owns the company, Insight Training, which headed up the two-day training, and that he, Thomas Anderson of North Carolina, and Jacob Latson of Michigan, served as instructors.

“The class was capped at 30 students from Buckhannon, Adrian, Wheeling, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Belington, Charleston and Dunbar,” Baxa said. “Buckhannon had 11 students.”

Dummies were utilized as fire rescue victims during the two-day training.

Buckhannon Fire Chief J.B. Kimble said Friday, firefighters were in the midst of practicing a drill called vent, enter, isolate and search.

Smoke rose out of a barrel that was filled with hay and lit on fire to simulate an atmosphere in which would be extremely difficult to see due to smoke and haze.

Lt. Linn Baxa holds a ladder for another firefighter during Friday’s vent, enter, isolate and search drill.
A firefighter rescues a ‘victim’ from Camden Avenue apartments during Friday’s training session.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.