On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Firefighter Zachary S. Blankenship, 26, and the Montcalm Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at a residential structure. Upon returning home, approximately 5 hours later, he collapsed. Blankenship was immediately taken to the Bluefield Regional Medical Center where it was determined he suffered a stroke. He was later flown to a hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Blankenship was pronounced deceased at 1442hrs on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Our condolences to the Blankenship Family & Friends, Montcalm Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter Zachary S. Blankenship's passing.
To date, 18 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.
