Story on page 12. - Fire News photos by CFN Media
In this issue...
Townhouse Fire in Kingstowne
Fairfax County FR crews responded for a townhouse fire in the 6400 block of Silver Ridge Circle.
See story on page 4
House Fire on Berry Ridge Lane
Suffolk FR responded to the 200 block of Berry Ridge Lane for a residential fire.
See story on page 6
Norfolk Roof Fire Extends Down
Norfolk C-Shift crews battled an intense house fire that started on the roof and quickly spread to the attic and second floor .
See story on page 16
Despite Best Effort Horse Succumbs to Injury
Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to the 12300 block of Cedar Lane, for a large animal rescue.
See story on page 22
Fatality at Technical Rescue on Second Ave.
Suffolk FR and Police responded to Second Avenue for a reported unconscious person at a construction site.
See story on page 27
Billy
‘Big
City’Coburn
Calls it a Career
Fairfax County Fire Rescue’s Technician Billy ‘Big City’Coburn served his last shift after 28 years.
See story on page 28
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO
TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer
GARYP. JOYCE, Editor
MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor
MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production
CLIFFCHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager
BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales
SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager
BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant
LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES, Graphic Artists
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus
COPYRIGHT2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ
Proud Member Of:
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713.
Flames on Arrival to Walnut Drive Home
Just before 1440 on August 22, 2024, Stafford County Fire Rescue units responded fora reported structure fire in the 800 block of Walnut Drive. First arriving units found flames showing from multiple sides of a single-family residence. The fire was brought undercontrol in approximately 30 minutes. Crews were challenged by steep terrain and long distances to hydrants. The residence was not occupied at the time. The occupants, one adult and fourchildren, were being assisted by the American Red Cross. Fourdogs survived the fire unharmed, two cats were unaccounted for. One firefighterwas evaluated on scene, but declined furthertreatment. The fire was underinvestigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. Crews were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg and FauquierCounty.
Townhouse Fire in Kingstowne
Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews responded forreports of a townhouse fire in the 6400 block of SilverRidge Circle in Kingstowne. Units arrived to smoke showing from the front of the home and a second alarm was called. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
- Submitted by Katie Brady, MPSLA
House Fire on Berry Ridge Lane
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 200 Block of Berry Ridge Lane fora residential structure fire in September. Emergency Communications dispatched the incident at 0233. Engine 10, Medic 10, and EMS 2 arrived to find heavy fire showing from a large twostory residential structure. The neighboring home was also exposed by the heavy fire conditions and the neighboring home’s siding was melting and smoking. An initial handline was placed between the two structures to prevent additional burning. Additional crews (E5, E25, L11) arrived and began an interiorattack with multiple hand lines. At 0258, conditions inside the structure became untenable for firefighters and the incident commanderordered an evacuation. A
defensive operation was initiated at that time and large master streams were used to control the heavy fire that was through the roof. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0353. One canine was rescued and received emergency medical care by Medic 10’s paramedic and firefighters. The canine was returned to its ownerand was doing well. Responding units included Car1, Battalion 2, Battalion 1, Engine 10, Engine 25, Engine 5, Engine 1, Ladder11, Ladder3, Rescue 1, Medic 10, Fire Marshal 3, EMS 2, Safety 1, Tankers 1, 7, 9, and Suffolk Police.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Ocean View 2-Alarmer
Norfolk C-Shift crews battled a two-alarm apartment fire just after midnight. Two apartment complexes were on fire on theirarrival. One occupant was transported with injuries and one pet died in the
fire. No firefighters were injured. The incident went very smoothly with coordinated efforts.
- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FD
ManorHouse Trail Fire
Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 6000 block of Manor House Trail fora reported structure fire. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing. Firefighters worked in the defensive mode to attack the fire. Crews also worked to confirm that nobody was home. The incident was able to be marked undercontrol within about 90 minutes. Two adults were displaced and were being assisted by the Red Cross. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by CFN Media
And They’re Lockpickers,
Too!
Who do Hampton’s Finest call when they need access to an old filing cabinet with no key? Hampton’s Bravest, of course! Squad-1 (B-shift) to the rescue. We’re always happy to help out ourpartners in blue and every response is a training opportunity. No files were injured during this operation.
- Photo courtesy of Hampton FR
Farmville CarFire
Farmville VolunteerFire Department was toned out at about 2033 on July 16, 2024, fora carfire on Johnson Drive. Acallerreported that the carwas fully involved. Engine 1 found a carfully involved and extinguished the fire. The driverhad reportedly checked the oil and the cap was not replaced properly.
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
1 Medevac’d from Mountain View Rd. MVA
Hay Truck Fire on I-81
On the afternoon of July 28, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched to assist Edinburg Fire Company with a reported vehicle fire at the 278 southbound milemarkeron Interstate 81. Initial arriving units found a truck pulling a hay trailerfully involved. Wagon 12 assisted with fire extinguishment and overhaul operations to unload the hay. Crews were on the scene in high temperatures forapproximately two hours.
- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
I-66 2 Vehicle MVA
Units arrived to a two-vehicle Tbone MVAon Reserve Boulevard and Mountain View Road. On arrival one occupant was found to be entrapped. Rescue 4 arrived and completed a side wall removal. The patient was turned overto awaiting Galax-Grayson EMS fortransport to the Twin County Regional Healthcare (TCRH) helipad forAirCare Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. One additional patient was transported to Twin County with non-life-threatening injuries. All units cleared in 30 minutes. - Photo courtesy of Galax FD
7 Transported from I-81 MVA
At approximately 2100 on July 11, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched foran MVAat the 284 northbound milemarkeron Interstate 81. Initial reports indicated two vehicles were involved. Upon arrival Rescue Engine 12 and initial EMS units identified seven individuals fortransport, requiring three additional ambulances. Crews came from Woodstock, Toms Brook, Woodstock Rescue, Strasburg, and Shenandoah County.
- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
Fairfax County crews responded to Interstate 66 eastbound prior to Fairfax County Parkway fora vehicle crash. Crews arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with a single occupant trapped. Crews worked to extricate the occupant, who was transported to a nearby hospital. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Difficult But Successful Extrication on I-81
On the morning of July 12, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched foran MVAinvolving a tractortrailerat the 283 southbound milemarkeron Interstate 81. Additional information indicated the driverwas still trapped inside the vehicle which was approximately 100 feet overan embankment. Crews from Woodstock, Toms Brook, Woodstock Rescue, Shenandoah County and local tow companies performed a difficult extrication removing the individual from the vehicle in just underone hour. Crews were hampered by high temperatures and difficult access conditions throughout the incident. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
Norfolk Roof Fire Extends Down
Norfolk C-Shift crews battled an intense house fire that started on the roof and quickly spread to the attic and second floor before they arrived. Construction was being done on the roof when the fire started. Luckily, the homeowners were able to escape and no injuries were reported.
- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
Baptism of Fire forBlackstone’s New Aerial
Blackstone VolunteerFire Department’s newest aerial, Tower-6, responded to its first fire on July 6, 2024, a mutual aid request from Mecklenburg County/South Hill VolunteerFire Department fora large commercial structure fire at Nutrien AGSolutions fertilizer warehouse. The aerial was on-scene within 40 minutes from dispatch as one of three aerials that supported operations, remaining on scene foroverfive hours. Three Blackstone volunteers were among a dozen from several departments treated and released at VCU Community Memorial Hospital forsymptoms associated with heat exhaustion and/orsmoke inhalation during the record-breaking heat index. The 2023 Pierce Ascendant Mid-Mount was placed in service on June 10, 2024, replacing a 1989 Pierce Rearmount that was decommissioned in 2020 due to mounting maintenance issues.
The purchase was made possible by community Congresswoman Spanbergerwho successfully secured as part of a House and Senate (FY) 2022 appropriations package of over$900,000, and USDA Loan/Grant, with additional funding from Nottoway County and the Town of Blackstone. - Submitted by Dion G. Tomer
4 HourFight in Waterlick
On July 12, 2024, at 1442, Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) was dispatched to the 100 block of RiverLakes Drive, in the Waterlick area of Warren County, fora dwelling fire. An off-duty WCFR battalion chief arrived and reported significant fire conditions throughout the structure. While awaiting additional firefighters, he was able to confirm the occupants were out. Rescue Engine 8 arrived within three minutes and mutual aid was requested from Strasburg and Middletown. The fire was marked undercontrol within an hour. Personnel operated on the scene forapproximately fourhours. The home’s occupants received assistance from the American Red Cross. The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the incident, with assistance from the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office Canine Division. Investigators determined that the fire originated on the exteriorof the home and was caused by an improperly discarded cigarette. Units on the run: Rescue Engine 8 (Fortsmouth); Engine 10 (North Warren); Engine 1 (Front Royal); Rescue Engine 2 (Rivermont); Wagon 51 (Strasburg);Tanker8 (Fortsmouth);Tanker4 (Linden);Truck 51 (Strasburg); Ambulance 2 (Rivermont); Medic 12 (Middletown); FM 3; FM 4; Battalion Chief 1; and Chief 101.
- Submitted by Nick Bailey, NRP
Galax Handles
Van Fire
On August 14, 2024, the Galax Fire Department responded to vehicle fire at BoyerRoad and West Stuart Drive. Arriving units found a fully involved passengervan. Rescue 4 pulled one line and quickly brought the fire undercontrol. All units cleared in 30 minutes.
- Photo courtesy of Galax FD
Fairfax FR Responds for Train Fire
Fairfax County crews operated at a train fire in the 9300 block of Lee Street area of Burke, recently. Crews arrived to fire showing from the cargo section of an unoccupied train. No civilian orfirefighterinjuries were reported.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Stafford FR Responds to House Fire; 5 Displaced
Just before 0130 on August 16, 2024, Stafford County Fire Rescue units were dispatched fora reported structure fire in the 100 block of Lake Bluff Court, nearAbel Lake. First arriving units marked on scene approximately five minutes laterto find heavy fire coming from the side and rearof a two-story, single-family residence. Crews quickly began working to extinguish the fire, bringing the fire undercontrol in approximately 15 minutes. All five occupants of the residence self-evacuated priorto the arrival of units. All were evaluated on scene. The occupants are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The fire was underinvestigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal's Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Fredericksburg. - Submitted by Katie Brady, MPSLA
Despite Best Effort Horse Succumbs to Injury
HanoverFire-EMS units were dispatched to the 12300 block of CedarLane, fora large animal rescue. Upon arrival, personnel found a horse entrapped in a horse trailer. Members of the Technical Rescue Team, HanoverCounty Animal Control and Shelter, and HanoverCounty Sheriff’s Office in partnership and
consultation with Woodside Equine Clinic, safely extricated “Lil’ Randy” from the trailer. We were deeply saddened that despite the best efforts of those involved with the rescue, Lil Randy succumbed to his injuries. Thank you to the Metro Richmond Flying Squad for theirassistance. - Photos courtesy of Hanover Fire-EMS
Ocean View 2-Alarmer
Norfolk C-Shift crews battled a two-alarm apartment fire just aftermidnight. Two apartment complexes were on fire on theirarrival. One occupant was transported with injuries and one pet died in the fire. No firefighters were injured. The incident went very smoothly with coordinated efforts.
- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FD
MVAwith CarDown Embankment
Motorcyclist
Fatality in Carvs. Bike MVA
At 1954 on August 31, 2024, Galax personnel responded to an MVAin the 1800 block of Riverside Drive. Mutual aid responded from Independence Fire. Arriving units found a single passengervehicle off the roadway and overan embankment approximately 45-feet down a very steep and difficult to maneuveron area. Members of Independence Fire worked to extricate two occupants upon arrival. Galax Rescue 4 crew assisted with extrication of the final occupant. All occupants were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Mutual aid came from Independence Fire, Independence Police, Baywood Rescue, Independence Rescue, Grayson County Emergency Services (161), Galax-Grayson EMS, Virginia State Police, and Twin County E911.
- Photo courtesy of Galax FD
Woodstock Handles CarFire on 81
On August 27, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 750 block of North Courthouse Road fora reported MVAinvolving a motorcycle. On arrival, fire crews found the driver of the motorcycle deceased. Police say that the motorcyclist crashed into anothercar. The driverof that car remained at the scene and cooperated with police. They were also transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The Chesterfield County Police Department was investigateing the incident.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Overturn and Entrapment in FairOaks
Early in the morning on July 28, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched foran MVAat the 285 southbound milemarkeron Interstate 81. Additional reports indicated the vehicle was on fire with all occupants out. Rescue Engine 12 arrived and extinguished the fire while a single occupant was evaluated by EMS. Units from Woodstock, Toms Brook, Woodstock Rescue, and Shenandoah County responded.
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews responded to an MVAat the intersection of Legato Road and West Ox Road in the FairOaks area. Units arrived to find one vehicle on its roof with a single occupant trapped. Crews quickly extricated the occupant who was transported to a nearby hospital. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Fatality at Technical Rescue Incident on Second Ave.
On August 1, 2024, Suffolk Fire and Rescue (SFR) and Suffolk Police responded to Second Avenue and Pitchkettle Road fora reported unconscious person experiencing a medical emergency at a construction site. Engine 1, Rescue 1, and Medic 1 arrived to find a male workerapproximately 15-feet down at the bottom of a trench box. Advanced life support treatment was initiated by paramedic-firefighters. Atechnical rescue considering the location, and need of a
rope rescue was executed by SFR’s Technical Rescue Team. The unconscious adult male was removed from the trench and paramedics continued advanced life support care to an area hospital, where the victim laterwas declared deceased. Responding units included Car1, Car7, Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder3, Rescue 1, Medic 1, EMS1, Safety 1, MARC 1 and Suffolk Police. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
‘Big City’Coburn Calls it a Career
Recently, Fairfax County Fire Rescue’s Technician Billy ‘Big City’ Coburn served his last shift after28 years. The entire shift at FS39, North Point (A-Shift) and Tech Coburn’s family gathered to cele-
brate. Congratulations Tech Coburn! Thank you foryouryears of service to Fairfax County. Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement!
- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
New Engine forHampton Station 3
Hampton Station 3 placed a new Engine 3 (2023 Pierce Enforcer) into service recently. This station and engine are in the Wythe area of the city and will assist in serving all of ourcitizens and visitors. A ceremonial ‘push in’ceremony, a practice dating to the 1800s, was then performed. Hampton fire apparatus and ambulances are designed by a small group of members of all ranks with an empha-
sis on input from those who will be actually operating the vehicles. We have learned it’s critical that such recommendations come from those closest to the work. These trucks are designed by ourmembers forourmembers and community.
- Photos courtesy of Hampton FR
Prevent ElderAbuse Walk
CRTparticipated in the Prevent ElderAbuse walk by Portsmouth Social Services on June 14, 2024, to raise awareness and promote eldersafety. CRTworks directly with Portsmouth Social Services case workers on FD/EMS referred “Adult Protective Services” cases that ourproviders encounterwhile responding to 911 calls. On June 14, PSS, BHS, CRTand othermembers of the community came togetherto support preventing elderabuse and neglect.
- Photos courtesy of Portsmouth Fire Rescue & Emergency Services
Little Fork at National Night Out
On August 6, 2024, Little Fork’s crews assisted the CulpeperCounty Sheriff’s Office and otherpublic safety agencies at the National Night Out event. Law enforcement, fire and rescue equipment and apparatus were displayed forthose attending. Little Fork attended with Equine 1209, theirmain Technical Large Animal response vehicle.
- Photos courtesy of Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team
Chillin’After a Job
Norfolk Engine 11 B-Shift crew: Captain Wayne Oporto, Operator Zach Crossland, FF/PM Matt Morgan and FF/PM Brendan Kearney.
- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
Smokey’s Still Got It
Even in jeans, Smokey Bearthrows a mean curveball! Smokey and some Virginia Department of Forestry friends visited the Richmond Flying Squirrels, recently, to throw the first pitch and remind baseball fans to practice wildfire prevention.
- Photos courtesy of Richmond Flying Squirrels & Virginia Department Of Forestry
Goochland FR Opens New Live Burn Structure
Goochland County Fire-Rescue cut the ribbon on theirnew live burn structure. Goochland applied fora grant from the Virginia Fire Services Board forthe containerstyle structure. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs was in attendance forthe ceremony. The new structure is able to simulate real fires and is reconfigurable formultiple different scenarios. The department plans to not only use it forlocal training but regional training as well. - Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs
GovernorYounkin Speaks at Chief’s Summit
On May 16, 2024, GovernorGlen Younkin delivered remarks at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Summit, as well as the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Annual Behavioral Heath Summit, in Richmond.
- Submitted by Christian Martinez
CFSI SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
us at update@cfsi.org if you have any questions.National Fire and Emergency Services Awards Applications OPEN; Apply NOW. Award Applications Are Due by October30, 2024.
The four awards include:
Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the award recognizes leaders at the national level for their contributions in advocating for our nation's fire and emergency services in the areas of public education, prevention, and response.
The Congressional Fire Services is accepting applications for its 2025 national fire service leadership awards. The four awards, which will be presented at the 2025 National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on February 13, 2025, recognize individuals and organizations for leadership in fire and life safety. CFSI will cover the travel costs for the recipients to attend the dinner program. Please contact
CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards Program
Sponsored by CFSI and Masimo, the award recognizes fire departments for innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education
Sponsored by CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association, the award honors public safety educators for outstanding achievements in fire safety education.
SenatorPaul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Sponsored by CFSI, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, VFIS, and ULFire Safety Research Institute, the award recognizes organizations for implementing programs that address firefighter health and safety, using NFFF's 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives as the award criteria.
Timberville Fire Department
Wildfire Control Virginia Department of Forestry
City of Manassas Fire Rescue Department
Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear!
The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohrjoined Virginia Department of Forestry to celebrate Smokey’s 80 years of wildfire prevention. Join Smokey in celebrating his birthday by taking a few minutes to learn how you can prevent wildfires at smokeybear.com.
- Photo courtesy Virginia Department Of Forestry
Back to School Time in Fairfax
Fairfax County Fire Rescue partnered with Apple Federal Credit Union and NBC4 to collect school supplies and backpacks to get local kids ready to go back to school. Fire Chief Butler, Assistant Chief Walser, and crews from FS05, Franconia (C-shift) came out to support collection efforts. Ahuge thank you to Apple Federal Credit Union, NBC Washington and Molette Green!
- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Sparky Shows forPublic Education
On August 28, 2024, Little Fork Fire VolunteerRescue hosted a public education program forthe Nature Homeschool Co-op kids. Some of the items covered were calling 911, home escape plans and stop, drop, and roll. This is the first time the department used Sparky, who was a recent donation to the Little Fork volunteers. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork VFR
