| Archived Incidents, by Year | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
| Call Totals: | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,847 | 1,800 | 1,983 | 2,083 | 2,099 | 2,083 | 2,030 | 1,801 | 1,812 | 1,630 | 1,594 | 1,505 |
Accident with Entrapment on Leesburg Bypass
(December 30, 2004)
At approximately 15:35 hours, Engine Co. 1, Medic 13, Rescue Squad 13, and Battalion 2 were dispatched for a
reported auto accident with entrapment on the Leesburg Bypass, near the W & O D bike path bridge, eastbound lanes.
Tanker 1, Medic 13-4, and Battalion 2 (Cullers) responded initially. Tanker 1 and Medic 13-4 were on scene first,
with Lt. Davis (LCFR) from Tanker 1 establishing "Leesburg Bypass Command". Command confirmed a rollover with
entrapment, 1 patient.
Rescue Squad 13, Rescue Engine 1 and Command 1 were now responding. Command 1 arrived next and command was transferred to Lt. Krueger (Co. 1). The squad and the rescue engine arrived together and the extrication began. The vehicle was stabilized, the passenger door was popped, and the B-post was removed to provide access. The patient was then removed and transferred to Medic 13-4.
After picking up equipment, units cleared and eastbound traffic on the bypass was allowed to pass. Leesburg Police are handling the accident investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Captain Ian Buchanan, Co. 1
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| Looking west on the eastbound lanes of the bypass, the accident scene is just west of the W & O D trail. |
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| The vehicle came to rest on its top in the middle of the Rt. 7 bypass. |
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| Crews working to extricate the patient. |
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| A stretcher is in place to carry the victim to the medic unit once extrication is complete. |
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| View of the extrication from the front of the vehicle. |
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| The B-post was completely removed during the extrication. |
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| View of the passenger side of the vehicle after the extrication was completed. |
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| Leesburg Police officers begin the accident investigation. |
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| View inside the car after the victim was removed. Both airbags deployed. |
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| View of the rear and passenger sides of the vehicle. |
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| Tanker 1 and Rescue Engine 1's crews picking up equipment. |
(December 23, 2004)
At approximately 13:45 hours, units were dispatched for a reported auto accident with entrapment on Lawson Road
at the bridge, near Beauregard Drive. Engine Co. 1, Medic 13, Rescue Squad 13, and Battalion 2 were dispatched.
Rescue Engine 1, Medic 13, and Loudoun 3 (Brandenburg) responded initially. Deputy Chief Brandenburg arrived on
scene first and established "Lawson Road Command". He advised that he had a box truck up to the wheel wells in
the creek with three occupants trapped. Boat 13, Truck 1, and Tower 2 were added to the call.
Rescue Engine 1 with Lt. Micah Kiger (LCFR) arrived next and positioned to allow the winch to be used to secure the vehicle if necessary. Command assigned Lt. Kiger with "Rescue Division". Truck 1's crew, led by Deputy Chief Marty Mantell (Co. 1), positioned the aerial device along side the box truck. FF/EMT Brent Harne (LCFR) went to the tip of the ladder to begin assisting the three trapped men to safety. One by one, they climbed from the truck and followed FF Harne along the ladder to dry land.
As a precaution, a team had set up a secondary rescue point downstream of the accident, with a rope across the creek and rescuers available on the shore. Additionally, Boat 13 and Tower 2 were placed in positions to assist with the rescue if necessary.
Fortunately, none of the additional rescources were needed and the three were quickly rescued. Units were placed in service shortly afte the rescue was complete. Lawson Road remained closed due to high water over the roadway.
Pictures courtesy of Captain Ian Buchanan, Co. 1
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| View of the scene from the Rt. 7 side of the creek. |
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| Truck 1's aerial is swung into position. |
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| Truck 1's ladder is extended while preparation are made to launch Boat 13. |
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| FF/EMT Harne at the tip of the ladder. |
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| The first victim to be rescued is up on the cab of the truck, awaiting a PFD. |
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| PFD in place, the victim is guided down the ladder. |
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| Other rescuers in position downstream of the truck just in case... |
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| The second victim is guided onto the ladder. |
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| Rescuers downstream have a rope across the creek. |
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| The last victim climbs onto the ladder. |
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| It can be a bit nerve-wracking seeing nothing but water beneath the ladder. |
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| Getting closer to dry land all the time. |
(December 1, 2004)
At approximately 08:48 hours, units were dispatched for a reported townhouse fire in the 1600 block of Chickasaw Place, N.E. in Leesburg. There was
only one 911 call made describing "smoke pouring from the windows, unknown what is on fire with the front windows and door blackening".
Engine and Truck Company 1, Quint 6, Wagon and Tanker 10, Wagon 5, Tower 2, Medic 13, and Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers) responded on the call.
At 08:55 a.m., Tanker 1 was the first to arrive on the scene with a two-story single family dwelling (not a townhouse) with light smoke showing from side Baker. "Chickasaw Command" was established by the Tanker 1 Officer (Lieut. Kiger), reporting that an interior attack would be made with a crew of two as an attack line was being stretched through the front door. Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers) arrived on the scene reporting additional smoke showing from side Charlie and assumed command of the incident. Tanker 1's crew found active fire on the first floor kitchen and living room area with possible extension onto the second floor. The second floor was ventilated and holes were cut to check for vertical fire spread. Crews from all of the responding companies did an excellent job of containing the fire and limiting the homeowner's losses. Units were cleared from the scene in around 2 ½ hours.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office determined the cause to be unattended cooking on a stove. (Pictures will be posted if they become available.)
Company 1 Responds 2nd Due to Plane Crash
(November 24, 2004)
At 1203 hours. Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Communications dispatched Co.'s
5, 1, 17, Battalion Chief 2, ALS-1 and Safety Officer 601 to Hurley Lane for a reported
light plane down near 40650 Hurley Lane.
ALS1 and Wagon 5 arrived on the scene and confirmed a plane down to the rear of the residence at 40545 Hurley Lane, plane on fire with an exposure. Wagon 5 (Lt. Davis) established Hurley Lane command and transferred command upon Battalion Chief 2's (Colby) arrival. Engine 1 arrived soon after and supplied Wagon 5 and Brush 5. Engine 5 arrived next and supplied Engine 1.
The plane was a 6-seat, two engine model and was apparently heading to Leesburg Executive Airport (approximately 4 miles southeast of the crash site). There were two fatalities. Squad 17 and Wagon 5 performed the extrication.
Investigation into the cause of the crash is being handled by the NTSB, Virginia State Police, and FAA.
Pictures courtesy of Captain Randy Shank, LCFR
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| The crumpled plane lies in the backyard of a home on Hurley Lane. |
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| Directly above the plane in the woods, you can see several broken tree branches. |
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| Wagon 5, Engine 1, and Engine 5 sit in the driveway of a home on Hurley Lane. |
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| Another view of the wreckage. |
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| This view shows just how close the plane came to houses. |
Company 1 Responds on Ashburn Outside Gas Leak
(date unknown)
Co. 6 had been dispatched for an outside gas leak. While they were enroute, the call
was upgraded due to reports of fire. Obviously, those reports were accurate! Engine and Truck 1
were part of the resultant box alarm. The heat from the fire broke windows and did cosmetic damage
to the exterior of the building, but did not extend into the structure.
Pictures courtesy of FF Jim Fazekas, Co. 1
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| Two lines deployed to cool exterior and prevent spread. |
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| Different view showing two firefighters behind the dumpster with a line. |
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| The view from Truck 1. |
(date unknown)
Company 1's Duty Crew 7, led by Chief Whetsell, was dispatched for an accident with entrapment. Rescue Engine 1
arrived on scene to find an adult male trapped between his car and that of the vehicle that struck him as he exited
his car. The driver's door of his car was bent forward as another driver sideswiped the victim's car. Rescue Engine
1's winch was used to pull the two cars apart to free the victim, who was not seriously injured.
Pictures courtesy of FF Jim Fazekas, Co. 1
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| Leesburg Police Officer talks to victim as rescue gets underway. |
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| Chain from Rescue Engine 1 being positioned around front of vehicle. |
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| Crews support the victim as the cars are separated. |
Brush 1 and the Ninja Firefighters
(November 8, 2004)
On this date, Co. 1 was dispatched for an investigation for an outside fire on a
construction site near the intersection of Gleedsville Road and The
Woods Road. E-1 and Deputy Chief 1 responded and found a mulch pile burning
approximately 1/2 mile from the roadway. Brush 1 was requested to respond and
stand by until the contractor could bring heavy earth moving equipment
to the site. MFF Rick Etter and FF Jeff Ewing prevented the fire from
spreading into the adjacent fields until the contractor arrived. Brush 1 was
on the scene for approximately 2 hours.
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| MFF Rick Etter is barely visible in the smoke. |
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| FF Jeff Ewing works to keep the fire from spreading. |
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| The Ninja Firefighter's work is done here...now on to the next adventure! |
(October 1, 2004)
At approximately 2001 hours, Wagon 1 was dispatched for a fire alarm at the Hampton Inn on Fort Evans
Road. Upon entering the structure, Lt. Chris Krueger and his crew encountered a strong burning odor. Proceeding
to the 3rd floor, they found a thick haze of smoke hanging in the hallway. The source of the smoke was quickly
determined to be popcorn in a microwave. Apparently, the microwave decided to cremate the kernels instead of simply
popping them.
With a large area charged with smoke, Lt. Krueger requested Truck 1 to respond to the scene to assist with ventilation. Capt. Ian Buchanan and his crew, who were at the Ladder 49 event at the Tally Ho, responded and brought several fans into the building. Due to sealed windows and no roof access in either stairwell, ventilation options were limited. The room A/C unit was turned on, and a small scuttle over the laundry room in the center of the building was opened. The smoke dissipated, but the odor likely hung on for days.
Units cleared by 2100 hours.
Photos taken by Master Firefighter John Earley.
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| Wagon 1 and Truck 1 on side A of the building |
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| Truck 1 provided ventilation for the smoke-filled structure. |
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FF/EMT Kay Ann Yahnke used a little spare time working on her two-minute drills. Suspenders over the shoulders! |
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| Batt. 2 (a.k.a. Chief 1) Wayne Whetsell carries a smoke ejector back to Truck 1. |
(October 1, 2004)
At approximately 1335 hrs., Lt. Nick Pierson (Station 19) came upon
the scene of this tractor rollover on Evergreen Mills Road at Bryn Bach
Lane (south of Leesburg). Medic 13-3 was dispatched and provided care
to the male operator who was moving gravel in the bucket of the tractor
when it rolled over. Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers) arrived on the scene
and requested a helicopter and engine company. Engine 1 and Aircare 4
were dispatched and the patient was airlifted to Fairfax Hospital for
treatment. Units cleared the call at approximately 1445 hrs.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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Two Morning Accidents Keep Crews Busy
(September 28, 2004)
This crash occurred around 0900 hrs. on Evergreen Mills Road at Hogeland Mill Road, south of Leesburg.
The tractor, heading south on Evergreen Mills Road, was turning left on to Hogeland Mill Road when the farm
implement it was pulling was struck by the Ford Expedition which was also heading south. The driver of the
tractor was uninjured, but two individuals in the Ford Expedition were transported.
Units responding were Engine 1 and Medic 13-2.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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This crash occurred around 1045 hrs. when the vehicle lost control on rain soaked roads while heading eastbound on the Dulles Greenway. The vehicle left the right side of the road, rolled and ended up back on its wheels. The passenger side occupant had self extricated upon arrival of Engine 1. The driver was trapped but not pinned.
Battalion 2 (Cullers) arrived soon after Engine 1 and established "Greenway Command". Medic 13-2 began medical treatment and Rescue Engine 1 and Wagon 6 began the extrication. The passenger door and roof were removed and the patient was boarded and collared. Medic 13-2 transported both patients to Loudoun Hospital-Cornwall campus for treatment.
Operating on the scene were Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers), Engine 1, Rescue Engine 1, Medic 13-2, Wagon 6, Rescue Squad 13, & Ambulance 6-3. The last unit cleared the scene at 1144 hrs.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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Auto Accident With Entrapment in Front of Ruby Tuesday's
(September 19, 2004)
Late this afternoon, an auto accident with possible entrapment was dispatched with Engine Company 1, Medic 13, Rescue Squad 13, and Battalion 2 due on the call. Lt. Chris Krueger responded first in Command 1, followed by Tanker 1 and Rescue Engine 1 and the Medic unit. Lt. Krueger established command and advised he had two patients trapped but not pinned. Co. 1 crews made quick work of the extrication and two patients were transported to Cornwall.
Click herefor a few pictures of the incident. (All photos courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1.)
Toto, We're Not in Leesburg Anymore!
(September 17, 2004)
For the second year in a row, mid-September brought bizarre weather to the Leesburg area. Last year, it was
the destructive hurricane Isabel. This year, it was the remains of Ivan, a huge hurricane that pummelled Alabama
and Florida, then moved up to Virginia to wreak havoc. Once again, the volunteers from Company 1 were ready for the
challenge.
With severe thunderstorms moving up from the South, members of the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company began to gather at Station 1 and Station 20 at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Our career staff would be on duty until 6:00 p.m., but we knew there would be a need for additional personnel. By 5:30, two engines were staffed by volunteer crews at Station 1, while two engines and the truck were staffed at Station 20 by a combination of career and volunteer personnel.
At 5:46 p.m., our intuition proved correct. Strong storms, with several confirmed tornadoes, had hit Hamilton, and Co. 5 was overwhelmed with calls. Two engines from Co. 1 (Wagon 1 and Engine 1) were dispatched to calls off Harmony Church Road (Rt. 704). Trees littered roadways and traffic was snarled throughout the area. Using chainsaws, Co. 1 crews did the best they could to clear roads. Some trees, however, were far too big to be handled by fire crews and would require heavy equipment from the Virginia Dept. of Transportation.
While these two Co. 1 units were still in Co. 5's first due, a box alarm was struck for a structure fire at 991 Sycolin Road, Leesburg Airport. The first call came in at 6:23 p.m. and units were dispatched at 6:26. With its proximity to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Training and Communications Center, it was no surprise that several LCFR officers were in the area. It was quickly determined that this was a working fire. LCFR Deputy Chief Brandenburg established the initial command and quickly requested a second alarm. Smoke was pushing from the entire length of a 500' x 50' airplane hangar, so it looked like a lot of help would be needed.
Tanker 1, Truck 1, and Rescue Engine 1 arrived almost simultaneously and went to work immediately. Tanker 1's crew, led by Lt. Chris Krueger, worked to determine how far the fire had spread from the point of origin at the A-D corner. They quickly began an aggressive attack via a door on side A. The BlitzFire portable master stream put a knock on the fire very quickly. With the structural stability of Side A in question, a hole was cut in side D of the building and the attack crew repositioned.
LCFR Battalion Chief Cullers had Division A, while Company 1's Deputy Chief Marty Mantell had Division C. D/C Brandenburg and Co. 1's Assistant Chief Paul Earley worked together at the Command Post as the overall incident command.
No injuries occurred and all units were clear of the scene by 9:08 p.m. The cause is still under investigation, though it is possible lightning was involved.
Units on the call:
Tanker 1, Rescue Engine 1, Truck 1, Engine 1, Command 1, Foam Unit/Utility 1, Canteen 1, Tower 2, Engine 2, Brush 2, Wagon 5,
Rescue Engine 6, Wagon 7, Rescue Engine 10, Wagon 10, Tower 11, Rescue Squad 13, Quint 18, Engine 425, Foam Unit 336, Ambulance
13-1, Ambulance 13-4, Ambulance 6-1.
Fills:
Truck 425 @ Station 20
Wagon 8 @ Station 1
For pictures from the airport call, click here. (All photos courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1.)
(September 7, 2004)
At approximately 1536 hours, units were dispatched to Gleedsville Road and James Monroe Highway (Rt.15) for an auto accident with entrapment. Rescue Engine 1 (Lt. Kiger), Medic 13-3, Battalion Chief 2 (Colby) and Rescue Squad 13 were on the assignment. The accident ended up being in the area of 19669 Gleedsville Road. Rescue Engine 1 was the first to arrive with a report of one vehicle on its top and one patient in the roadway. After a walk around, it was determined that this was a single vehicle accident with one male patient with a possible head injury, no entrapment. Rescue Engine 1 assisted with patient packaging and hazard control.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Lt. Micah Kiger, LCFR.
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(August 16, 2004)
Engine 1 responded to 428 Foxridge Drive in Leesburg at 1029 hrs. Upon arrival, the crew found a backhoe, bucket still in the hole, with a 2" gas line ruptured under the bucket. Houses in the area were checked and monitored with no gas detected.
When Washington Gas arrived, they decided that the backhoe had to be moved to access the broken line. The backhoe was started, but as the bucket was being moved, the operator struck electrical conduit that arced causing the ignition.
Engine 1 (Capt. Shank) requested the box assignment and established "Foxridge Command". The crew then placed an 1 3/4" handline in service on the dump truck fuel tank and the Blitzfire deluge gun in between the house and fire flowing onto the backhoe, dump truck and trees. Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers) arrived and Command was transferred. Capt. Shank was assigned "Fire Attack Group". When Wagon 5 arrived, they laid a secondary supply line and pulled a second handline off Engine 1. They were assigned the Exposure group (Lt. Davis) and protected the residence at 428 Foxridge Drive with the assistance of Truck 1. Rescue Engine 6 approached from the upper side and established the Evacuation Group. Tower 2 was assigned RIT. Other units responding were: Wagon 2, Medic 133, & Rescue Engine 1. Deputy Chief Brandenburg, DC Maguire, Safety Officer 601 and Battalion Chief Nally were also on the scene at the Command Post.
Washington Gas was able to shut down the gas line from a remote location at approx. 1144hrs. Approximately 70 houses were without gas due to this incident. There were no injuries. The last unit cleared at 1255 hrs.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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A serious vehicle accident resulted in one fatality as the driver
of this truck died from injuries he sustained when he crashed through a guardrail and plummeted off the Plaza Street
bridge into Tuscarora Creek. The accident is still under investigation by the Leesburg Police Department.
For more details, click here.
(May 29, 2004)
Just after 0300 hours this morning, Engine Co. 1 and Ambulance 13 were
alerted for an auto accident at this
intersection. Rescue Engine 1 and Ambulance 13-2 responded. Upon arrival, Rescue Engine 1's crew, led by Master
Firefighter John Earley, quickly assessed
the three patients and requested a medic unit for one patient who was unconscious. Upon his arrival, Deputy Chief 1 (Mantell)
established command.
Once the medic unit arrived and conferred with Loudoun Hospital - Cornwall,
the decision was made to fly the most critical
patient to a trauma center. Command requested a helicopter and an additional engine company to handle the landing zone. Engine
1 responded for that assignment. While Medstar 1 was enroute, it was decided a second patient needed to go to a trauma center,
so a second helicopter was requested. Medstar 1's patient was quickly loaded and that helicopter cleared the scene.
Shortly thereafter, Medstar 2 arrived and set down in what was becoming a very busy landing zone. After a busy night
directing aircraft, Lt. Krueger from Engine 1 is probably FAA qualified for helicopter operations!
In all, three patients were transported, one to Loudoun - Cornwall, the other two to area trauma centers. Rescue Engine 1
remained on the scene assisting Leesburg Police and ensuring that all hazards had been mitigated. The outer loop of the
bypass was closed for over an hour.
(May 16, 2004)
Late this afternoon, Rescue Engine and Command 1 Responded with Medic 13 to a auto accident Rt 7 near the intersection with Cardinal Park Drive.
Co. 1 units arrived first on the scene to find three vehicles had collided in the center lanes of the roadway. One patient was still in the
vehicle. Although intially thought to be entrapped, another involved vehicle was able to be moved out of the way, providing access to
the patient. A total of two patients were transported by the medic unit for checkout.
Photos, Deputy Chief Marty Mantell
(May 10, 2004)
At 1836 hours, Ashburn Ambulance 23 was dispatched for an injury near the Coton Bridge on Riverside Parkway. Upon arrival, they learned that the patient was somewhere along the banks of Goose Creek north of bridge. They requested an engine company for assistance. Wagon 6 responded and arrived on the scene within a few minutes.
As the personnel on the scene made their way toward the patient, they quickly determined they would need more assistance. The Loudoun ECC dispatched Rescue Squad 13, Boat 13, Reserve Boat 13, Medic 13, and Battalion Chief 1 at 1900 hours. Squad 13 arrived on scene and was given the assignment of patient extrication. Initial reports from the incident commander (Battalion Chief Byron Andrews) indicated the patient was a significant distance from the head of the trail.
On scene, several members of Co. 1 combined with personnel from Co. 13 to make a large Squad crew. They set off to meet the Ashburn crew and evaluate the best method of patient extrication. The patient was located about a mile north of the Coton Bridge. The Squad crew determined it would be unsafe to bring the patient out the way they had entered, due to the narrowness of the trail along the waters edge. The patient, suffering from an ankle injury, had been evaluated by Ashburn units, and was secured to a Miller board and lashed into the Stokes basket for transport.
The option of a boat meeting the rescuers along the banks was not available due to debris in the waterway. Therefore, another route of ground travel had to be located. Asst. Chief 6 and Sgt. 6 found another access point north of the patient's location that was off Kipheart Drive. While not much more than a muddy track, AC 6 was able to get Command 6 close enough to the patient to serve as a transport vehicle. Unfortunately, mud and a large berm stopped Command 6 at the top of the trail, and the patient had to be moved on foot once again. Rescue Engine 1's crew assisted in positioning Ambulance 23 and getting the patient loaded. Once the patient was enroute to the hospital, the hardworking crews from the Ashburn and Leesburg units were greeted with refreshments from Company 1's canteen unit. The incident was concluded at 2200 hours.
Click here for details . . .
(April 22, 2004)
At approximately 1027 hours, units from Leesburg Fire (Rescue Engine 1, Command 1), Loudoun Rescue
(RS13 & M13-4), BC2 (Capt. Byrnes), Chief Griffin, Asst. Chief Jack Brown, and Safety 601 (Capt. Swarthout)
responded to this crash on the Leesburg Bypass westbound, just west of South King Street. This Land
Rover rolled numerous times after swerving to miss a station wagon that was slowing to use the emergency turnaround.
The driver ended up in the passenger seat, trapped but not pinned. Leesburg Chief 1 (Whetsell)
established "Bypass Command" while Rescue Engine 1's crew extricated the patient. The male driver was transported to
Loudoun Hospital-Cornwall campus via Medic 13-4.
Photos courtesy of Capt. Randall Shank, LCFR
(April 21, 2004)
At approximately 1830 hours, Engine Companies 1, 6, and 10, Truck 1, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 1 were dispatched for
a structure fire in a building behind Leesburg Elementary School on Plaza Street. Further information revealed the
structure was a storage building behind the school. Deputy Chief 1 arrived first and advised Tanker 1 of the correct location. Tanker 1's crew arrived on the scene with light smoke showing. Utilizing their 1 3/4" bumper line, they quickly extinguished the small fire.
Chief 1 had command as Truck 1, Wagon 1, Wagon 6 and Rescue Engine 10 continued their response. Command placed all but Tanker 1 and Truck 1 in service and advised that units would be clear within 30 minutes. After overhaul was complete, the scene was turned over to the Loudoun County Fire Marshall's office and units returned in service. Damage appeared limited to a door frame and no one was injured.
Chief 1 and his crew survey the damage as smoke clears from the maintenance shed.
A rare
sight on Crew 5's duty crew....real fire! This is part of the door frame that was removed during overhaul.
Master Firefighter Steve Earley assists with overhaul.
Tanker 1 sits at idle on the plug with the 100' bumper line in the street.
(April 7, 2004)
At 0041 hours this morning, Engine and Tanker 1 were dispatched to assist with a working house fire in Co. 10
(Luckett's) first due. Engine 1 arrived at 0304, followed by Tankeer 1 at 0309. At that time, there was no
structure remaining above the basement walls. The operation was defensive in nature, with A/C 10 in command.
Tanker 1 was assigned to assist Wagon 10 with protecting a neighboring home on the B side. Engine 1 was held
by command for additional water supply capabilities. Engine 1 returned to service at approximately 0415
and Tanker 1 at 0504. Wagon 6 filled Sta. 20 during this call.
While this fire resulted in the complete destruction of the home and contents, the family of 12 who occupied the house at the time of the fire escaped with their lives. The main reason they were able to escape was their escape plan which they'd developed and practiced many times. Each family member knew what to do in the event of a fire, and in this case, that knowledge proved to be a lifesaver. We urge everyone to develop a fire escape plan and practice it often to ensure you and your family can safely escape your home if fire strikes.
Rollover Crash Sends 2 to Cornwall
(March 2, 2004)
At 1056 hours, Medic 13-1 and Rescue Engine 1 were dispatched to James Monroe Highway (Rt. 15) and Harmony
Church Rd. (Rt. 704) for a personal injury crash. Additional calls reported up to three
injuries, one of them serious with a car on fire. Medic 13-2 and Battalion Chief 2 (Cullers) were added
to the call.
Medic 13-1 arrived on the scene and reported the fire out and no entrapment. Rescue Engine 1 arrived and established "Rt. 15 Command" (Capt. Shank). Two patients (drivers of each vehicle) were transported as green tags to Loudoun Hospital-Cornwall campus.
The Ford Explorer allegedly pulled from Harmony Church Rd. into the path of the van which was heading southbound on Rt. 15. The impact caused the Explorer to roll completely over and back on its wheels. The unbelted female driver was tossed into the passenger side front seat.
Photos courtesy of Captain Randy Shank, LCFR.
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(February 19, 2004)
At approximately 2020 hours, Engine Companies 1, 5, and 10, Truck 1, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 1 were dispatched for a structure fire at
14 Cornwall St., NW. Engine 1 was on the scene just two minutes after dispatch and found the main sanctuary of the church charged with smoke.
Under the command of Master Firefighter John Earley, Engine 1's crew began investigating the building, looking for the source of the smoke.
Captain Ian Buchanan arrived on scene just after Engine 1 and established "Wirt Street Command".
Truck 1 positioned on the Baker side of the building. The truck crew proceeded to side Charlie to gain access to the mechanical room located there. Meanwhile, Wagon 5 arrived and picked up Engine 1's line. Wagon 5 was assigned to assist Truck 1 on side Charlie. Wagon 10 was assigned RIT duties. Engine 1 stretched a 300' 1 3/4" line through the main sanctuary to the mechanical room. There, crews found a superheated boiler inside a stone and cinder block room. Readings taken with the thermal imaging camera showed surface temperatures exceeding 1100 degrees. Further investigation throughout the building revealed radiators whose paint had peeled off due to the heat.
Engine 1, Truck 1, and Wagon 5's crews ventilated the structure and ensured no hazards existed in other rooms of the building. Covers were removed from the boiler and fans were set up to provide cooling air to the room. Once the smoke was cleared and the boiler no longer glowed red hot, most units were released. A fan from Truck 1 was left in position overnight to provide cooling air to the boiler room.
It was very lucky that the building was occupied when the malfunction occurred. Otherwise, it is quite possible that a major fire could have occurred in a beautiful town landmark.
Units on the box, in order of arrival:
(February 19, 2004)
In the first of three separate incidents that resulted in fatalities on this day, Engine Company 1, Medic 13 and Rescue Squad 17 were dispatched
at approximately 1415 hours for an auto accident with entrapment at 20984 Evergreen Mill Road. Upon arrival, Rescue Engine 1's crew,
led by Lt. Charlie Brown (LCFR), found a fully loaded cement mixer off the road and on its side. (See pictures below.)
The operator of the vehicle was declared dead on the scene. Witnesses stated that it appeared the truck blew a front tire and
then lost control. Officers from the Virginia State Police are investigating the incident.
Photos courtesy of Battalion Chief Allen Colby, LCFR.
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(February 12, 2004)
It seems the concept of a drive-in convenience store is gaining popularity in Leesburg. At around 1037 hours this morning, Engine Company 1 and Ambulance
13 were dispatched for an auto accident at the 7-11 on Plaza Street. Company 1's career staff responded on Engine 1 and found that a Ford Explorer had
gone through the front window and didn't stop until it struck the "cold box" at the rear of the store. The driver was not injured.
The Loudoun County building inspector checked the building and found the structure to be safe with no load-bearing components involved.
Photos courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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(February 6, 2004)
2004 seems to be starting off much like 2003, with the weather playing a significant
role in generating calls for Co. 1.
Today, Leesburg was hit with an ice storm that closed area schools and made driving treacherous. Ice building up on
trees and power lines has affected electrical service to much of the area.
In one of the more dramatic scenes, three power lines above a substation on Catoctin Circle lit up the sky with an eerie blue light as they arced for more than hour while the power company repaired the problem (see picture above). Many drivers and workers at nearby businesses called 911 to report the problem, but fire crews could do nothing but wait for Virginia Power to remedy the situation.
Associated power surges and outages caused fire alarms to malfunction, resulting in at least 9 calls, many were repeat visits to the same locations. Several times, calls were dispatched three at a time, but Co. 1 members and our career staff were able to handle the call volume with little trouble. As the cold rain continued, minor flooding occurred along Goose Creek and other small streams.
(January 12, 2004)
On Monday, January 12th at 1302 hours, units from Leesburg (Tanker 1, Truck 1), Lucketts (Rescue Engine 10, Tanker 10) and Loudoun Rescue
(A13-1) were dispatched for a house fire at 41617 Swiftwater Drive off Raspberry Drive in the Raspberry Falls subdivision north of Leesburg.
Additional calls to the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center indicated an explosion had occurred at that location and the house was on
fire.
FM20 (Wright) arrived on the scene and reported fire in the rear of the structure. Tanker 1 dropped a 4" supply line from the intersection of Raspberry Drive and Swiftwater Drive to the scene (approximately 500') and established "Swiftwater Command", with Capt. Shank (LCFR) as the incident commander. Fire was showing from quadrant "C" on sides C and D and significant structural damage was observed. Crews from Leesburg and Lucketts advanced lines to the basement and first floor and quickly knocked down the remaining fire. Safety 601 (Capt. Swarthout, LCFR) assumed command until the arrival of Battalion 2 (Colby, LCFR). Deputy Chief Brower (LCFR) was also on the scene. Additional units also responded from Hamilton (Wagon 5, Engine 5) and Lovettsville (Tanker 12).
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. No injuries occurred. Units cleared the scene at 1537 hours.
All photos of this incident courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR.
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| Part of Side C lies in the yard. A worker was near the fireplace when the explosion occurred. He was not hurt. |
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| Supply line stretches down Swiftwater Drive to the dump site. |
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| Cracks evident in the brick veneer on Side A. |
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| Kitchen area shows considerable damage. |
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| Close up view of damage in the kitchen area. |
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| Explosive damage to floors is evident in the dining area. |
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| Complete failure of the I-beam joists is evident in this picture. The web is completely burned through. |
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| Closer view of the lightweight particleboard I-beams after fire impingement. |
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| Pieces of flooring blown through walls shows the power of the explosion. |
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| Structural damage to Side B is evident. |
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| Interior view of the damage on Side B. |
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| View from second floor into family room and kitchen. Lots of fresh air in the family room! |
(January 4, 2004)
The fire company's annual banquet was held January 3rd. As is customary for such events, we enlisted the help of our friends from Hamilton Co. 5 and
the Citizen's Truck Company #4 from Frederick County, Maryland to cover our area for us while we enjoyed the party. Usually, the fill-in
crew gets treated to a nice meal and a good night's sleep. Not this year!
At about 0330, a structure fire was dispatched in the 19000 block of Gleedsville Road. Engine Companies 1 and 7, Tanker Companies 1 and 7, Truck 1, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 2 were on the initial dispatch. Tanker, Truck, and Command 1 responded first, followed by Wagon 7, Tanker 7, and Engine 1. Engine 9 from Arcola also responded.
Tanker 1 arrived first and, after negotiating the tight, gated entrance, proceeded up the winding driveway, dropping a line about 300 feet from the house, adjacent to a pond. The truck followed and positioned behind Tanker 1. A/C 5 established "Gleedsville Command" and assigned Battalion 2 (Paul Holsinger) water supply operations.
Initial size-up of the incident revealed fire showing from side "C". Capt. 5 was assigned "Division 1 Operations". He directed Tanker 1's crew to pull two lines, a 200' 1 3/4" to the interior, and a 300' 1 3/4" to the exterior on side "C". The fire involved a header board that provided support to a masonry wall above a fireplace. The Tanker's crews quickly extinguished the fire, while the Truck crew ventilated. Smoke damage was minimal due to their quick work. The residents of the home were not displaced and no one was injured. Units returned to service at about 0430.
Personnel on the call:
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