Updated: For those in the procession with or without apparatus:

From FirefighterCloseCalls.com:

The Virginia Department of Transportation, working with the town of Rocky Mount, has planned road closures to accommodate funeral traffic on Virginia 40 and U.S. 220 as well as Virginia 718 in Glade Hill. VDOT will post message boards in the area containing information.

DIRECTIONS: Your best bet is MAPQUEST using Roanoke, VA as a point of reference from the Interstate:

CLICK HERE for an area MAP to help you: http://tinyurl.com/3y5me5x

Basically show up in the vicinity and you will see where to stage your apparatus!

Updated: Apparatus and Funeral Procession information…

I have not gotten any solid plans sent to me. All I have heard is to call for info.

Contact Annett Law (Franklin County Dept. Public Safety) at 540-483-3091 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              540-483-3091      end_of_the_skype_highlighting and she will get you the info you need. I left a message as well. If anyone has the information for the procession(s) I would love to post it for everyone who is looking for it.

Here are the various addresses you might need for the funeral and visitation:
Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department – P. O. Box 631 Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Phone: 540-483-7181
Fax: 540-484-1995

Main Station – 1250 North Main StreetRoc ky Mount VA

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church – 35 North Main Street Rocky Mount, VA

Franklin Heights Baptist Church – 110 Hilltop Drive Rocky Mount, VA

Franklin Memorial Park – 21440 Virgil H Goode Hwy Rocky Mount, VA

Glade Hill Baptist Church – 6627 Colonial Turnpike Glade Hill, VA

For more information on the deaths of Fire Chief Posey Dillon and Firefighter Danny Altice follow the following links:

• Initial coverage including links on VAFireNews.com
• Continued coverage including external links on VAFireNews.com

View the obituaries and arrangements for our fallen brothers below.

Posey Dillon
Visitation: 4-8pm at the Rocky Mount VFD on Thursday
Funeral: Friday at 11am at Franklin Heights Baptist Church

Danny Altice
Visitation: 5-9pm at the Rocky Mount VFD on Thursday
Funeral: Friday at 3pm at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church.

William Daniel “Danny” Altice (view guestbook)

William Daniel (Danny) Altice, 67, of Rocky Mount, Virginia passed away Monday, July 26, 2010 while serving his community as a member of the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department. He was born October 12, 1942, son of the late William Oliver Altice, of Rocky Mount and Annis Davis Altice, of Henry. He is survived by his fiancée, Frances C. Holley; his son, William Carey Altice, of Rocky Mount; his daughter, Christie Altice-Weaver and husband, David, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; his granddaughter, Kayla Denice Altice; a sister, Phyllis Fadely and husband, Jon and two children, of Fairfax Station; brother, Barry Oliver Altice, wife, Jennifer and two children, of Rocky Mount. He was a member of the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department for 47 years, serving as active Chief from 1977 to 1984. He received a Lifetime Achievement Service Recognition Award in February 2008 from the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be conducted from Rocky Mount United Methodist Church 3 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2010 with the Rev. John Plummer and Chaplain Richard Gore officiating. Entombment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Posey W. Dillon and William Danny Altice Memorial Fund c/o Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, 1250 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory Route 220 @ Wirtz Road, Rocky Mount, 334-5151. www.connerbowman.com.

Posey W. Dillon (view guestbook)

Posey W. Dillon, 59, of Rocky Mount, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 26, 2010. He was the son of Hilda Dillon, of Glade Hill and the late Posey L. Dillon. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Frances Hutchinson. Posey was a member of Glade Hill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Finance Director. He was a 33-year veteran of the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Captain and Assistant Chief, before becoming Chief in 1990. He served on Rocky Mount Town Council from 1980 to 2000 and was reappointed to Council August, 2006. He served as Vice-Mayor of Rocky Mount from 1992 to 2000 and again from July 2008 to present. He served on the West Piedmont Planning District Commission from December, 1982 to June, 1993 and served on other numerous Town Projects/Committees. He retired from American Electric Power with 30 years of service on June 1, 2010.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife and best friend of 35 years, Ann Dillon; and his constant companions, “Nikki” and “Vikki;” brother and sister-in-law, Davy and Carrol Dillon, of Glade Hill; sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Wes Angell, of Boones Mill; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Don Mitchell, of Roanoke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Pam Hutchinson Jr., of Rocky Mount, Charles and Fran Hutchinson, of Vinton; nieces, Katelyn and Kelsey Angell, Amy Dillon and Becky Holland; nephews, Brian and Eric Dillon, Shannon, Jeff, and Charles Allen Hutchinson; one great-niece, Kaytlynn Holland; and one great-nephew, Gray Hutchinson.
Funeral services will be conducted from Franklin Heights Baptist Church 11 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2010, with the Rev. David Long and Pastor Eddie Hawks officiating. Interment will follow in the Hutchinson Family Cemetery at Glade Hill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Posey W. Dillon and William Danny Altice Memorial Fund, c/o Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department, 1250 N. Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151. His family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at Rocky Mount Fire Department, North Main Street, Rocky Mount. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount, Va.(

Updated 0900 hours July 28th:

Story from Roanoke Times: Investigation continues as Rocky Mount mourns loss

Updated 1900 hours:

Added a video at the bottom of this post. It is an interview that Jamey Singleton did with the Rocky Mount VFD including Fire Chief Posey Dillon. The event was a fundraiser for Owen Lewis. Owen Lewis was a Rocky Mount firefighter who was battling cancer and recently lost his battle. VAFirenews.com ran a story on Owen here.

Updated 1805 hours:

Fire Chief Posey Dillon’s Funeral Arrangements

Visitation: Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m at the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral: Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Heights Baptist Church(Hilltop Road in Rocky Mount).

Donations be made to the Posey W. Dillon Memorial Fund, in care of the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department.

***

This is continuing coverage of our initial report on the Rocky Mount LODD’s of Fire Chief Posey Dillon and Firefighter Danny Altice. To view our initial coverage click here.

VAFireNews.com continues its coverage of the Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) in Rocky Mount (Franklin County) Virginia. We will be bringing you the latest news as it is released including the funeral and memorial arrangements. We will also have information for departments wishing to be in any funeral arrangements.

Please remember that this is a time for grieving the loss of our fallen brothers. We will let the LODD reports decide on the facts related to the deaths of our brothers.

At this time the Governor of Virginia has ordered the State flag be flown at half-staff.

The flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia may be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of Rocky Mount Fire Chief and Vice Mayor Posey Dillon, Rocky Mount Firefighter William Daniel Altice, and Tazewell County Deputy Shawn Hess, who gave their lives in the line of duty. The flag shall be lowered immediately today, Tuesday, July 27, 2010, and remain at half-staff until sunset. Furthermore, the flag shall be lowered at sunrise on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 and remain at half-staff until sunset. Source

Pictured is Rocky Mount Wagon 1A. The apparatus was a total loss in the accident. Photo Courtesy of the Franklin County Department of Public Safety. View the entire fleet here

*Charlie Robinson has been named interim Fire Chief and Fire Marshal for the Rocky Mount Fire Department.

*The Commonwealth’s Attorney will be deciding on whether or not any charges will be placed in the wake of this deadly accident.

Chief Dillon was driving the fire engine and died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Firefighter Altice was riding in the passenger seat and died on scene. Niether of the two firefighters were wearing seatbelts. The fire engine (Wagon 1A) was a 1988/1989 Pierce Custom engine which carried 1000 gallons of water. The accident occurred at an intersection in Rocky Mount on Route 40 near Sheetz. The SUV had the green light. The driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One other vehicle, a ford mustang, was involved in an accident when the fire engine hit it once it rolled.

Firefighters from all over the area are assisting the Rocky Mount Fire Department with their needs.

Here are some important links for everyone to follow:

• VAFireNews.com initial coverage of the LODD
• Follow the discussion on FirefighterNation.com
• Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department
• View the entire fleet of Rocky Mount FD
• Franklin County Department of Public Safety
• WDBJ7 has the story on the house fire that Dillon and Altice were responding to here.
• Roanoke Times story from July 27th paper
• WSLS is reporting here
• WDBJ7 is reporting here
• Roanoke Times is reporting here
• TheFranklinNewsPost.com
• Roanoke.com photos
• WDBJ7 photos
• The Franklin News Post Photos

If you have anything to add, please contact us at editor@vafirenews.com or use our contact form.

LODD: Rocky Mount Fire Chief Posey Dillon and Firefighter Danny Altice Die in Accident

VAFireNews.com began coverage minutes after the news of an accident involving a fire truck in Rocky Mount. Initial reports indicated a fatality. We were very sad to hear that this news soon turned into a double Line of Duty Death.

We will continue to cover this tragedy in Franklin County.

View our coverage here.

This photo is one of many at The Franklin News Post

Firefighters Expect To Lose Push For Home Sprinklers Mandate, For Now

The Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development is expected to cast a final vote Monday on amendments to the state building code, putting to rest a debate that has raged for years between fire-fighting organizations and the building industry over whether sprinkler systems should be mandatory in new home construction, an action that will open the next chapter for those who are still hoping to see sprinklers become a part of all new development. Read More

Ruptured gas line fueled fire

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – Virginia natural gas crews are working to fix a ruptured gas line that fueled a fire late night Sunday.

A thunderstorm rolled through the Colonial Place neighborhood in Norfolk around 11 p.m.

Firefighters say lightning struck a tree and caused a ruptured gas line which fueled the fire. Read More

Fire at Grey’s Point sends one man to the hospital

On Sunday, July 18, at 7 a.m., a fire at Grey’s Point Campground at Topping caused about $70,000 worth of damage to a camper and sent one person to the hospital, said Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department chief Alan Blake.

Photo by Jeff Cherry

Fluvanna County Mother and Children Lose Home in Fire

The smell of charred wood filled the air at 183 Little Mountain Road in Fluvanna County Sunday morning. Angel Bowles rents the property with her four children, who are all under the age of seven. The American Red Cross disaster services volunteers were called out to help the now homeless family.

“We come out and provide emergency services, immediate services,” said Shelley Murphy, a Red Cross disaster services volunteer.

Bowles and her kids will stay in a hotel the next nights. Read More

Burson Dr. fire, courtesy of the Chesapeake Fire Dept.

No one hurt in Chesapeake house fire

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – Chesapeake firefighters battled an early morning fire in the 1700 block of Burson Dr. Saturday.

Fire crews responded to reports of a structure fire at 2:47 a.m. When crews arrived on the scene they found a single story, brick home on fire, with heavy flames breaking through the roof, Capt. Mike Thibeault of the Chesapeake Fire Department said in a released statement. Read More

Suffolk brush fire contained to 85 acres

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Crews have contained a Suffolk brush fire to about 85 acres along Gates Road near the Isle of Wight County line.

It’s been burning since Wednesday, July 21.

The Suffolk Fire Department and the Virginia Department of Forestry are monitoring the smoke and flames. A fire line has been established, said city spokeswoman Debbie George. Read More

Photo by Dana Glass

Valley Firefighters Battle Flames and Weather

Lt. Chris Ritenour from Rockingham County Fire and Rescue enjoyed the air conditioning inside the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Station Friday.

Just hours earlier, he was fighting a scorching mulch fire miles down the road.

Ritenour says, “The heat that you feel is like walking into a furnace. Trying to work with that is very consuming on the body.” Read More

Posey Dillon (right) is pictured above with Danny Altice during a ceremony in February 2008 when Altice was presented a lifetime achievement award by the Rocky Mount Town Council. They were killed Tuesday afternoon in a collision with a car while responding to a call. Photo Courtesy Franklin News Post

Update July 27th:

Follow the discussion on FirefighterNation.com

WDBJ7 has the story on the house fire that Dillon and Altice were responding to here.
Here are some links to photo galleries:

• Roanoke.com photos
• WDBJ7 photos
• The Franklin News Post Photos

Update 2145 hours:

It is being reported that Fire Chief Posey Dillon was driving Wagon 1 when it was involved in the deadly accident in Rocky Mount Today. Firefighter Danny Altice was riding in the passenger seat.

Neither of the two men were wearing their seatbelts.

According to TheFranklinNewsPost.com:

Dillon had served on town council for 24 years, including 10 years as vice mayor, and was re-elected vice mayor by council earlier this month. He had been fire chief for 20 years.

Altice joined the fire department in 1963 and served as chief from 1977 to 1984.

Be sure to stay up to date with the following in the LODD’s:

WSLS is reporting here

WDBJ7 is reporting here

Roanoke Times is reporting here

TheFranklinNewsPost.com

Update 2115 hours:

The fallen firefighters from today’s tragic accident have been named.

Fire Chief and Vice Mayor of Rocky Mount Posey Dillon died along with Firefighter William Daniel “Danny” Altice.

Both men will be missed. More information following.

Posey Dillon was just re-elected Vice Mayor of Rocky Mount on July 5th. (link)

He was mentioned on VAFireNews.com previously when his dual role as Vice Mayor and Fire Chief were put into question. (link)

Here is a picture of Fire Chief Posey Dillon and Firefighter Danny Altice from the TheFranklinNewsPost.com (click for more pictures).

UPDATE 1845 hours:

Details are emerging about the accident in Rocky Mount.

Rocky Mount VFD Wagon 1A withwas responding to a house fire heading East on Route 40 when a vehicle pulled out and hit the fire engine. The accident occurred near the Sheetz in Rocky Mount.

Two firefighters were killed in the collision. One was pronounced dead on scene and the other was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Wagon 1A is a 1988 Pierce Dash Custom which carried 1000 gallons of water. (Not a 1992 as I first reported).

Video has been added to the bottom of this post

UPDATE 1815 hours:

We have confirmation of two firefighter fatalities in Rocky Mount this evening. The firefighters are members of the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department located in Franklin County, Virginia. We are not releasing any names until families are notified.

Please keep all of the firefighters in Rocky Mount and Franklin County in your prayers.

The apparatus was responding to a call for a house fire. The fire apparatus reportedly swerved to miss a vehicle that pulled out in front of it.

Here is a shot from the scene from WDBJ7

***

photograph posted on Facebook by Sandra Turner Young

Police are on scene of an accident involving a fire truck in Rocky Mount (Franklin County) on Route 40. The State Police are reporting that there was a fatality in the accident.

There is no word on whether or not the fatality was a civilian or a firefighter.

WSLS is reporting here

WDBJ7 is reporting here

Roanoke Times is reporting here

VAFireNews.com will be following this story and updating as we have more information.

Richmond July 22, 2010

At 0816 hours, someone walked up to station 5 alerting them of an accident one block from the station. The person reported that it was an accident at Belviedere and Leigh Street with a lady trapped in the car. While responding to the call, Quint 5 requested the remainder of the assignment. Quint 5 arrived on scene to find a 2-car accident with one person still in the car. Quint 5 quickly “popped” the driver’s door and placed all other units back in service. Richmond Ambulance and Quint 5 packaged the patient. Units cleared shortly after 0900 hours.

Lt. Shawn L. Jones, CFO
City of Richmond Fire & Emergency Services

Story from HamptonRoads.com

A tree caught fire in the 4700 block of Mayflower Road during a thunderstorm Sunday, and a ruptured gas line fed the blaze.

Thunder rattled the Colonial Place neighborhood shortly after 11 p.m., and soon after the fire sparked, the smell of gas was prevalent. Battalion Chief Harry Worley said it appeared the storm was to blame for the fire and underground gas line rupture. Read more

Lightning sparked a fire that was fed by a ruptured gas line in the 4700 block of Mayflower Road in Norfolk late Sunday night. (Maria Carrillo | The Virginian-Pilot)

Video below from Wavy.com

Coverage from Wavy.com

Story, Photo, and Video here

Story below from The Virginia Pilot

1 of 8 photos: A fire in the 5200 block of Bathley Place in Virginia Beach on Thursday, July 22, 2010, burned one home to the ground and heavily damaged two adjacent homes. (Steve Bancroft | Special to The Virginian-Pilot)

Fire destroys one home, damages 2 others in Virginia Beach

Pat Kaplan sat on her neighbor’s front porch Thursday afternoon and watched as firefighters doused her fire-ravaged home with water.

Wiping away tears, she said she was glad her daughter made it out of the house OK but lamented the loss of her family photos, her mother’s ashes and the new clothes she’d bought for her new job.

“They’re still in there with the tags on,” she said. “You never think it’s going to happen to you.” Read More

This photo was sent in to Wavy.com by Matthew Chow

Sorry there have been few updates the last week. I have been in Baltimore for the Firehouse Expo with Firefighter Netcast. Stay tuned to Firefighter Netcast for many podcasts we recorded while there including one with Henrico Firefighter Robbie Owens and Richmond Firefighter Danny Owens (direct link to blog post ).

Welcome to a new and improved VAFireNews.com (potentially). We are going through a format change. We are not redesigning the web site, merely changing it from a news type format to a blog type format. Now all you have to do is scroll down to see the new stuff. You don’t have to search the homepage for news updates.

Please let us know what you think.

This new format will include a “Daily News Update” (title subject to change). The Daily News Update will include many external links to stories carried off our site. It will also include text only stories.

We will try to offer a Daily News Update each day, however it might be published early in the morning or late in the evening.

Videos will now be in the individual posts and not carried on the sidebar anymore!

Bear with us and let us know what you think!

Here is today’s Daily News Update:

Roanoke County Firefighter Jeff Edwards Fundraiser

Saturday July 31st

As many of you know, Jeff Edwards went on dialysis in March of this year due to Polycystic Kidney Disease. On June 29th, his sister, Debbie Bryant, courageously donated a kidney to him. The surgeries went well for both Jeff and Debbie and their recovery is progressing each day. Jeff has been out of work since March 2010, And he will be without insurance soon and faces paying Cobra Insurance and even more expensive anti-rejection drug costs and general bills. We are asking you to donate any amount
possible to help with these expensive costs or to donate any items you may have for a yard sale we are having to benefit Jeff.

Download the full information = Jeff Edwards Fundraiser

Heat wave brings another scorcher; EMS crews ready

By Gene Petriello – bio | email
Posted by Shawn Maclauchlan

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – Right now, the temperature is soaring outside. And while that is happening, crews at the Richmond Ambulance Authority are preparing for what could be a very busy weekend.

We caught Howard Hicks at the end of his daily workout, one workout he got in much earlier than usual.

“Got my towel, water in my vehicle and we actually cheated today. We cut across the track instead of walking the complete path,” says Hicks. Read More

1 of 8 photos: A fire in the 5200 block of Bathley Place in Virginia Beach on Thursday, July 22, 2010, burned one home to the ground and heavily damaged two adjacent homes. (Steve Bancroft | Special to The Virginian-Pilot)

Fire destroys one home, damages 2 others in Virginia Beach

Pat Kaplan sat on her neighbor’s front porch Thursday afternoon and watched as firefighters doused her fire-ravaged home with water.

Wiping away tears, she said she was glad her daughter made it out of the house OK but lamented the loss of her family photos, her mother’s ashes and the new clothes she’d bought for her new job.

“They’re still in there with the tags on,” she said. “You never think it’s going to happen to you.” Read More

Richmond firefighters battle heat as well as flames

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – An apartment fire in Richmond goes to two alarms, but not just because it was a big fire.

The flames broke out just after six Friday evening in the 1200 block of Admiral Gravely Boulevard. Firefighters arrived and quickly called for help. Partly because of the oppressive “heat.” Read More

Suffolk wildfire grows to 30 acres, could reach 100

By Kristin Davis
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 23, 2010

A wildfire sparked Wednesday spread to more than 30 acres Thursday and could ultimately claim a 100-acre patch of young pine trees.

“Being so hot, it’s very dangerous to put any people or equipment into the area,” said Fred Turck of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

That means firefighters will have to work around the blaze now burning in the pine stand, he said. Read More

Firefighters battle a three-story mulch blaze Thursday night on U.S. 340. (BradZinn/The News Leader)

Three-story-high mulch pile ignites

HARRISTON — A three-story mulch pile caught fire Thursday afternoon at a Harriston pallet company as eight fire departments responded to the three-alarm blaze.

No injuries were reported at the TB Pallets LLC on U.S. 340. Lt. Chris Ritenour of the Rockingham County Fire Department said firefighters were expected to be at the facility throughout the night.

“We’re still at the containment stage,” he said at 8:30 p.m. The fire was called in shortly after 5 p.m. Read More

Fire at Lynchburg gas station

LYNCHBURG – Gas fumes at a Boonsboro Road gas station briefly ignited late Thursday night, sending flames dozens of feet into the air, Lynchburg Fire Department officials said.

Battalion Chief Paul Kilgore said crews responded to the Marathon gas station, next to the Exxon station, for a report of a fire on top of the gas tanks.  Read More

Two Charged With Setting Fire

Fairfax County fire investigators charged Tegee Rogers, 33, Herndon, and Justin Fedorchak, 39, Manassas, with multiple felonies in connection with a fire at 697 Spring Street, Herndon, Saturday, July 24, 2010, at approximately 12:30 a.m..

They are both charged with three felonies, 18.2-85, manufacturing and using and explosive device; 18.2-86, setting a fire capable of spreading; and 18.2-79, burning or destroying a meeting house. They were also charged with several statewide fire prevention code misdemeanors.

Damage to property is estimated at $200.00.

Both subjects were released on $1,000 bond.

Two-Alarm Lorton Townhouse Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire Saturday, July 24, 2010, at approximately 3 a.m. in the Lorton area of Fairfax County. The townhouse is located 8501 Golden Ridge Court.

Firefighters saw heavy fire and smoke coming from an end unit townhouse upon arrival. Due to heavy fire and the potential for spreading to adjacent townhouses, a second alarm was struck bringing over 60 firefighters to the scene. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes.

The fire extended to the townhouse at 8503 causing considerable fire damage. Additionally, the townhouse at 8505 received water and smoke damage. The occupant from 8501 was transported to the Washington Hospital Burn Center for non-life threatening injuries.

Damage estimate for all three townhouses was $220,000. The townhouse at 8501 was a complete loss. The fire is under investigation.

Accidental West Springfield House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Thursday, July 22, 2010, at approximately 6:30 a.m., in the West Springfield area of Fairfax County. The single family home is located at 8114 Viola Street.

Firefighters saw smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story, split-foyer home upon arrival. Firefighters quickly conducted an interior attack in the master bedroom and brought the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes. The fire was contained primarily to the bedroom; however, there was some additional fire extension and smoke and water damage on the second floor.

A smoke alarm activated when the lone occupant opened the door to the master bedroom. The occupant escaped unharmed. One adult and three children have been displaced. Red Cross is assisting the family. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $97,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. The fire was caused by an electrical irregularity, specifically high resistance heating of the electrical wiring.

Investigators say fire at Norfolk furniture store was arson

NORFOLK — A fire at a Norfolk furniture store in the spring has been classified as an arson, and investigators are looking for anyone with information. Read More

Grand Furniture Store on 6359 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard was severely damaged by fire on March 22. (Norfolk Fire Department / March 22, 2010)

EMS Fall Turns in to Technical Rescue in Lexington
Submitted by Jimmy Swink

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 -
At 2225 hours, EMS was dispatched to the Preston Library at VMI for Injuries from a fall. Rescue 15 and RS1 (EMS Supervisor) responded and arrived on scene within minutes to find the victim had fallen approximately 25 feet down a hole onto some type of storage tank. RS1 immediately requested an upgraded assignment to a Technical Rescue response and established command.

Engine 92 and Chief 9 arrived on scene and started working to gain access to the patient. Command was transferred to Chief 9. E92′s crew provided access to the patient with an extension ladder for EMS to asses the patient.

Truck 9 arrived on scene and worked to establish a haul system to extricate the victim. Crews utilized a stokes basket and elevated haul lines to remove the victim from the hole. Once the patient was extricated, they were then transported to Carilion Stonewall Jackson hospital where Lifeguard 10 was awaiting to MEDEVAC the victim who suffered only a leg fracture from the fall and mild hypothermia.

Units operated on scene for just over an hour to extricate the victim. Units operating were Rescue Engine 92, Truck 9, Utility 9, Rescue 15, RS1 (EMS Supervisor) and Chief 9.

At 0545 hours this morning, Richmond Emergency Communication was alerted to the area of the 1400 block of Branders Street, the city’s Wastewater Treatment Facility an employee there complained of a product release. Engine 13, Engine 6, Rescue 3, Haz Mat 3 and Safety 2, Battalions 1 and 2 were dispatched to the incident. Rescue 3 and Haz Mat 3 arrived on scene to find the employee complaining of a product release. The employee informed the team it was Sulfur Dioxide, he was able to provide sufficient information to the responders. Richmond Fire Haz Mat Team began the process of medical monitoring and information gathering. Henrico Fire Hat Mat Team was added to the call to assist with the call.

Shortly, after 7 a.m., Richmond Fire Haz Mat team made entry into the area and discovered 4 railcars and several one ton cylinders in the area were the leak was reported. The entry team shut off a valve. The team continued to monitor the area.

The facility was reopened. All units cleared shortly before noon.

Lt. Shawn L. Jones, CFO
City of Richmond Fire & Emergency Services

Contributors to this Article:
VPFF Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hanks L-1132
Rhett Fleitz L-1132

Those of us who have served the IAFF, State Associations, and Local affiliates know the difficulty in setting our personal lives aside and maintaining a professional and determined course of action in fighting for firefighter’s rights, benefits, and working conditions. A Labor leader must have the passion, skill and will to overcome obstacles on a daily basis.  Occasionally we are blessed with an individual who exemplifies this role. For those of us in Roanoke, Virginia, and across the Nation we know that one of these trade unionist is D. Duane Dixon.

Duane's Department Photo

Duane passed away on July 10, 2010 in Fort Myers, Florida. To those who knew Duane he was a friend, husband, father, and brother. Duane was 74 years old.

Duane worked as a firefighter for the Roanoke (VA) Fire Department from December 9, 1963 until December 15, 1988 and retired at the rank of Lieutenant. Duane served the department during some of its busiest times. He was there when the department expanded from two platoons to three in 1972. Local 1132 had a huge role in making this happen.

As much as he loved the fire service, his true passion was the Union.  He served the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association Local 1132 as President for 6 years from 1980-1982 and 1984-1986 and as Treasurer and/or Secretary/Treasurer  for 11 years from 1968-1978. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Association for 30 years. He was elected President Emeritus for Local 1132 and Secretary Treasurer Emeritus for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.  He remains the only Emeritus Officer for the VPFF.

He was very active with the IAFF as well. He served as chairman of the IAFF Credentials committee for many years.  He also served as S/T for the Federation of State and Provincial Professional Fire Fighters and the Southern Federation of Professional Fire Fighters.

During the many years as a labor leader Duane never missed a IAFF or VPFF Convention and only missed one VPFF tri-yearly board meeting (he had to attend a IAFF committee meeting on collective bargaining in DC).  As a delegate from Local 1132, his youthfulness often resonated with those travelling with him. He was a great person to be around and his attitude made you want to work harder as a Union representative.

Duane’s lifelong service to the IAFF, VPFF, and RFFA has and will continue to truly benefit its members. Duane’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for Union stewardship for a very long time.

Please also check out the IAFF’s article on Duane here.

Submitted by Jimmy Swink

07-08-2010

At 2330 Hours units were dispatched to a reported structure fire, garage on fire, on Windsong Ln. Medic Engine 9 arrived on scene to find a 3 car detached garage with fully involved with an exposure to a RV Trailer. Command was passed to the next officer. Engine 9’s crew stretched a pre-connected Blitz-Fire monitor and gained an initial knock down of the fire. Crews then stretched a 1 ¾” attack line to overhaul and mop up the fire. There was some minor extension to the exposure but the unit was salvaged.

One firefighter was transported to the Emergency Room for evaluation after a short fall down an embankment with no major injuries or complications.

Crews worked to clear the incident in about an hour and a half. Units operating on scene were Medic Engine 9, Rescue Engine 92, Brush 9, Engine 1, Engine 107, Wagon 4, Tanker 1, Engine 93, Utility 9, Chief 9-1, Chief 9, Chief 4 and Rescue 17.

Submitted by Jimmy Swink
07-09-2010

At 0141 hours units were dispatched to a report of smoke in the area of S. Main St. Upon response additional reports came in of smoke from a structure. Units from Lexington Police arrived on scene and reported a structure fire at the Southern Inn Restaurant. Engine 107, who was transferred to Company 9 while crews were working another structure fire, arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke showing from the building. Initial crews stretched an attack line through side Alpha and Charlie and got an initial knock on the seat of the fire. The fire had also spread to the second floor however crews were hampered for initial access due to the stairs being burned out. Additional units arrived on scene and worked for approximately 30 minutes to attempt to control the fire however the fire had grown beyond control and units were pulled out to go into a defensive mode.

Truck 9, Truck 2, and Ladder 10 utilized elevated master streams to bring the fire under control. Crews then went into overhaul operations and checked the Bravo and Delta exposures for extension. Minor fire extensions was noted in the Bravo exposure and only smoke extension in the Delta exposure. There was a partial collapse of the second floor and the roof of the primary structure however no injuries were reported to any personnel on scene.

The fire is being investigated by the Virginia State Police due to the amount of damage and the fact the building is a local historic icon dating back to before the 1820’s.

Units operating on scene were Medic Engine 9, Rescue Engine 92, Engine 93, Truck 9, Utility 9, Engine 1, Engine 107, Engine 127, Engine 71, Pumper 6, Attack 1, Wagon 4, Truck 2, Ladder 10, Tanker 6, Utility 6, Utility 2, Response 73, Truck 106, Chief 9, Rescue 17, Rescue 18, Rescue 21, MED 1-2, Medic 15, and RS-1 (EMS Supervisor).

Transfer and Fill-In units were provided by Buchanan Fire Dept, Stuarts Draft Fire, Sharon Fire Dept, Fairfield Rescue, Buena Vista Rescue, and Peddler Fire-Rescue.

Submitted by Harold A. Worthy

On the evening of July 2nd 2010 Prince William County Fire & Rescue and County police responded to a townhouse fire. The fire was in the Lake Ridge section of Woodbridge at 12605 Jedburg Lane. O.W.L and Dale City Vol.Fire Dept. made quick work of the situation and cleared the scene to get ready for a busy 4th of July weekend.

Photos and Info from Captain Donnie Widner
Wytheville Fire Department

Wytheville and Bland County Fire Departments respond to a camper fire on I77 Northbound at Mile Marker 47 on July 10th, 2010. Crews were dispatch at 10:45am. Crews arrived to find the camper already fully involved. Crews were on scene for approx 2Hrs. Both Northbound lanes were closed for approx 1hr, resulting in a 15-20mile back-up. Crews were also happened due to both Fuel lines and propane tanks were burned into resulting in a large diesel fuel leak. For further information contact Wytheville Public Safety. No injuries reported.

On Friday, July 9th around 1 PM Powhatan Brush 1 responded on an automatic aid call (automatic aid is where the closest fire company responds no matter what county the emergency is in) into Amelia County on Giles Bridge Road for a reported field fire. Brush 1 arrived just after Amelia Brush 4 and working together Amelia Brush 4 took the right side of the fire and Powhatan Brush 1 took the left side of the fire darkening it down quickly. Firefighters remained on the scene for about an hour extinguishing hot spots that were mostly cow patties smoldering in the field. The fire was started when embers escaped from a burn pile that the owners were burning. The automatic aid favor was returned later that day when Amelia Engine 4 responded into Powhatan County for a reported house fire that turned out to be a small fire in a grill on the back deck.
Pictures
Amelia 1- Powhatan Volunteer Firefighters assist Amelia with a field fire on Giles Bridge Road
Amelia 2- Volunteer Firefighters from Amelia and Powhatan work together to extinguish a field fire

Wavy.com article by Katie Collett

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A condo fire displaced 12 families in Newport News Sunday night. Four people, including two residents and two firefighters, were taken to the hospital for treatment while the fire burned at the Daybreak Condominiums just off of Patrick Henry Drive. The two firefighters were treated and released.

As of Monday evening, fire investigators had still not determined what caused the fire.

Continue reading… Condo fire injures four in NN|WAVY.com|Newport News.

Photo courtesy of Brandy Howell.

Chesapeake rehab truck helps firefighters keep their cool | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

By Kristin Davis
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 3, 2010
CHESAPEAKE

It was over 100 degrees June 24, and that was before the firefighters had even put on their Nomex suits to combat a fire on a rooftop.

When the crew had all it could take, another took its place. The heat-weary firefighters retreated into a new, shiny red truck where bottled water floated on melting ice and three big overhead vents blasted cold air.

Continue reading… Chesapeake rehab truck helps firefighters keep their cool | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.

Chesapeake Fire Department Lt. Jerry Bohn starts the generator to activate the interior of new Chesapeake fire rehab truck at the Engine 3 in Chesapeake on Monday, June 28, 2010. (Hyunsoo Leo Kim | The Virginian-Pilot)

]]> http://www.vafirenews.com/2010/07/rehab-truck-helps-firefighters-keep-their-cool/feed/ 0 http://www.vafirenews.com/2010/07/fire-station-5-opening-draws-sizeable-crowd/ http://www.vafirenews.com/2010/07/fire-station-5-opening-draws-sizeable-crowd/#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:32:48 +0000 Webteam http://www.vafirenews.com/?p=10070

Fire Station 5 Opening Draws Sizeable Crowd | newsroanoke.com

City officials and community leaders cut the ribbon at No.5.

Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, members of the community came out in droves to celebrate the grand opening of Roanoke’s new Fire-EMS Station 5 held on Monday, June 28.

Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill was pleased to see the large attendance and remarked, “This is not just a fire station. It’s for the community. I’ve been to a lot of these events in other cities. It’s quite unusual to see so many members of a community present.”

Continue reading… Fire Station 5 Opening Draws Sizeable Crowd | newsroanoke.com.

Info from Roanoke Fire-EMS Press Release
Photo submitted seperately

On July 2, 2010, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to a residential structure fire at 2417 Meadowbrook Rd. The fire was received in the E-911 Center at approximately 2:23 p.m. and was under control at 2:47 p.m. Four engines, 2 ladder trucks, 2 medic units, 1 EMS Captain, 2 Battalion Chiefs and the Investigation Unit for a total of 29 personnel responded to the scene.

When crews arrived they found smoke coming from the gables of the home. Crews quickly forced entry into the house and searched for anyone trapped. They then quickly extinguished the fire that was found in the basement.

There was no one in the house when the fire started. There were no injuries to civilians or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the basement and was contained to the basement with some smoke damage throughout. The fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damage estimates are approximately $25,000.