Fire News Virginia, Aug./Sept. 2023

Fourth of July Working Fire

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 16000 block of White Daisy Loop for a reported structure fire.

See story on page 11

Pets Rescued, 2 Residents Displaced

Galax Fire Department was alerted at 2031 on June 15, 2023, for a reported structure fire on Boxwood Lane.

See story on page 12

Chicken House Burns in Stanley

the Stanley Fire Department was called for a poultry house fire recently.

See story on page 17

Townhouse Fire in Stafford

Stafford County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched for a reported structure fire of Hunting Creek Lane.

See story on page 23

Richmond Works Graduation Shooting

Richmond Fire and Ambulance

Authority crews responded to a mass shooting at a high school graduation ceremony.

See story on page 26

Body Recovered in Swift Creek Reservoir Drowning

On June 25, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the Swift Creek Reservoir for a reported water rescue incident.

See story on page 28

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page 4

pages 32 & 34

In Memoriam

Dennis C. Whittam

January 28, 1953 - July 7, 2023

Fire News’Editor Dennis Whittam passed away on July 7, 2023, after a 14-year battle with cancer.

We here at Fire News mourn the passing of our friend, colleague and the face of Fire News.

Afull firematic service was held as this issue went to press, of which there will be further coverage in the September issue. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and by the staff of Fire News.

Deck/Dock Fire in Campostella

Norfolk Engine 8 and Ladder8 spent some time by the water recently. They responded to a structure fire in the Campostella area and found a deck/dock on fire. They were able to contain this fire to the area of origin without incident and no serious injuries were reported. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Fourth of July Working Fire

On the Fourth of July, shortly after2215, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 16000 block of White Daisy Loop fora reported structure fire. While units were en route, multiple ca lls were coming in reporting there was a house on fire. Firefighters arrived to find an attached garage fully involved with fire. Crews

quickly stretched multiple handlines to the structure and immediately worked to get wateron the fire. Once fire crews had a knock down on the fire from the exterior, they then quickly moved into the interior. Three adults, three children and three pets were disp laced due to the fire.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

Pets Rescued, 2 Residents Displaced

Galax Fire Department was alerted at 2031 on June 15, 2023, for a reported structure fire on Boxwood Lane. Arriving units found a single-wide mobile home with smoke and fire out the left side. The occupants were outside but indicated fourpets were trapped. Command sent two in to search, two in forextinguishment and two out forRIT. Three of the fourcats were quickly removed and given O2 by Pipers Gap Rescue Squad and GFD EMTs. The fourth cat was discovered in the fire room and did not survive. Overhaul ensued foran additional 45 minutes. At this point it was discovered that this family is part of ourfirst responderfamily as the newest officerforthe Galax Police Department, graduating from the academy earlierin the day. The two adults were displaced and lost many of theirbelongings. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross and local family. - Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Little Fork Assists Brandy Station

On May 31, 2023, at 0002, Little Fork Fire was dispatched to assist Brandy Station on a working structure fire off CarterRoad. Wagon 9, Tanker9 and Rescue 9 responded providing staffing, waterand a cascade system to refill SCBAbottles. The family lost everything including several beloved pets. We thank the 12 Little Fork volunteers who assisted on the scene and the ambulance crew who stayed back in ourarea to coverany medical emergencies. Our units cleared and were back in service at 0530 hours.

- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FD

Dovel Hollow Rd. Woods Fire

Afire that started in an outbuilding in the 2100 block of Dovel Hollow Road nearStanley, and spread into the surrounding woods, consumed about 50 acres before being brought undercontrol. Stanley VolunteerFire Department received a call at 1824 on April 10, 2023, about the fire. An outbuilding was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and the blaze began spreading into adjacent woods. Although the incident was underinvestigation, the fire seemed to have started neara generatorinside the outbuilding that was supplying electricity to an adjacent trailer, according to Stanley Fire Chief Terry Pettit. Local firefighters attempted to contain the fire until Virginia Department of Forestry personnel joined the fight. The focus forlocal volunteers then shifted to protecting nearby structures and private property. Volunteers from both Luray and Shenandoah fire departments also responded, as well as a unit from Warren County. Shenandoah provided a tankerforwatersupply, UTVforexposure protection, and a brush truck with a crew of six to assist with fire containment. Virginia State Police and the Page County Sheriff’s Office helped with traffic control and support.

- Submitted by Terry A. Pettit

Two Houses Damaged by Fireworks in Stafford

At 2220. on July 4, 2023, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched fora reported structure fire on Smelters Trace Road, nearthe intersection of Millrace Road and Woodcutters Road. First arriving units reported heavy fire from the roof and side of a two-story single-family home. Additionally, the fire spread to an adjacent single-family home. Crews switched to defensive firefighting due to the structure being unstable, and a second alarm was struck bringing additional resources to the scene. The fire was brought undercontrol in approximately 20 minutes. The original fire building was occupied by fourpeople who were able to evacuate priorto the arrival of units. Three additional occupants from the adjacent structure, which sustained moderate damage, were also displaced. All seven individuals were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Athird structure also sustained minordamage. Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be caused by impro perly discarded spent fireworks. SCFR units were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg Fire Department and Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.

- Submitted by Katie Brady

Spring Court Apartment Fire

At approximately 0643 on June 27, 2023, careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County, along with personnel from the Charlottesville Fire Department, were dispatched to the report of a fire in a residential apartment building on Spring Court. The first apparatus arrived on the scene fourminutes afterdispatch and reported fire conditions in a ground-floorapartment unit. Since the apartment doorwas blocked by smoke and fire, the two occupants, and theirdog, safely evacuated through a window without injury. The displaced residents were being assisted by family members and the American Red Cross. Crews quickly evacuated the adjacent apartments and extinguished the fire, limiting the damage to one apartment. The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the accidental fire was caused by an electrical fail ure of a powerstrip.

- Photo courtesy of Albemarle County FR

Chicken House Burns in Stanley

- Submitted by Terry A. Pettit

Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that forthe Stanley Fire Department was called fora poultry house fire at 0404 recently. The poultry house was located on the Pine Grove Farm on Pine Grove Road about four-miles southeast of Stanley. Firefighters arrived to a 42- x 400-foot building with fire spreading toward both ends. Pettit also said that firefighters did a great job in keeping the fire in that area but also stated the house suffered a lot of damage. The house contained 15,500 chickens and was possibly a total loss. The exact cause of the fire was unknown, but it appeared to start in the area where a gas line entered the building. No injuries were reported. Firefighters remained on the scene forthree hours.

Vienna House and Shed Fire

On May 27, 2023, at 0735, units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the 2300 block of Hunter Mill Road in Vienna forreports of an outside fire. Upon arrival, crews discovered an abandoned house and shed fully engulfed. There were no civilian orfirefighterinjuries reported. Fire investigators determined that the fire originated at two different locations on the property: the dwelling and a shed. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Richmond Lowe’s DumpsterFire

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to KogerCenterBou levard in Richmond at the Lowe’s fora reported dumpsterfire. Engine 204 arrived to find a garbage compactorwith smoke and fire showing and requested an additional engine to the scene. Fire crews worked formultiple hours to gain access to the fire in the dumpsterand also pulled the dumpsteraway from the building. None of the fire extended to the building.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Industrial Business Fire in Stafford

Just after2130 on June 25, 2023, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched fora structure fire in the 1300 block of Interstate Business Park just off of Warrenton Road. First arriving units arrived to find smoke coming from the front roof line and two bay doors of a two-story, subdivided warehouse building. Abystanderwas attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose and advised there was a fire in one of the upstairs office spaces. Crews quickly went to work, bringing the fire undercontrol in approximately an hourdue to difficult-to-access areas. Asecond alarm was struck, bringing additional resources to the scene. The suite where the fire originated was not occupied at the time, and occupants of neighboring suites were able to self-evacuate without incident. One firefighterwas transported fora minorillness. The fire was underinvestigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were a ssisted by the Fredericksburg, Quantico, and Fauquier.

Norfolk Battles Ambulance Fire

Norfolk Fire Rescue crews battled an ambulance fire this afternoon at ourlocal hospital. They were able to prevent any damage to anotherambulance parked close to the fire and no injuries were reported. Great job Engines 4 and 10, Ladder10 and Battalion 3.

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR

- Submitted by Katie Brady

Galax’New 100-FooterGets to Work

On June 3, 2023, at 1735, the Galax Fire Department responded on mutual aid with Hillsville, fora commercial structure fire on F loyd Pike. The Galax Fire Department deployed Tower11 with Galax Engine 1 drafting from Laurel Fork VolunteerFire Department dump tank to manage the south side of this event. Tankers from Galax, Laurel Fork, Cana and Hillsville shuttled thousands of gallons of waterto subdue the fire. This was the first large commercial

job forTower11, a 100-foot Pierce Ascendant. The truck performed flawlessly and proved its designed worth providing 100-feet of reach on a platform that is maneuverable and responsive to support all of oursurrounding jurisdictions. We are proud and grateful to work seamlessly with so many different departments from three counties. - Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Garage Fire Stopped on Cove View Lane

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Cove View Lane for a reported structure fire. Fire crews arrived to find an attach ed garage fully involved and a working fire was declared. Crews stretched multiple attack lines to the structure and were able to prevent the bulk of the fire from spreading throughout the home. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Multiple Vehicles Burned in Stafford Fire

At 0130 on July 1, 2023, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched fora structure fire initially reported a long Banks Ford Parkway. While en route, the address was updated to the 00 block of Le Way nearMcWhirt Loop. Due to the address change, units arrived on scene less than 10 minutes later, reporting multiple vehicles on fire and a single-story, industrial warehouse with fire showing from the front of the building. As crews began theirattack, the fire vented through the roof. Atotal of 18 vehicles and one ATV were damaged. Asecond alarm was struck, bringing additional resources to the scene, but then was scaled back. The fire was brought undercontrol in just underan hour. The fire was underinvestigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg, Quantico, and the Fauquier.

- Submitted by Katie Brady

Townhouse Fire in Stafford

Just after0930 on June 28, 2023, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units were dispatched fora reported structure fire in the 00 block of Hunting Creek Lane in the northern portion of Stafford County. First arriving units found a vehicle on fire in front of a three-story, end-of-the-row townhouse that had extended to the front of the home. The fire was brought undercontrol in approximately 10 minutes, with minordamage to the adjacent townhome. The townhome was occupied by three adults at the time. All were able to evacuate without assistance and the American Red Cross was contacted for assistance. The fire was underinvestigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.

- Submitted by Katie Brady

Structure Fire at Richmond Zoo

On June 4, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the Metro Richmond Zoo fora reported structure fire. Fire crews arrived o n scene to find two structures fully involved with fire. Crews then began a 2,000-foot lay to the structures and a defensive attack. Fire crews and zoo staff worked to rescue 9 of the 10 animals inside. Unfortunately, a meerkat died at the scene. The buildings damaged included the animal hospital, feed storage room, zookeeperservice area, and an animal enclosure fence. It is reported that the fire began in the zoo’s workshop area and quickly spread from there. Fire crews worked on scene forclose to eight hours. The Chesterfield County Fire Marshal’s office was investigating this incident. - Fire News photos by CFN Media

Westfields Blvd. MVA

Fairfax County firefighters operated at an MVAon Route 28 northbound priorto Westfields Boulevard. Crews worked to extricate two patients.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Carinto Store Front in Richmond

Recently, Richmond Fire Department responded to the 6800 block of Midlothian Turnpike foran MVA. Fire crews arrived to find a single vehicle into a storefront. The occupant of the vehicle was not trapped and not injured.

Buckingham MVAwith Entrapment

Buckingham Dispatch received a call at 1045 on May 26, 2023, foran MVAon Route 15 with entrapment. Buckingham Rescue, Toga Fire, Dillwyn Fire and Farmville were dispatched. Farmville was first on scene and requested a medevac and began extrication of a person in the carwhich was in a 16-foot-deep ditch.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

2-CarMVA: 1 Injured, 1 Fatality

On July 2, 2023, Prince Edward Communications dispatched Rice VolunteerFire Department and Prince Edward Rescue at about 1415 fora two-car MVAat Route 460 westbound and Route 307 with a report of one fatality and one injured. Rice VFD sent and engine and utility and Prince Edward Rescue sent two ambulances along with Virginia State Police and Prince Edward Sheriffs. One vehicle westbound on Route 460 was going to turn on to Route 307 S and was hit by a vehicle traveling west on Route 460.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Richmond Works Graduation Shooting

Severe Storm in Chesterfield

Richmond Fire and Ambulance Authority crews working on scene of Richmond’s July 7, 2023, mass shooting at a high school gradua-

tion ceremony. Two people were killed and five others wounded. - Fire News photos by CFN Media

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS dealt with a severe storm which brought heavy winds, flooding, and even hail. During the

storm, crews stayed extremely busy with trees down across multiple roadways through the county. - Fire News photos by CFN Media

Body Recovered in Swift Creek ReservoirDrowning

On June 25, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the Swift Creek Reservoirfora reported waterrescue incident. The callerstated that theirhusband had gone underthe waterand had not resurfaced in over10 minutes. When crews arrived on scene, they received a pinpointed location from the wife of where the victim had gone under. The dive team then began to search in that area. At 2100, all dive crew personnel were brought out of the waterand the search was suspended till the morning. On June 26, Chesterfield Fire and EMS continued the recovery operations. Crews used sonardevices

throughout the day ratherthan divers due to the amount of silt in the water. But unfortunately, by sunset on Monday crews still had no luck in finding the body. On June 27, Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Henrico Fire teamed up to continue the search. Both departments worked all day in hopes of finding the body, but by sundown nothing had been found. Laterthat evening the Chesterfield County Communications Centerreceived a call from a boaterreporting they saw what appeared to be a body. Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews recovered it.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

1 Dead in Richmond MVA

Recently, Richmond Fire Department responded to Forest Hill Avenue and Kenmore Road foran MVAwith entrapment. Fire crews arrived to find a single-vehicle crash with heavy damage and fire showing. Crews quickly stretched a handline and got a fast

knock down on the fire. Once the fire was out, fire crews found a male victim in the vehicle who was pronounced DOA. Richmond Police said the cause of the crash was speed related.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

Injured in Rt. 460/Rt. 307, MVA

On June 3, 2023, Rice VolunteerFire Department responded fora two-carMVAwith six injured and a person trapped. Rice and Farmville fire departments and Prince Edward Rescue responded. Meherrin Fire and Rescue were dispatched along with Sheriff’s office and State Police. The six patients were sent to Centra Hospital and one was laterairlifted out to anotherhospital.

Victim Hit by Train DOA

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to train tracks i n the area of ChesterRoad fora reported MVAinvolving a pedestrian. When fire crews arrived, they found the woman underthe train and DOA. It was reported that the female was walking on the tracks when she was hit by a northbound train.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Mayday Basics Practice forGalax

Galax Fire Department drilling on Mayday basics such as drags, bailouts and victim removal. - Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Fairfax Live Fire Training

Firefighters participated in live fire training at a donated house recently. This training provides a rare, real-world experience allowing firefi ghters to practice and enhance theirskills. This training was made possible through the Acquired Structures Program. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

New Ambulance forPortsmouth

On June 15, 2023, Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services placed into service a brand-new Ambulance. This New Horton Ambulance has state-of-the-art safety systems to ensure ourpersonnel and citizens are protected while operating orrecei ving care in this unit. The on-duty crew participated in a push-in ceremony to officially place the unit in service. This unit is designated as Medic 1, and will be stationed at Fire Station 1 on Effingham Street.

New Engine forRichmond

Up Close and Personal

- Photos courtesy of Portsmouth FR

Loudon County Firefighter Kaylah Smothers with Loudon County’s new brush truck.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Members of the Richmond Fire Department push the all-new Engine 21 into its quarters. - Fire News photos by CFN Media

Little Fork Refurbs Ambulance

We are in the process of preparing “Charlie” forthe paint shop. Charlie will be painted and re-lettered soon. Charlie will beco me ournewest ambulance transport unit, a 2015 unit donated from the Loudoun County VolunteerRescue Squad that will replace Little Fork’s 2001 Ambulance 9-2. Removing the lettering and reflective stripes is a tedious process, using heat guns and adhesive remover.

Volunteers began the process in late June. Thanks to all of the duty crews that have assisted with this project. You saved the community thousands of dollars. And, we thank the Loudoun volunteers for theirdonation to ourrural community!

Firehouse Expo Preview

Schedule Change forFirst Day

Three groups of sessions will be offered between 80800-1230. There will be a break for lunch and then the opening ceremonies will begin at 1400. The day then will transition to the exhibit floor, where there will be a welcome reception, a Tailboard Talk and a roundtable.

New Classes

“Incident Command: Defining the Expectation.” “Engine Company Operations at Apartment Fires.” “RIT? FAST? RIC? WHO?” “Flying into a New Era: Building a Drone Program and Utilization in the Fire Service.”

VolunteerDays

Firehouse Expo will offer special programs for volunteer firefighters with a special discounted rate of $75 registration for either Wednesday or Friday. And don’t miss “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service," and “AFG Strategies for Success.”

Lessons Learned

Attendees of Firehouse Expo in 2022 requested more classes/speakers that concentrate on lessons learned and that p rovide examination of close calls and fireground incidents. “Out of Air, Can YOU Make It to Safety?” and “I Was Not Ready for This!”

Pre-conference Workshops

Our in-depth pre-conference workshops will allow participants to take a deep dive into leadership, tactics and the human side of firefighting, among other topics.

This new class conference includes several “Thru-the-Lock, the Not-So Forcible Entry Method.”

One of the many tasks firefighters must be proficient in is

forcible entry. The Thru-the-Lock method of forcible entry conserves property damage while obtaining the goal of gaining entry. This method is utilized when life safety and property conservation come together to make access to buildings and homes for a vast array of incident responses. When seconds count and lives hang in the balance, it takes trained professionals to do their job and get it done right. Thru-the-Lock has proven effective to access patients, making entry for water flow activation, as well as maintaining door control for smoke conditions. An additional benefit of Thru-theLock is the ability to secure the entry point upon termination of the incident. Thru-the-Lock is a skill every firefighter needs in their proverbial toolbox.

Fire departments across the country face many challenges in the post-COVID-19 era, including leadership changes, culture issues and exhaustion, which all can bring down morale in firefighters.

Find the full list of pre-conference workshops here: firehouseexpo.com/2023/workshops.

You must preregister for these four- and eight-hour workshops, so do it today.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FD

New Trainees for Portsmouth

OurPortsmouth family is growing as we welcome ournewest FirefighterTrainees. These new family members include veterans from the U.S. military - Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard - Portsmouth natives, and third generation Portsmouth firefighters. We thank them fortheircontinued service to the community. - Photos courtesy of Portsmouth FR

Stafford Co. Graduates 13 Probies

On June 10, 2023, Stafford County graduated 13 new probationary firefighters from Recruit Academy 17.

- Submitted by Katie Brady

Loudon County, Virginia FirefighterJosh Jones, originally a Chesterfield, New Jersey firefighter.

Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe, while on vacation in Virginia, stopped at the Winchester Apple Blossom Festival and checked out the Fouts Brothers demo that was on display. The verdict: “Nice truck with plenty of legroom.”

- Fire News photo by Carl Crossman

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

First ResponderOccupational Cancer and Behavioral Health Symposium

On May 31, 2023, Virginia’s first responders met in Richmond to attend a one-day symposium focusing on occupational cancer and behavioral health. This event was hosted by the Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Richmond Firefighters Association IAFF Local 995 and the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

Presenting were Dr. Jeff Burgess from the University of Arizona who discussed research and effective interventions to reduce fireground exposures. From the Massey Cancer Center, Dr. Bernard Fuemeller provided updates of the work being performed by the Massey Cancer Center to include the Virginia Firefighters for Lifelong Health Survey and the release of the APP. Mr. Travis Howze, an author and motivational wellness educator presented life-saving information on mental health, awareness and survivability. Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF Local 2068 provided the documentary “Burned” which discussed and identified the hazards of PFAS.

This event would not have been possible without the support from our sponsors; VCU Massey Cancer Center, River Run Law Group, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, ASM Global, RVA100 Club, Jamie Little Rescue Intellitech, Richmond Firefighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 995, and the Virginia Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation.

- Submitted by Steve

Weissman

Virginia Chapterof the FirefighterCancerSupport Network Golf Tournament

The Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network will hold its annual Golf Tournament on September 18, 2023, at Lee’s Hill Golf Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for Virginia’s firefighters, and it is the most dangerous threat to firefighter health and safety today. Last year, over 50 Virginia firefighters were diagnosed with, and eight died from, occupational cancer.

The mission of the FCSN is to assist theses firefighters, EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer by providing badge-to-badge support as well as to provide training and assistance to fire departments at no cost.

There’s no better way to honor those we lost and support the firefighters currently fighting occupational cancer. Please support us by being a sponsor or playing in this worth while tournament. For information, please contact Steve Weissman at sweissman@fcsn.net

To register a team or sponsor visit our web site at: https://events.golfstatus.com/event/3rd-annual-firefighters-cancer-support-network-virginia-golf-tournament/details/registration-details.

- Submitted by Steve Weissman