In the early morning hours of September 23, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Charles Woods, 58, responded to a residential fire in Marion, VA, with the Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arrival, the occupant of the residence was secured and fire suppression activities began. During operations, Firefighter/EMT Woods was found unresponsive in a tanker after having filled it from a nearby fire hydrant and completing several other on-scene duties. Crews at the scene immediately provided lifesaving efforts and transported Firefighter/EMT Woods to Smyth County Community Hospital. All attempts to revive Firefighter/EMT Woods, however, were not successful.
Our condolences to the Woods Family & Friends, Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department, and to all affected by Firefighter/EMT Charles Woods' passing.
To date, 66 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.
