FF Deaths – Lethal Levels of HCN

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, Craigsville-Beaver-Cottle Fire Department in Nicholas County, West Virginia lost Lt. Johnnie Howard Hammons and FF Timothy Allen Nicholas during fire suppressions operations. Both were experienced firefighters, according to records  ( http://www.register-herald.com/archivesearch/local_story_051234439.html ).

According to the medical examiner’s office, the victims died from smoke inhalation and thermal inhalation. The carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide poisoning) levels were 63% in Victim #1 and 64% in Victim #2. The toxicology reports for both victims showed lethal doses of cyanide in their systems.

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