3 minute read
New Aldie Fire Station Nears Completion
New Aldie Fire Station Nears Completion
By Peyton Tochterman
Along the historic Route 50 corridor, just outside the Gilbert’s Corner intersection, a long-awaited transformation in emergency services is taking shape. With construction nearing its final stages, the new Aldie Fire and Rescue Station 7 is on track to open its doors this summer, ushering in a new chapter for a community that has relied on volunteer emergency response for nearly 70 years.
Located at 39855 Little River Turnpike, the $27.37 million, 22,631-square-foot facility represents a significant upgrade from the current firehouse. Designed to meet modern standards and serve a growing population, the new station is the result of a collaborative effort between Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and the Aldie Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD).
“This facility reflects years of planning, advocacy, and dedication,” said retiring Loudoun County Fire Chief Keith Johnson. “Aldie covers more than 35 square miles, and as our population grows, so does the demand for timely, fully staffed emergency response. This new station will allow us to answer that call more effectively than ever before.”
The current AVFD station, originally established in 1955, has long stood as a symbol of local commitment and volunteerism. But as the area’s needs evolved, so did the urgency for a modern hub equipped with the resources, space, and technology to meet national emergency response standards.
The new facility is designed to house a range of apparatus, including a fire engine, Heavy Rescue Squad, EMS unit, and for the first time, a dedicated tanker—all independently staffed. This upgrade is crucial for rural areas like Aldie, where access to water sources can be limited during emergencies.
Beyond vehicles and response equipment, the station includes purpose-built features to support the health, training, and readiness of its responders. Bunk rooms, a training suite, fitness and decontamination areas, gear drying space, and a specialized breathing apparatus compressor room reflect the county’s investment in safety—not just for residents, but for the people who protect them. Plans for the station also emphasize sustainability. The building is being constructed to achieve LEED Silver certification, reinforcing Loudoun County’s broader commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure.
A mix of public funding sources—including general obligation bonds and local tax dollars—helped make the project possible. Since the groundbreaking ceremony in November, 2023, crews have steadily moved forward, transforming blueprints into a facility that will serve the region for generations.
As summer approaches, Aldie, and the rest of Loudon County residents, are beginning to see the final shape of a vision that once lived only on paper. What was once a dream is becoming a reality—one steel beam, brick wall, and training room at a time.
