Fire News Virginia, Feb./Mar. 2024

VIRGINIA VOLUME 5, No. 1

Feb./Mar. 2024

Story on page 32.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

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In this issue...

Christmas Eve Fire Displaces Residents Hopewell Fire and EMS responded for a structure fire with unknown occupants inside.

See story on page 6

MVA with Fire on Otterdale Road Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Midlothian Turnpike and Old Otterdale Road for an MVA. See story on page 13

Hanover Residential Fire Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to the 200 block of Ashcake Road, for a reported residential structure fire.

See story on page 18

I-664 Extrication Suffolk Fire Rescue B2, E25, L11, M9, EMS2 and Safety 1 worked an MVA on Interstate 664 at the Bridge Road exit.

See story on page 26

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Mabel Up on Her Feet The Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team was requested to assist with a mammoth donkey down in the Lakota area of the county.

See story on page 30

Commercial Fire in IOW Suffolk Fire Rescue (SFR) sent a full response to Isle of Wight (IOW) for a fire in a commercial warehouse at Iwip Road off Route 10.

See story on page 38

PLUS: The Virginia Firefighter . . . . . . . . . . . pages 7-12 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 32 & 33 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 36

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Page 4, Fire News, February/March 2024

Car Fire on I-495 Fairfax County firefighters responded to northbound I-495 prior to the American Legion Bridge for a vehicle fire. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle on fire. Units quickly extinguished the fire; there were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

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Woodstock Chimney Fire Woodstock Truck and Wagon 12 operated at the scene of a chimney fire on December 22, 2023. This incident resulted in minor damage to the structure.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Wolf Trap Area Fire Fairfax County crews operated at the scene of a house fire in the 1200 block of Colvin Forest Drive in the Wolf Trap area recently.

Units arrived to find a fire located on the second floor. One firefighter was transported for evaluation.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Christmas Eve Fire Displaces Residents On December 24, 2023, Hopewell Fire and EMS responded for a structure fire with unknown occupants inside. Units arrived within five minutes and found a single-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing from the front and side windows, as well as through the roof. The first arriving engine made a quick and aggressive attack from the front door, before making their way inside. Other units set up a Blitz Fire operation on the side to protect an exposure. Engine 3 made a quick primary search of the residence and it was determined that the occupants were at a neighbor’s house. Battalion 1 responded from home to assist with on-scene command, as well as to handle the city for any additional calls. Units on the scene were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes of the call being dispatched. The Hopewell Fire Marshal’s Office deemed the fire accidental. Units that responded to the fire were Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3 (truck crew), Medic 1, Medic 2, Battalion 3, Battalion 1, and Fire Marshal 1. Hopewell Fire and EMS is staffed with a minimum of 13 personnel on duty for suppression. Engine 3 is usually staffed on Quint 1, but this day they were on a reserve engine due to out-of-service units. The City of Hopewell is around 11 square miles and has about 25,000 citizens. They are a career department for the last 100plus years and had over 5700 calls in 2023.

- Submitted by Capt. Benjamin P. Gomes

Woodstock Assists Edinburg Woodstock Wagon and Truck 12 assisted Edinburg Volunteer Fire Company with an electrical fire on December 18, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Zacary Hottel

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 13

MVA with Fire on Otterdale Road

On January 11, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to involved. When Engine 205 arrived on scene, they quickly stretched Midlothian Turnpike and Old Otterdale Road for an MVA. While a line and got an all clear on the vehicle. One patient was transportunits were responding, a smoke column could be seen. At that time, ed to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photos by CFN MEDIA additional resources were added to the call. Medic 205 arrived to find a two vehicle MVA with one of the vehicles in the woods, fully

Page 14, Fire News, February/March 2024

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3-Alarm Commercial Warehouse Fire Causes $5M in Damages The Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) Fire Marshals’ initial investigation of the fire on Wheeler Avenue revealed that the fire was accidental and electrical in nature, causing approximately $1.5 million in structural damage and an additional estimated $3.5 million in damage to the contents of all impacted businesses located in the strip warehouse. The incident, initially reported as a fire alarm around 2120 on January 2, 2024, was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire, bringing more than 100 firefighters from AFD and surrounding jurisdictions to support the fire attack.

- Photo courtesy of Alexandria FD

Annandale Garden Apartment Fire Fairfax County crews operated at the scene of a fire in a garden-style apartment building in the 4700 block of Commons Drive in the Annandale area recently. Units arrived to fire showing from the top floor of the building. The fire was quickly brought under control. No reported civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Page 16, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Shed Fire on Germantown Road

On January 29, 2024, Prince Edward Dispatch received calls of a about 20- x 45-feet and the roof had already fallen in. The fire was shed on fire behind a house in the 300 block of Germantown Road. quickly brought under control , with a lot of overhaul required to Farmville, Prospect and Hamdem-Sydney fire departments were get all of the hot spots. dispatched, each sending engines and brush trucks. The shed was - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Hanover Residential Fire

Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to the 200 block of Ashcake Road, for a reported residential structure fire. Upon arrival, personnel found a single-story home with smoke coming from all sides. Eleven units responded, and the incident was brought under control. One occupant was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Prior to the arrival of Fire-EMS, two citizens stopped, called 911, and provided aid to the injured occupant. Hanover Fire-EMS sincerely thanks them for their invaluable assistance. The cause was under investigation.

- Photos courtesy of Hanover County FR

Good Stop by Norfolk FR

Norfolk Fire Rescue C-Shift battled a blaze at an apartment complex recently. The fire was quickly spreading on their arrival but they were able to contain it with an aggressive attack. Three units

had fire damage and one person was transported to a hospital.

- Photos courtesy Norfolk FR

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 19

Cumberland County Combine Fire

The Randolph Fire Department was toned out first due for a combine on fire in a corn field on Guinea Road., at about 1530 on November 30, 2023. RDFD sent a brush truck and Cumberland sent a tanker. Randolph Brush Truck 44 used two forestry lines for the

field fire and a 1-3/4 inch line for the combine fire. which took about 30 minutes to fully extinguish. The farmer used his tractor to the free a tanker from the mud.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Page 22, Fire News, February/March 2024

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A Bit More Than a Kitchen Fire, I’d Say Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 2500 block of Trefoil Way for a caller who reported their kitchen on fire. Fire crews arrived to find smoke showing from the roof. Crews stretched multiple lines and went into the offensive mode. Once fire crews made it into the interior, they were presented with heavy fire conditions. Water was then marked on the fire and the incident was able to be called under control within about 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. And one person was displaced and was being assisted by neighbors.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

5 Displaced in Anderson Court Fire Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to the 8400 block of Anderson Court, for a residential fire. Upon arrival, personnel found a single-story home with smoke coming from it. Eight Hanover units responded, and the incident was brought under control at 2031. All occupants of the home made it out safely prior to the arrival of first responders. Three adults, one child, and one canine were being assisted by their family. The cause was under investigation.

- Photos courtesy of Hanover County FR

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Page 24, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Quick Stop at Apartment House Fire

Suffolk Fire Rescue crews operated at a working structure fire on The American Red Cross assisted displaced occupants. Responding the 600 block of Forrest Oak Lane. Dispatched at 1258, Battalion 1 unitswere: B1, E1, E2, E3, E4, EMS1, L6, L3, M1, R1, SF1, FM5. and Engine 2 arrived at 1302 to fire on the first floor of a two-story - Photos courtesy Suffolk FR apartment building. The fire was brought under control at 1328.

Fire Throughout on Arrival

Hanover Fire-EMS responded to the 6300 block of Cold Harbor Road for a tructure fire. Upon arrival, personnel found a singlestory home with fire throughout. The incident was brought under control at 0911, and all occupants exited the structure safely and

without injury. The Red Cross provided assistance to one adult. A special thanks to the Metro Richmond Flying Squad for their assistance and support.

- Photos courtesy of Hanover County FR

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 25

Gas Leak in Fairfax County Fairfax County Fire Rescue operated at a gas leak in the 14800 block of Willard Road in the Chantilly area. An eight-inch gas line was struck. HazMat responded as did Washington Gas. Willard Road was closed between Lee Road and Stonecroft Boulevard.

- Photo courtesy Fairfax County FR

Car into Building MVA On February 3, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 11400 block of Midlothian Turnpike at the Domoishi restaurant for a reported vehicle into their business. Fire crews arrived to find a vehicle through the glass windows.

Crews went to check for entrapment and injuries. Fortunately, there was no entrapment and nobody was injured. Command requested a building inspector to the scene and the incident was soon able to be marked under control.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

MVA on Coach Road At 0845 on January 29, 2024, Randolph District Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) was dispatched for an MVA on Stage Coach Road in Buckingham County. This area is covered by Toga VFD, Buckingham VFD and Randolph District VFD (Cumberland Co.). A car had run off the road into a tree. The driver had minor injuries and was transported to Centra Hospital in Farmville by Buckingham EMS. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Unless Your Car Can Breath Underwater ...

Recently, the Richmond Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle in the water. Fire crews arrived to find a car stuck in about three feet of water. The driver had self-extricated from the vehicle. The driver was not harmed and was shortly released.

After about 30 minutes Richmond Fire Department turned the scene over to Richmond Police Department and Public Works.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Page 26, Fire News, February/March 2024

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I-664 Extrication

Suffolk Fire Rescue B2, E25, L11, M9, EMS2 and Safety 1 worked an MVA on Interstate 664 at the Bridge Road exit. One patient was transported with minor injuries.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Copperas Lane MVA with Entrapment In the early morning hours of December 24, 2023, the Henrico Fire Department responded to Copperas Lane for a reported MVA with entrapment. When fire crews arrived, they found an overturned vehicle that had struck a parked car. Firefighters found one yellow patient entrapped in the vehicle. Crews worked a quick extraction and were able to have the patient quickly transported priority to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 27

Richmond 2-Car into House On December 24, 2023, around 2130, the Richmond Fire Department responded to Castlewood and Walmsley Boulevard for a reported MVA. Engine 22 arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with one of the vehicles into a front porch. Engine 22 reported to dispatch that two of the occupants were attempting to flee the scene. Engine 22 also then reported one of those occupants was under citizen’s arrest. When police units arrived on scene, they confirmed one male was in custody.

Chesterfield police K9s responded to the scene to assist with attempting to find the other suspect who had fled. All injuries were minor.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Extrication at Fairfax County MVA Fairfax County units responded to the scene of an MVA at the intersection of Sunrise Valley Drive and Mansarde Avenue. Units arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with one vehicle on its side and a single occupant trapped. Crews extricated and transported the occupant with nonlife-threatening injuries.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Page 28, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Wintergreen Handles Skiing Accident On February 3, 2024, Wintergeen Fire and Rescue responded to ski patrol to assist with a juvenile patient who was injured in a skiing accident. The Wintergeen Fire and Rescue ambulance then transported the patient down to the valley, where the Pegasus helicopter met them. The helicopter then transported the patient to UVA Health.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Car into Home in Centreville Fairfax County units operated on scene of a vehicle-into-a-home MVA in the 14900 block of Carlbern Drive in Centreville. Crews extricated and transported one person trapped in the vehicle to an area hospital.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

1 Injured in Woodstock 2-Car MVA Woodstock Rescue Engine and Engine 12 responded to an MVA on Patmos Road west of Woodstock on December 3, 2023. This two-vehicle incident resulted in minor damage and one transport.

- Fire News photo by Zacary Hottel

SUV and Semi Collision on 288 Around 1124 on February 2, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Powhatan Fire and Rescue responded to Virginia 288 south, near Midlothian Turnpike for a reported MVA. Fire crews arrived to find where a semi and an SUV collided, and a utility pole was hit. The SUV involved in the crash got tangled in power lines, and one person inside of the vehicle needed assistance getting out, but was not injured. The active downed power lines started a two-acre brush fire. Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Powhatan Fire and Rescue worked together to quickly get a knock down on the fire. During the incident, 288 southbound was shut down. The incident also caused power outages in the Westchester Commons area.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 29

Officials Break Ground on New Aldie Fire Station On November 16, 2023, officials from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, Loudoun County Government, the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capitol Infrastructure (DTCI) and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors broke ground on a new fire and rescue station that will serve the residents of Aldie and the Route 50 corridor.

The new 23,000 square foot facility will replace the existing Aldie Fire and Rescue Station and provide an updated, accessible facility for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel that staff the station along with the Aldie Volunteer Fire Department. The facility will include apparatus bays, bunkroom facilities, a training room, a break room, restrooms and showers, food preparation and dining areas, laundry and decontamination areas, supply storage, a gear and hose drying

area, a breathing apparatus air compressor room, a fitness room, offices, and a repair shop. The updated technology and design of the building will also provide for much needed occupational cancer protections.

Said System Chief Keith Johnson, “In addition to being a modern and safe facility for our firefighters, the location of the new fire station will facilitate the quick response times needed to protect Aldie and the surrounding community.”

To follow along with the progress and learn more about the Aldie Fire and Rescue Station project, please visit the DTCI project webpage. For information on the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, please visit loudoun.gov/fire.

- Submitted by Larry Gwaltney

Holiday Breakfast On December 23, 2023, the Woodstock Fire Department, Edinburg Volunteer Fire Company, Toms Brook Fire Department, Woodstock Rescue Squad, and Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue gathered for an annual Christmas Season Breakfast. This event allows first responders from neighboring communities to enjoy the holiday season together.

- Fire News photo by Zacary Hottel

Page 30, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Mabel Up on Her Feet

At approximately 2000 on January 24, 2024, the Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team was requested to assist with a mammoth donkey down in the Lakota area of the county. The owner had been working with “Mabel” trying to get her up since she was discovered. She simply could not get the traction to stand up. She had actually managed to spin around in the field quite a few times, but the traction was simply not there. The 15year-old was quickly and totally worn out. The vet had been notified and arrived just after the crew did. He examined her and found nothing wrong. She was simply exhausted from trying to stand back up. From our perspective, Mabel appeared to be in great shape. The owner was sure that if we could get her back on her hooves she would stand. It was decided to use a Becker Sling to lift her with the farm tractor. Lighting was essential for everyone’s safety. Four

large hand lights and vehicle lighting were deployed. Mabel was lifted without incident and was slowly lowered to where she could stand in the sling. She was massaged and left in the sling until ready to stand on her own. After a while she was eventually lowered totally to the ground and then released. We removed the sling and assisted Mabel with walking to her barn and into her stall. We would like to thank our volunteer technicians who responded to help. This includes the other Little Fork volunteers who covered our station while we were helping Mabel. A total of 15 of our volunteers were involved. Equine 9, Ambulance 9, Rescue Engine 9 and Chief 9 responded to this incident.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team

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Halifax Trains for Ice Rescue Calls

Recently, Fairfax County crews made the most of the cold weather, diving into water for ice rescue training. These scenarios keep mem-

bers ready for ice-related emergencies.

- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Cover Story

Combine Fire in Farmville

On October 4, 2023, Farmville Fire Department responded for a combine fire in a field on Old Metcalf Road off Green Bay Road in

Prince Edward County. Farmville sent Engine 1 Brush 1 and Tanker1 to the call.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 33

James River Bridge Response Practice

With the temporary closure of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s James River Bridge, Suffolk Fire Rescue C-shift with Fire Boat 1, Safety 1, and Battalion 2 performed mutual aid training with Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department on the James River Bridge. The training focused on water supply from Fire Boat 1 through a manifold for a simulated vehicle fire or hazardous materials incident.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Page 34, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Franklin FR Gets 6 New FFs

Franklin Fire and Rescue proudly welcomed six new firefighters to have spent the past nine months undergoing intensive physical their ranks following a graduation and badge pinning ceremony on training and state-certified Basic Recruit Training for Fire and December 21, 2023. The Hampton Roads Fire Academy (HRFA) EMS. Class 57 chose the name “Blackwater Bandits.” These individuals - Submitted by Kim Gaskins

Page 36, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Woodstock Reunion Dinner

On November 4, 2023, the Woodstock Fire Department welcomed over 100 members and former members to their station for a reunion dinner to complete the celebration of our Bicentennial Year.

This event focused on the efforts of all our volunteers, present and past, that have made our organization a success.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

THE CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE (CFSI) HAS CHANGE OF DATE The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has changed the date of the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. Originally scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, the program has been rescheduled for April 29-30, 2024.

CFSI changed the date so we could conduct our program while Congress was in session. While CFSI selects the dates for the program five years out due to the demand for venues in the spring months, Congress releases the congressional calendar shortly before the start of a new legislative session. Unfortunately, the schedule recently released for 2024 has Congress out of session the week of our program.

Each year, we aim to make the trip to Washington, DC, a positive experience for all our guests. The date change presents other opportunities for us to enhance the program. Whereas in the past, the dinner took place on Day 2, it will now take place on the first day (April 29), as will the seminar program. We will focus Day 2 (April 30) on Capitol Hill activities to maximize the fire service presence in Washington, DC, and send a strong message to our federal legislators about the political force of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

Registration on our website opened on January 5, 2024. If you have any questions, you can contact us at update@cfsi.org.

We hope to see you in April!

Sincerely, Bill Webb Executive Director

Page 38, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Commercial Fire in IOW

Suffolk Fire Rescue (SFR) sent a full response to Isle of Wight (IOW) for a fire in a commercial warehouse at Iwip Road off Route 10. SFR had E9, E6, E5 and E10, Rescue 1, Ladders 6 and 11, Car

2, B1, B8, EMS 2, Tanker 1, 7, 9, Safety 1, Medic 9, Rehab 6, FM2, 4, on the scene. The fire burned for well over an hour before crews were able to bring it under control. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Suffolk Rescue Donates VHF Equipment to Carrsville

Recently, Suffolk Fire Rescue’s Chief William Kessinger went to the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department to donate VHF equipment

that the City of Suffolk no longer has in use.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Page 40, Fire News, February/March 2024

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