Keith Hess Dies In The Line Of Duty

On January 20, 2003 at 3:05 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 246 Hotel Road, Blairs Mill Franklin County. A fire caused by an electrical malfunction in a first floor living room outlet destroyed a large two and a half-story frame house. At approximately 5 p.m. while firefighters were performing overhaul the second floor collapsed causing Keith Hess to be trapped under the rubble. Firefighters were able to free Keith but he succumbed to his injuries. Keith, 22 years old worked as a paid firefighter for the Fannett Metal Fire Company and was a Lieutenant with the West End Fire and Rescue Company. Two firefighters from the CV Hose Company were also injured in the collapse. Firefighters from 11 companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters returned to the scene two more times over the night for rekindles. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. Keith was laid to rest on January 25 with full fire department honors.