



Cumberland Dispatch received a call for a shed fire in the back of a house in the 2900 block of River Road.
See story on page 6
South Hill VFD responded to Brunswick County to assist with a heavily involved house fire.
See story on page 14
Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the 1200 block of Baltic Street for reports of house on fire.
See story on page 18
Randolph District (FD) and Cumberland VFD finished up on a brush fire on Whipporwill Way.
See story on page 23
Fairfax County FR members and county leaders gathered to recognize EMS Week with a proclamation presentation.
See story on page 36
Over the course of four days, 12 teams from across Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey took on a wide range of complex and realistic rescue scenarios.
See story on page 37
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On March 27, 2025 at 1706 hours, Station 1 was dispatched to the 1600 block of Beck Hollow Lane foran out-of-control brush fire threatening a residence. C1, DC1, Brush 1, and Medic 1-2 responded. DC1 arrived and reported a large brush fire of approximately two acres with a moderate rate of spread threatening a structure. Brush 1 and Medic 1-2 arrived and split crews forfire containment and extinguishment. Thanks to the landowner’s quick actions in forming a “bucket brigade” priorto fire department arrival, the fire advancement was stopped and was quickly brought undercontrol. Station 1 operated forapproximately an hourbefore returning to service.
- Submitted by Brett Miller
Cumberland Dispatch received a call fora shed on fire in the back of a house in the 2900 block of RiverRoad at 1205 hours on April 23, 2025. Randolph District and Farmville Volunteer Fire Department were toned out forthe incident. Farmville Squad 1 was first on scene with Randolph Tanker45 and Brush 44 following. Farmville Squad 1 stretched a 1-3/4 inch line and quickly controlled the fire. It was reported a person was seen setting the fire and it was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by FFNick Cullia & Dan Pempel
The South Hill VolunteerFire Department, LaCrosse VolunteerFire Department and Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department took on an attic fire in a single-family dwelling and contained the fire to the attic.
- Fire News photo by Zach Currin
On March 21, 2025, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Cogbill and Belmont roads fora reported brush fire. Crews arrived to find a fast-moving brush fire approximately 200- by 100-feet in size. Additional resources were immediately requested, including a Forestry dozer. Police quickly shut down Cogbill Road. Within about 30 minutes, crews had a good knockdown on the fire. However, command noticed a possible second brush fire furtherdown the road. Fire Marshal 208 investigated and located a slow-moving brush fire approximately 100- by 100-feet. Additional resources were assigned to that incident. Crews remained on scene at both fires forseveral hours.
- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn
South Hill VolunteerFire Department responded to Brunswick County to assist with a heavily involved house fire. Units arrived to a working fire and heavy fire throughout, as well as a large brush fire. Afloorcollapse and flashoveroccurred while firefighters were operating on the interior, but luckily no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by Zach Currin
Fairfax County Fire Rescue units recently operated on the scene of a garbage truck fire on Route 267 eastbound priorto Route 7. Units arrived to find the truck on fire on the right shoulder. HazMat and Fire Investigators responded to assess and contain runoff from the incident.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax FR
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 9500 block of Pineview Road fora residential structure fire. Engine 7 arrived to smoke showing from a two-story residence. Upon investigation, heavy smoke was visible from the rearof the structure with fire in the kitchen. Crews entered the home and performed an aggressive fire attack and searched the residence which was all clearof occupants. The fire was contained to the kitchen and attic space above the kitchen. Heavy fire damage occurred to the kitchen and moderate fire damage occurred to the attic. Six occupants were displaced. The fire was underinvestigation by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office, with Fire Marshal 4 determining the cause of the fire was accidental and due to cooking. Responding units included Battalion 1, Car10, Engine 7, Engine 8, Engine 4, Ladder6, Rescue 1, Medic 7, EMS 1, Safety 1, Tankers 7, 8, and 1, and Fire Marshal 4.
- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
On April 28, 2025, at 0432 hours, the Little Fork Fire Department was dispatched to assist othervolunteercompanies with a house fire in the town of Culpeper. Wagon 9 responded to the scene.
- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FD
On April 4, 2025 at 2346 hours, Roanoke Fire-EMS crews were dispatched to the 1900 block of PowerStreet SE in Roanoke forreports of a building fire. As Engine 11 was opening theirbay door, they could see flames in the sky across the riverand upgraded the incident to a working fire and struck a second alarm. Engine 11 arrived to a large commercial warehouse with fire throughout the building and through the roof, with numerous exposure issues. The fire was upgraded to a third alarm at 0102 with explosions inside the building and heavy collapse throughout. C-Shift Crews on 11 engines (Including mutual aid from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue), four
ladders, two medic units, one rescue unit, two Battalion Chiefs, two rescue supervisors, Chief 1, Chief 3, and personnel from Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal’s Office, operated forapproximately eight hours before breaking with A-Shift who would operate foranotherfive hours. The fire was marked undercontrol at 0450 on April 5. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was electrical in nature. While working this incident, team members from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, Mount Pleasant Fire, and Salem Fire-EMS provided mutual aid both on scene and helped coverthe city. - Photos courtesy of Roanoke Fire & EMS
Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the 1200 block of Baltic Street forreports of house on fire. Emergency Communications notified fire crews at 1255 hours on April 28, 2025, and units arrived on scene at 1259. The first arriving unit reported heavy smoke showing from the side of the house. Upon investigation, the crew determined that the fire was located outside of the structure, and they were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread. Searches of the home revealed that all occupants were out. Responding units were Car10, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Ladder3, Ladder 6, Medic 3, Rescue 1, Safety 1, EMS 1, Fire Marshal 1, Fire Marshal 3, Fire Marshal 4, Fire Marshal 6, Fire Marshal 7, and Fire Marshal 9.
- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
South Hill VolunteerFire Department, LaCrosse VolunteerFire Department and Buckhorn VolunteerFire Department responds to a fire in a hotel room. Engine 71 arrived to heavy fire, firefighters but were able to contain it to the single room with no extension. - Fire News photo by Zach Currin
On April 8, 2025, just after2200 hours, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire in the 8900 block of Sylvania Street in Lorton. Units arrived to a two-story, single-family home with smoke and fire showing. Firefighters quickly began fire attack operations while ensuring all occupants had safely evacuated. At the time of the fire, an occupant was cooking and left food unattended on the stove. They laternoticed smoke and discovered a fire in the kitchen. There were no working smoke detectors in the home at the time of the fire. Two adults and three children were displaced as a result of the fire. Red Cross services were offered and accepted. Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax FR
On April 1, 2025, the Richmond Fire Department responded to Commerce Road fora reported commercial structure fire. Battalion Chief 3 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a large commercial building. Once crews made entry, they found a rapidly growing
April 3, 2025 at approximately 1500 hours, Little Fork volunteers were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire off of Moseley Lane. Units arrived to a fully involved work van on fire. There were a couple of exposures including a residence. Ahoseline was stretched and cooled the exposures, then directed onto the fire. The fire was brought undercontrol within a few minutes. Exposures were reexamined and overhaul was performed. Ourvolunteers responded with Rescue Engine 9, Tanker9 and Medic 9.
- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR
fire. Command quickly declared a second alarm. Firefighters worked forseveral hours to bring the blaze undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn
Randolph District (RDFD) and Cumberland volunteerfire departments had finished up on a brush fire on Whipporwill Way around 1600 hours on March 22, 2025, and were back in quarters, refueling and repacking hose. Lieutenant Bernhard from Randolph took theirBrush 44 forfuel at the local gas station and was traveling south on Cumberland Road in the 2900 block and saw a large column of smoke on the left side of the road. He found the woods behind a vacant house on fire along with an old school bus and the rearporch of the house starting to burn and called dispatch to tone out Randolph, Cumberland and Farmville departments, as well as Forestry. He parked Brush 44 on the D side of the house and used a 1-3/4 inch line on the porch and a boosterline forthe woods. Randolph Engine 42 used an attack line on the Aside, and Cumberland Engine 21 laddered and vented the roof on the C side. Units were able to knock down the fire in the house, put out the bus fire and Virginia Forestry cut a line around the fire in the woods with theirdozer. - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
South Hill VolunteerFire Department, LaCrosse VolunteerFire Department, and Buckhorn VolunteerFire Department contained a fire to an exteriorstairwell at the Holiday Inn.
- Fire News photo by Zach Currin
Two people went to a hospital aftera fire completely gutted a Chesterfield home, officials said. On May 19, 2025 at 1815 hours, a house fire was reported in a two-story home. The fire was marked undercontrol two hours later. Chesterfield fire crews learned that two people, an adult and a child, went to the hospital with serious injuries. The house was deemed a total loss, displacing eight people. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by officials.
- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn
On April 10, 2025, Cumberland Dispatch received a call of smoke coming out the back and front of a house on the 300 block of Agee Road which is about five minutes from Cumberland VolunteerFire Department. Dispatch toned out Cumberland with Engine 21, two tankers along with Randolph District Engine 42 and Tanker45. Third-due Farmville VolunteerFire Department received a delayed call and responded with Farmville Engine 1 and Tanker2. Cumberland stretched two 1-3/4 inch lines. There was heavy damage to the kitchen and interiorof the house.
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
On April 27, 2025, Little Fork was dispatched to a report of a lawnmowerfire in the Quail Ridge subdivision. Units arrived to find the mowerfully involved and starting a small brush fire. Wagon 9, Ambulance 9-2 and Chief 9 and Chief 9-2 responded to this midafternoon fire. Several members staffed the station while they were committed. We thank the 15 volunteers who responded to this incident.
- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
At approximately 1126 hours on May 2, 2025, the Suffolk Emergency Communications Center received a report of an overturned vehicle on fire in the 4400 block of Bridge Road. Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded promptly and arrived on the scene to find an overturned dump truck that had fallen from the Interstate 664 overpass and caught fire. As a result, Bridge Road was closed in both directions. Luckily, no injuries were reported.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
C-shift crews started theirholiday shift with an early morning fire. They arrived to find heavy smoke and flames. All occupants were able to escape safely but two dogs were still inside. Crews entered with an attack hoseline and rescued both dogs. No injuries reported. Great work done by all on scene.
- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 200 block of Round Table Arch forreports of a structural collapse recently. First arriving crews found minordamage to a two-story home, and moderate damage to a vehicle that hit the house. One patient was transported because of the incident. Responding units were Battalion 2, Engine 5, Engine 10, EMS2, Ladder11, Medic 5, Rescue 1 and Safety 1. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
On April 2, 2025, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Midlothian Turnpike and Dry Bridge Road fora reported MVA with entrapment. Crews arrived to find a multi-vehicle crash involving a log truck that had overturned but was back upright. Fire crews quickly checked forinjuries and entrapment, while
police shut down all westbound lanes of Midlothian Turnpike. Crews confirmed there was no entrapment but were treating multiple patients. Additional transport units were immediately requested. In total, one red patient, one yellow, and fourgreen were transported.
- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn
Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations hosted a TowerRescue Program in partnership with Bedford County, the Town of Bedford, Roanoke Fire-EMS, and the Berglund Centerfrom March 24-27, 2025. This program introduces students to advanced equipment and techniques foroperating on elevated structures both vertically and horizontally. Training included rescuerlead climbing, work positioning, victim access in high-angle environments, rope ascents and descents, and both towerand ground-based rescue scenarios. Aspecial thank you to the Berglund Centerin Roanoke forproviding an off-site training venue forthis program. - Photos courtesy of VDFP
Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations conducted a Trench Technician Program during Division 6 Rescue Week, held April 2 to 4, 2025. This advanced program builds on operational-level trench concepts, progressing into more complex scenarios such as intersecting and deep trench operations. Students are trained to safely approach, monitor, secure, and stabilize a variety of trench configurations - including straight wall, T, L, and deep trenches using a range of techniques. The course also covers soil conditions, the use of specialized resources, and heavy lifting and
stabilization strategies. Programs like this are only possible through strong regional collaboration. During Rescue Week, Roanoke Gas generously hosted crews at theirtraining grounds, while Western Virginia WaterAuthority provided vital support with heavy equipment and skilled operators throughout the course. Thanks to both. Beyond the hands-on technical training delivered to Virginia’s fire service, this program also fostered meaningful partnerships and collaboration across the region. - Photos courtesy of VDFP
South Hill VolunteerFire Department hosted VDFP’s Heavy Vehicle Technician Class.
- Fire News photo by Zach Currin
South Hill VolunteerFire Department hosted an aggressive three-day Aerial Operators Training course in downtown South Hill. Attendee’s included departments from South Hill, Blackstone, Farmville, Hampden Sydney, Lawrenceville and Henrico.
- Fire News photo by Zach Currin
The Chief of Farmville VolunteerFire Department (VFD), Daniel Clark, was doing pre-planning along with Virginia U Dialysis of Farmville were going to do theirfire drill, so it was combined with Farmville to use the opportunity to hold a fire drill and rescue at the
Dialysis Center. The centercan have up to 20 patients on IVs at a time, so the nurses showed the firefighters how to shut down the IVs and move the patients in theirrecliners out of the building.
- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
The Southside VolunteerFirefighters Association hosted its annual training expo on May 3 and 4, 2025, in Farmville. Many firefighters from southside Virginia as well as firefighters from across the state attended this great training event. Firefighters had the opportunity to sign up forany of the fourtraining courses: STICO, Basic Pump Operations, Low Angle Rope Rescue and PassengerVehicle Rescue.
The Farmville Fire Department partnered with local businesses as well at Longwood University to facilitate the training. This training expo moves throughout the region each yearand everyone looks forward to next year’s expo hosted by the South Hill Fire Department in South Hill.
Members of Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services attended the 2025 Robert E. Rumens Marine Fire Fighting Symposium hosted by the VAPort Authority.
This six-day course trained members of the Portsmouth FR and surrounding organizations on hazards associated with marine firefighting, search and rescue techniques, water supply, and fire extinguishment. The instruction included several off-site tours of surrounding naval
installations and private ship repair facilities.
Congrats to Captain Sean Doney, Lieutenant Dave English, Firefighter Alex Conn-White and Firefighter Terry Reel, who all completed the course successfully.
Lastly, thank you to BC Wylie, Lt Combs, Lt. Hoffler, and PM Vahey who assisted the Port as Instructors.
- Photos courtesy of Portsmouth FR
On April 9, 2025, the State Fire Marshal’s Office in coordination with Hampton and Norfolk fire departments conducted a site visit at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) construction project. The visit focused on reviewing the site safety plan, checking access foremergency vehicles, and evaluating the availability of firefighting water. Assistant Chief Joshua Davis and Acting Deputy Chief Mark Hopkins took time to review proposed plans fornew structures on the North Island that will require permitting through Division of Engineering and Building (DEB). The team toured the
construction site, including the tunnel and the tunnel boring machine actively working its way to the South Island. This visit underscores how vital fire safety and prevention are in majorinfrastructure projects like the HRBTexpansion. With a project of this size and complexity, early involvement from fire officials helps ensure code compliance, strengthen emergency planning, and ultimately keep workers safe while supporting the project’s success.
- Photos courtesy VDFP
Fairfax County Fire Rescue members and county leaders gathered at FS40 (Fairfax Center) to recognize EMS Week with a proclamation presentation. We thank ourmembers, county leaders, and ourcommunity fortheircontinued commitment and support in protecting the health and safety of Fairfax County residents.
- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health in the Fire Service as NFFFPartners with Darley forthe 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), in partnership with W.S. Darley & Company, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest. This initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.
The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights.”
With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters.
How to Participate:
• Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer.
• Essay Requirements: Submit a three-tofour-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
• Submission Period: March 24 - June 2.
“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly.”
Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented. For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit https://darley.com/essay-contest.
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’Association (FAMA) will be held on Tuesday, October 21 through Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL32819.
It’s an opportunity all fire chiefs, fleet managers and spec committees, to join FAMA’s 1st Annual Fire Apparatus Design Symposium! Afire apparatus is a huge investment for any fire department, and making sure it’s specified properly from the start is critical. Committees spend countless hours developing these specifications and have many questions. There appear to be many resources for getting answers to these questions, but often those answers are integrated into advertisements, and sales pitches from specific manufacturers. All too often, a committee ends up getting a specific opinion from one manufacturer, guiding them towards purchasing their product, instead of fact-based information on the technology, allowing them to make their own conclusions on which product to purchase.
FAMAis a non-profit organization and is recognized as the most comprehensive resource to the emergency vehicle industry. The association consists of apparatus manufacturers, as well as component manufacturers, and has existed for over 75 years. As a Fire Chief or Apparatus Committee, who can better answer your questions than the people who actually engineer, test and produce the products?
This symposium brings together the resources you need to guide you on safety, new technology, and apparatus design in general. By offering presentations delivered by competing vendor suppliers, you can be assured that the information will be fact-based on the technologies, and not a typical sales pitch..
The FAMAFire Apparatus Design Symposium has been strategically scheduled in a location that is easy to access from anywhere in North America, at a top-rate facility, with presentations from industry experts.
If your department wants to stay on top of apparatus tewchnology, and make connections with industry leaders, this is the one event you don’t want to miss!
During the week of May 5, 2025, members of the Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, along with their partners from Fredericksburg Fire Department, Stafford County Fire and Rescue, and the U.S. Army 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company, participated in the 2025 Rescue Challenge in Harrisonburg, VA.
Over the course of four days, 12 teams from across Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey took on a wide range of complex and realistic rescue scenarios including cave rescues, high-angle rope operations,
vehicle extrication, confined space, trench rescue, and more.
This incredible training opportunity not only enhanced the skills and readiness of personnel, but also strengthened the vital partnerships shared with other regional and national response teams.
We’re proud of the hard work and dedication of our team, and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities with excellence.
- Article by Captain Parker Coughlin; submitted by Teresa Switala
Crew’s had a great time at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School’s field day event recently. Thanks to the Thomas Jefferson Admin Team and Louisa County Public Schools forthe invite! - Photos courtesy of Louisa County Fire & EMS
Norfolk Fire Rescue (NFR) wishes to congratulate Assistant Chief Drew Savage on his retirement after20 years of dedicated service. Best of luck in yournew adventure! YourNFR family will miss you. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR