VAFireNews.com - Fire & EMS News

Harrisonburg Extrication and Flyout after MVA

Webteam — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:26:57 +0000

On February 2, 2012 around 2300 hours, Harrisonburg Rescue, Squad 41, and Engine 402 responded to a vehicle crash with reported overturned vehicle and people trapped on Mt. Clinton Pike just outside the City of Harrisonburg, Va. Upon arrival, units found one male patient ejected and two female patients trapped underneath an SUV that was on its side. Immediately crews began stabilization of the vehicle while treating the patients that were trapped under the vehicle. Aircare 5 was requested to the scene along with 2 additional Harrisonburg Ambulances. The two trapped patients were positioned on opposite sides of the vehicles making stabilization and extrication challenging. Crews used Paratech struts and Enerpac ram attachments to vertically lift the SUV to free both patients. One female patient was flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center and the two others were transported by ground to Rockingham Memorial Hospital. The current condition of the patients is still unknown at this time.

Submitted by: Dustin Gladwell, Duty Officer Harrisonburg Rescue Squad

Firefighters Battle Fire in Louisa County

Webteam — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:48:37 +0000

On Sunday afternoon on January 29th, 2012 at 1326 hours Holly Grove VFD was dispatched to Johnson Mill Road for a working residential structure fire. Units responding were Car 4, Engine 4, Heavy Rescue 4, Tower 4, Tanker 4, and Fire Rescue 4. Other companies responding were Locust Creek VFD with Engine 5, Wagon 5, and Brush 5. Bumpass VFD Wagon 3 and Tanker 3. Mineral VFD Engine 2 and Tanker 2. LCES Fire Rescue 3. LCES Medic 2. Mutual Aid Hanover County Tanker 8. Upon arrival crews found a one story structure with heavy fire. Crews quickly went to work on extinguishing of the fire. Engine 2 was directed to set up a draft site in the area of the fire for water supply. Fire crews were able to make a stop on the fire saving a portion of the residence. Crews were on scene until approx. 1623 hours.

Submitted by Lt. Knighton

Colonial Heights Fire and EMS Respond to Interstate 95 crash

Webteam — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:53:11 +0000

By Becky Robinette Wright
Photos by Al Goulder

On Jan. 27., 2012 at approximately 8:49 p.m., Virginia State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 95 southbound at the 53 mile marker in Colonial Heights. According to Sgt. Thomas Molnar of the Virginia State Police, the crash occurred when the driver of a 2010 Toyota 4Runner, who suffered a medical condition, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a 2000 Nissan Maxima. The Nissan was disabled on the right shoulder with the driver still inside the vehicle. Police said the driver of the Toyota, a 47 year-old female from Mechanicsville, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Chippenham Medical Center. She was wearing her safety belt. The driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Southside Regional Medical Center. The crash remains under investigation.

Charlottesville Technical Rescue- Crispell Drive

Webteam — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:48:17 +0000

At approximately 2:55 a.m. this Saturday morning. CFD, CARS and PD were dispatched to 380 Crispell Drive (near UVA) and next to the RR tracks for a person reported impaled and upside down on the metal fence. CARS and CFD arrived at 2:58 a.m..

CFD personnel cut the fence to free the individual and begin patient care. CARS also provided patient care and transported the patient to UVA Medical Center Emergency Room.

Brosville VFD Firehouse Damaged in Fire

Webteam — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:30:17 +0000

Firefighters survey the damage after a fire engulfed a 2008 International crash truck and a 2005 ambulance Thursday night at Brosville Community Volunteer Fire Department. photo from WSLS.com

WSLS 10

BROSVILLE –

The Virginia State Police and state fire marshal are investigating a fire that damaged the building and two emergency vehicles at Brosville Community Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday evening.

Pittsylvania County Emergency Services Coordinator Jim Davis said an outside agency will examine the case to ensure an independent investigation. The department’s building is county insured, he said.

via Blaze damages fire station in Brosville | WSLS 10.

Botetourt County Adds 8 Positions through SAFER Grant

Webteam — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:37:37 +0000

WSLS 10:

BOTETOURT COUNTY, VA –

Botetourt County firefighters do daily training, a luxury the department never used to have.

But thanks in part to a FEMA grant known as Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or S.A.F.E.R.; the county added eight full time firefighters and EMS responders to its volunteer force last May.

The added responders mean a full time firefighter is in the Fincastle station at all times and EMS workers are stationed in Fincastle, Troutville, and Buchanan.

Fincastle Volunteer Fire Chief Dave Moran said having a full time responder has significantly improved his department’s response times.

Continue reading…Botetourt County beefs up public safety | WSLS 10

Bedford Fire Department Annual Video for 2011

Webteam — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:12:19 +0000

Bedford Fire Department 2011 “No Illusion”. Video and Pictures taken from 2011.

Joint Fundraiser to Benefit FDNY Rescue 2 Injured Firefighters Established

Webteam — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:06:51 +0000

Joint Fundraiser to Benefit F.D.N.Y. Rescue 2 Injured Firefighters Established by MN8-Foxfire, FireCritic.com and IronFiremen.com

Cincinnati, OH, January 23, 2012— MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough illuminating products for firefighters, Lt. Rhett Fleitz of the Fire Critic blog (FireCritic.com) and Captain Willie Wines Jr. of the Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen blog (IronFiremen.com) have teamed up to establish a joint fundraiser to support two injured firefighters with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Rescue 2. The fundraiser begins on Monday, January 23 and ends at midnight on Monday, January 30. During this time, MN8-Foxfire will donate 50 percent of all product sales through the company website to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund. Opportunities for individuals to make donations without a product purchase will also be available through the MN8-Foxfire website at www.mn8products.com.

On Monday, December 19, 2011, two firefighters from Rescue 2 suffered severe burns during a brownstone structure fire and were in critical condition upon hospital admittance. Both men face long recoveries. One is still hospitalized in critical condition and the other is now recovering at home under the care of a burn center outpatient program.

“We were devastated to hear about the fire involving the Brooklyn firefighters as we have a special connection with Rescue 2,” said Zachary Green, president of MN8-Foxfire. “I’d met and spent some time Captain Liam Flaherty (from Rescue 2) in San Diego last year. Then last fall, Willie, Rhett and I visited Rescue 2 and they welcomed us like we were part of their team.”

“We had great discussions over coffee with Captain Flaherty and his men at their kitchen table and even watched a hockey game with them while we were there,” said Wines.

Fleitz, Wines and Green will travel to New York to personally present a check towards the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund during the first week of February. “There is such a sense of brotherhood among firefighters,” said Fleitz. “And when one of our brothers is in need, the firefighting community pulls together. We want to do all we can to help these men and their families.”

All Foxfire illuminating products are eligible for the 50 percent Rescue 2 Mayday fundraiser, including illuminating helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, tetrahedrons, equipment bands and t-shirts.

Visit MN8 FoxFire and purchase/donate to support the fund here

Read more about the fund raiser here:

About MN8-Foxfire

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company offering energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced illumination technology. MN8’s product offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and performance-proven. This is readily apparent in Foxfire’s photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, equipment bands, helmet tetrahedrons and other products. Both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8products.com.

Guns N Hoses Hockey This Saturday Night in Roanoke

Webteam — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:45:14 +0000

LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!

Yes folks, it is that time again to converge at the Roundhouse (Roanoke Civic Center) for the Annual Guns N Hoses Hockey game. The game is this Saturday, January 21st at 6pm.

Join Firefighters, Police Officers, Medics, First Responders, Friends, Family, and most importantly HOCKEY FANS as they watch the heated battle between the Guns and Hoses.

About Guns N Hoses:

Guns and Hoses is an annual charity ice hockey tournament played in Roanoke, Virginia, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the official charity of the International Association of Firefighters. Last year alone, the I.A.F.F. raised more than $25 million for the MDA through events such as this.

Each year, local Roanoke-area firefighters (the “Hoses”) take on a team of local Roanoke-area police officers and law enforcement personnel (the “Guns”). During the last eight years, Roanoke’s Guns and Hoses has raised more than $81,000 for the MDA, and more than 20,000 people have attended the games.

House Fire in Onancock

Webteam — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:27:15 +0000

On January 17, 2012 Stations 9 (Onancock), 7 (Parksley), 8 (Tasley) and 18 (Onley) were dispatched for a residential structure fire on Bayside Road in the community of White Rabbit. DPS 3 (Pruitt) arrived on scene with a 2.5 story wood frame structure heavily involved. Stations 6 (Bloxom) and 10 (Melfa) were added to the assignment. Deputy Chief 9 (Ross) had the Command. DPS 3 (Pruitt) had operations. Two residents were transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and one Firefighter was treated on scene and released. A&N Electric controlled utilities and the Accomack County Sheriffs Office assisted with traffic control.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Wheatley, David Allen, Hailey & Thomas Berry

More information and pictures at EasternShoreFire.com

Video: Fire Chief’s Corner with Alexandria Fire Chief Adam Thiel

Webteam — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:59:01 +0000

This video is offered by the City of Alexandria and discusses the Hazardous Materials Response team which is housed at Firehouse 209 at Potomac Yard.

Brunswick County Single Vehicle into Lake Gaston

Webteam — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:27:51 +0000

Brunswick County – Fire units responded to a reported vehicle in a lake Saturday morning at Lake Gaston. The single vehicle wreck occurred on Gasburg Road at the Pea Hill Creek bridge in Gasburg. The driver of the vehicle was able to escape out of the driver’s side window before his Toyota pick-up sank in about eighteen feet of water about thirty feet from shore. He was able to walk to a store and call for help. No other person was in the vehicle.

Gasburg VFD called for Lake Gaston VFD’s dive team as well as Roanoke-Wildwood VFD’s dive team from Warren County (NC) to assist with recovery operations. Gasburg Road was closed for almost four hours while the heavy-duty wrecker pulled the truck from the water then eventually lifted it over the guard rail and lowered in onto the roadway in from of the gathered crowd.

Central Volunteer Rescue Squad, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police also responded.

Additional photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwmfranks/sets/72157628883143461/with/6702258943/
John W. Franks
Warrenton Rural VFD

CFD in Rescue Operation Removing Injured Worker From Scaffold

Webteam — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:22:53 +0000

Charlottesville Fire Department

Injured construction worker being removed via rescue stokes basket by CFD personnel at UVA construction site on Tree House Drive.

Blaze Kills Two Dogs in Appomattox

Webteam — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:15:41 +0000

WSET.com

Appomattox, VA – Investigators are calling the cause of a fire that destroyed an Appomattox home and killed two dogs “suspicious.”

The state police’s Arson and Bomb team are leading this investigation. Special Agent Keith Childress isn’t calling it arson, but says burn patterns at the home appear suspicious. He’s waiting to see if evidence sent to the crime lab tests positive for accelerants. He also says there are no signs of forced entry.

Continue reading… WSET.com – ABC13 – Blaze Kills Two Dogs in Appomattox.

Fire damages Hampton school, forces closure

Webteam — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:11:11 +0000

Credit: Herb Hurni, 13News WVEC.com

WVEC.com

Fire has damaged a school in Hampton.

No one was hurt during the fire which broke out about 2:00 Monday afternoon at the former Mary Peake Center which the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center leases from Hampton City Schools. That’s located at 1306 Thomas Street.

Continue reading… Fire damages Hampton school, forces closure | WVEC.com Norfolk – Hampton Roads.

Bedford County firefighter reunites with ‘angel’ who saved him

Webteam — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:26:56 +0000

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” said Minette Boyd as she hugged Shawn Ring in front of the Monete Fire Department.

The hug is an ending to a chapter that could have been written very differently.

Sunday, August 14th, 2011 a car hit Shawn on Route 122, as he crossed the road to help someone change a tire.

Continue reading… Bedford County firefighter reunites with ‘angel’ who saved him | WSLS 10.

Fire at Troutville Market Store

Webteam — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:49:24 +0000

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 4:28am on Sunday 12-15-2012 for a structure fire on Lee Highway, which was VA Market. Engine 2 responded with 6 personnel, Upon the arrival crews found heavy fire on the BC corner with two stories off. Two attack crews went into operation, while Deputy Chief 2 (G. Rock) marked in command. Wagon 2 and Tanker 2 arrived to establish water supply, Squad 2 arrived and setup lights. Crews did a great job to stop the fire advance and save the estimated 150 year old building, which was damaged severely by heat and smoke damage. Initial dispatch was Companies 2 & 4, Company 1 for Air One and Rescue 7. Companies 3 and 12 (Read Mountain) were added for manpower.

-CJ Boothe

Captain TVFD

UPDATE: State police to lead probe of massive Halifax fire

Webteam — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:43:21 +0000

Submitted by: James Hicks

Agency: Turbeville Fire-Rescue

Read the entire article and view over 80 pictures here

Jane Edmunds cradled in her hand a small glass paperweight, one of the items salvaged from her historic 10206 River Road home, Creekside, which was gutted by fire Friday evening.

“I got it at an auction, and I liked the way light shining through it created different colors,” she said, while stoically watching fire crews from two counties fight the blaze, which took six hours to bring under control, according to Turbeville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ricky Hicks.

The fire at Creekside represented the second major fire at a historic Dabney Cosby Jr.-built home within three weeks.

Continue reading: UPDATE: State police to lead probe of massive Halifax fire.

LODD – Timothy Kyle Southern

Webteam — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:10:28 +0000

Timothy Kyle Southern passed away in a collision on Friday afternoon when the ambulance he was driving crossed the centerline of Route 20 in Buckingham County and collided with a cement truck. Southern was driving an ambulance for Priority Ambulance and transporting a patient at the time of the collision. The patient, 82 year old Howard L. Watson, died later that day at the UVA Medical Center from injuries sustained in the collision.

The other EMT in the ambulance, Heath Davis, was injured in the collision.

Timothy, 21 of Waynesboro, graduated from Waynesboro High School in 2008 and volunteered at the Waynesboro First Aid Crew.

Links:

Obituary:

WAYNESBORO — Timothy “Kyle” Southern, 21, of Waynesboro, went to be with his Lord on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, in Buckingham County, while doing what he loved — transporting patients.

He was born June 28, 1990 in Charlottesville, a son of Tim and Beckie (Tomlin) Southern of Waynesboro.

Kyle, also known as “Bubby,” was a driver and EMT for Priority Patient Transport and a volunteer EMT with the Waynesboro First Aid Crew for the past four years.He also was an employee of Eastside Speedway. He was a Mason and a member of Lee Lodge 209 and a Shriner. He had memberships also in the ANNMOS Shrine Center, Richmond, and the ACCA Shriners and the ACCA Hillbilly Unit at Waynesboro. An Eagle Scout, he was an active member of Troop 73 of Waynesboro and a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Kyle loved hunting, fishing and swimming. He also enjoyed playing video games with his friends, and hangin’ out with “The Wolfpack.” He befriended all he met, and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by: his sister, Trisha Southern; his very special nephew, Bryce Southern; paternal grandparents Louis and Connie Southern and maternal grandparents Harry and Nancy Tomlin, all of Waynesboro; Uncle Troy Southern and friend Ron of Waynesboro; aunts: Diana Tomlin, Tammy Serrett and husband Andrew, Phyllis “Foo-Foo” Davis and Jean Templeton, all of Waynesboro, Rose Snyder of Ivy and Cindy Jarratt of Charlottesville.

Also surviving are his cousins: Sara Anne, Samuel, Ryan, Mandy and husband Terrence, Jaylin, Brooklyn, Bradley, Jacob and Miranda; his extended family: G.W. and Tish Fitzgerald and their children, Ryan Fitzgerald and Alyssa Davis; and many special friends, including: Eric Holmes, Sarah Merriken, Heath Davis, Thomas Stevens, Brad Moser and many more.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at Augusta Memorial Park by the Rev. Stanley Belcher. Lee Lodge 209 will conduct Masonic Rites at the cemetery.

The honor guard will be provided by the Waynesboro First Aid Crew.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at McDow Funeral Home, and other times at the residence of his grandmother, Connie Southern, 645 N. Bath Avenue, Waynesboro.

The family would like to thank the community for their support during this difficult time, especially the WFAC “family.”

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to either the Waynesboro First Aid Crew, 201 W. Broad St., Waynesboro, VA 22980; or, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Transportation Fund, c/o ACCA Shrine Center, 1712 Bellevue Ave., Richmond, VA 23227.

Condolences may be expressed online atwww.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.

2011 Year in Review: The Best of 2011 for VAFireNews.com

Webteam — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:48:21 +0000

VAFireNews.com has continued to grow this year. The site continues to feed off of content sent in by the readers and firefighters of the great State of Virginia. Please continue sending in your photos, videos, press releases, news, and information. VAFireNews.com has been built by those people who send information in to be shared.

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Our friend Captain Willie Wines Jr. is the firefighter behind the popular blog "IronFiremen.com". He is a Captain in Roanoke, VA.