SECOND MAJOR SNOW STORM HITS OUR AREA
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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In less than a week, the second major snow storm of 2010 hits our area casuing blizzard conditions on the eastern shore.  Once again the dedicated volunteers from Church Hill stepped up staffing the firehouse during the storm.  At 1132 hours on Thursday morning the heavy snow fall along with the previous storm caused a structural collapse at 320 John Powell Road in the 0506 Box.  Special Unit 59 was dispatched to investigate to see what fire department resources could be utilized.  One of our firefighters arrived first via POV to find a livestock barn which had a roof collapse trapping live cattle and requested additonal resouces and staffing.  At this time Engine 52 and Rescue 6 were added to the assignment for staffing and equipment.  Upon arrival of Engine 52, Lieutenant Collins assumed command and devloped an Incident Action Plan.  The primary focus of the effort was to free the living cattle from under the fallen roof.  Crews utilized saws to cut the metal roof material and wooden truss supports to gain access.  At the same time other crews conducted snow removal with shovels.  Once access was gained, it was determined that only two of the livestock could be saved and one which was still alive but had to put down by the property owner.  A County builidng inspector arrived to survey the remaining portion of the barn and found no problems with stability.  Once the two calves were removed and the scene was determined to be safe, Command placed units in service when ready.  The eight volunteers from Church Hill operated for three hours before returning to quarters.