Montgomery Fire Department

06/14/2026

Today marks two years since we lost Chief Benny Filiaggi. Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you, Benny. Your memory continues to live on within our department, our community, and among the many people whose lives you impacted across the state. We love you, and we miss you every day.

Please keep Benny’s family, friends, and our department in your thoughts today.

June 14, 2024 - LODD
Chief Benny Filiaggi, 62
Montgomery Fire Department. Montgomery, WV
On June 14, 2024, Chief Filiaggi was on official paid duty working at his residence performing administrative functions for the department. He had spoken to the mayor earlier in the morning and informed him that he did not feel well. His son attempted to contact him but was unsuccessful. Chief Filiaggi was found unresponsive in his home and was immediately transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased from an apparent heart attack.

06/07/2026

Yesterday at 11:40PM, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a reported house fire in Montgomery. Chief 10 arrived on scene with a working fire in a one-story residential structure. Engine 104 responded staffed with 4. Engine 104 arrived, secured their own water supply, and deployed a 200ft Inch ¾ crosslay through the front door. The interior crew located a fire in the rear of the structure that had extended into the attic. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews began overhaul operations. Searches of the residence were also completed and proved negative. Units operated for around an hour and a half before returning to service. We want to thank the Boomer Fire Department and Armstrong Creek Fire Department for their assistance on scene.

06/03/2026

Today at 1PM, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a reported Commercial Structure Fire in Gauley Bridge. Engine 83 from Gauley Bridge Fire Department arrived on scene with a working fire in a commercial property. Tower 101 and Utility 107 responded. FDM units arrived and split their crew, assigning one half to ventilation and the other half as the search company. Crews from the FDM ventilated the structure from the roof and completed searches of the building which proved unremarkable. After completing their assignments, FDM units assisted crews from Gauley Bridge, Gauley River Volunteer Fire Department , Boomer, and Ansted with opening up the structure and overhaul. FDM units operated for approximately 2 hours before returning to service. We want to thank Armstrong Creek Fire Department for covering our area while crews were out.

05/23/2026

We want to congratulate Fireman Russell Hall on his graduation from Riverside High School! Russell serves the FDM and the Armstrong Creek Fire Department. We’re very proud of you Russell and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!

05/21/2026

On Tuesday, May 19th, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a possible commercial structure fire in Montgomery. Tower 101 responded. Tower 101 arrived to find a haze inside the building and an odor of something burning. Boomer Engine 72 arrived and deployed a hoseline due to the update of haze inside the structure. Armstrong Creek Fire Department Engine 161 arrived and stood by at the hydrant. Crews investigated the haze and determined it was coming from a heating element within an HVAC unit. Utilities were secured, and a water can was deployed to cool a belt in the system. Tower 101 also deployed its aerial device and investigated possible conditions on the roof, which were unremarkable. After the hazard was mitigated, crews ventilated the structure and removed the haze. FDM crews operated for around an hour and a half before returning to service.

05/20/2026

‼️‼️‼️UPDATE:
5/20/26 at 4:35pm

The tornado warning has been CANCELED for Kanawha County. However, the severe thunderstorm warning remain remains in effect until 9 PM tonight. Damaging winds and large hail are still expected.

The Kanawha County Disaster Siren has sounded in town due to a Tornado Warning for parts of Kanawha County.

Per the National Weather Service:
The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Tornado Warning for northwestern Kanawha County and east central Putnam County, including Charleston, Cross Lanes, Sissonville, and nearby areas. At 4:09 PM, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Cross Lanes and Nitro, moving east at 20 mph. Radar has indicated rotation within the storm, and a tornado could develop at any time. Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught outside, and damage to trees, vehicles, roofs, windows, and mobile homes is possible. Residents in the warned area should TAKE COVER NOW by moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building away from windows. If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, seek substantial shelter immediately and stay tuned for additional warnings and updates.

For our area it appears the warning will last until 4:45PM.

05/15/2026

Yesterday at 5:30 PM, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a single vehicle accident involving a vehicle in the creek in Robson. Utility 107 responded. Units from Loup Creek VFD and Armstrong Creek Fire Department arrived on scene to find a pickup truck on its side in the creek with an occupant trapped inside. Utility 107 arrived and sent its crew to assist with extrication. Crews completed a partial roof removal, and the patient was extricated. FDM units operated for approximately an hour and a half before returning to service.

05/07/2026

04/28/2026

Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the Fountain Block Building Fire in the City of Montgomery. On April 28th, 2001, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a reported commercial fire in Montgomery. Engine 104 responded and arrived to find a working commercial fire, well-involved, with numerous occupants trapped. Engine 104 and Truck 101 began working on rescue and removed 7 trapped occupants via ground ladder. This fire brought numerous aerial apparatus to the scene, ranging from the Oak Hill Fire Department to the City of Charleston. The Fountain Block Building Fire is a key part of the history of the FDM and we take a lot of pride in our operations that day.

04/14/2026

Today at 12:30AM, your FDM members were alerted to respond for a reported house fire in Montgomery. Chief 10 arrived on scene with a working 1-story residential structure fire. Engine 104 responded staffed with 3 personnel. Engine 104 arrived and deployed a 200ft inch ¾ attack line to the rear of the structure. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the residence as they made entry. The crew from Boomer Engine 72 deployed a 200ft 2 inch attack line off of Engine 104 for exposure protection and additional fire suppression. Engine 104, with assistance from the crew from Armstrong Creek Engine 161, continued fire suppression from the rear, encountering numerous holes in the floor in the process. The bulk of the fire was knocked down and crews began extensive overhaul operations. Due to the nature of the residence’s construction, units also encountered moderate fire conditions in the attic space. Crews operated for about 2.5 hours before returning to service. The FDM operated with 7 members on scene. We want to thank the Boomer Fire Department and Armstrong Creek Fire Department for their assistance.