| Call Totals: | ||||||||
| 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
| 2030 as of 12/31 | 1,801 | 1,812 | 1,630 | 1,594 | 1,505 | 1,521 | 1,489 | 1,227 |
On Thursday, December 22nd at 1710 hours, Engine Companies 1, 5, 6, and 10, Truck 1, Tower 2, Ambulance 13, and Battalion Chief 2 (LCFR) were alerted for the reported house fire in the 1100 block of Nickels Place, S.W. in the Country Club subdivision of Leesburg.
As units marked up, Loudoun ECC advised that the caller reported a electrical fire with possible fire in the attic. As Engine and Truck 1 made the left onto South King St., a column of smoke could be seen. Truck 1 arrived first at 1718 hours at a 2 story single family residence with fire and smoke showing from the second floor. The Truck crew of 3 went to work inside while the Engine laid out and then advanced a 200' 1 3/4" attack line through the front door. Fire was found in a bedroom and attic area. Tanker 1 picked up Engine 1's supply line. Battalion Chief 2 (LCFR - Richardson) arrived soon after the first units and command was transferred from Engine 1's Officer to the BC. Tanker 1's crew advanced a back up line inside and stood by.
Quick work was made of the fire and at 1730 hrs, Command held the Engine, Tanker, and Truck Company from Leesburg, along with Ambulance 13-1 and Wagon 5. The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.
Units Responding and or on the scene:
Thanks to Charles Speacht, Photo 1, for the pictures
Fire showing upon arrival...a rarity in Co. 1's first due.
FF/EMT Nick Hildebrand placing a ladder on Side A.
"Primary is complete, the DeWalt is safe!!" As Tanker 1's crew masked up, a civilian exited the house...
Fire's out, salvage and overhaul underway.
Santa inspects the roof from the tip of Truck 1
Truck and Engine 1 were the first arriving pieces.
First due fire and Ray's not driving...no wonder he's smiling!!
On December 21st at 1434 hours, Engine Company 1, Rescue Squad 13 and Ambulance 13, Medic 6, ALS 1, and Battalion Chief 2 were alerted for a reported vehicle accident with entrapment on the Leesburg Bypass near South King St.
Due to other units being out of service and/or out on other runs, Truck 1 marked up to assist. Battalion Chief 1 (LCFR - Shank) was also in the area and took the call for BC 2. Engine 1 arrived to find a single vehicle rollover on the bypass, west of South King St. Truck 1 and BC 1 arrived soon after to assist. BC 1 reported to Loudoun ECC that there was no entrapment, one for transport. The Chief held the Engine and Truck from Leesburg, and Ambulance 13-1 from Loudoun Rescue and placed the other units in service. The patient was not seriously hurt.
Units responding or on the scene - Engine 1 and Truck 1 (Leesburg VFC #1), Ambulance 13-1 (Loudoun Rescue #13), Medic 6-3 (Ashburn VFC #6), ALS 1 (Hamilton VFC #5), and BC 1 (LCFR)
Photos by FF/EMT Nick Hildebrand (LCFR - Engine 1)
The single occupant of this SUV escaped with minor injuries.
Tire tracks through the soft median show the path the vehicle took.
At around 1900 hours on December 10th, a box alarm was struck for a house fire in Company 5's first due. The fire was in a single family home in the Paeonian Springs area, in a non-hyrdranted development. Wagon and Engine 5 responded and arrived on the scene first, advising fire showing from Side C. Captain Keith Virts (Co. 5) established command. His crews pulled a line to the rear of the structure and made entry, putting a very effective knock on the fire. Close behind Co. 5 units were Engine, Tanker and Truck 1. Engine 1 had been advised to utilize a dry hydrant in the area for water supply. Units could not locate a dry hydrant, so Tanker 1 prepared to position on the driveway's bridge after Truck 1 went up the driveway to the residence.
Truck 1 and Engine 1's crews pulled a second line from Wagon 5 and took it upstairs while a primary search was performed. Crews experienced high heat levels and zero visibility. Fortunately, Capt. Delalian from Engine 1 was following proper search techniques and discovered a large hole in the floor of the master bedroom with the handle of his axe. Due to the quick work of Co. 5, very little fire was found upstairs and crews began opening up for ventilation.
Engine 1 supplied Engine 5 with their tank water, while Tanker 1's driver worked to obtain a draft. Before drafting operations could be established (that's the politically correct way of saying I couldn't get a draft -- Webmaster), the incident was stable and no additional water was required. Units began breaking down as overhaul and salvage continued.
Crews on this call did an excellent job of stopping this fire and ensuring that no further damage occurred to the structure. One of the residents of the home did suffer smoke inhalation due to his attempts to rescue the family dog. Unfortunately, the dog did not survive. No firefighter injuries occurred. The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.
Thanks to Co. 1 Junior FF Brian Delalian and Lieutenant-elect Jim Fazekas for the pictures.
Truck 1 maneuvers past Engine 1 to get up the driveway.
Wagon and Engine 5 and Truck 1 on the B-side of the structure.
A large hole in the floor above the kitchen area was found during the search in zero-visibility conditions.
Slightly blurry view of the kitchen. The refrigerator is in the middle of the picture.
Three sections of hard sleeve were used to get the floating dock strainer into deep water.
This should really be a picture of Co 5 personnel, but they were busy working when we took this.
Deformation of the fan in the lofted ceiling area of the family room gives some indication of the heat conditions.
Read the information from this incident taken from the Leesburg Police's activity log....
FRONT SEAT PASSENGER CHARGED WITH DUI AND MALICIOUS WOUNDING AFTER CAUSING VEHICLE CRASH
A Purcellville man was arrested Saturday evening after causing a vehicle that he was riding in to crash into the
median at the Route 7 bypass and West Market Street. Justin S. Flanagan, 25, was riding in the front passenger seat
of a 2004 Honda Civic that was being driven by a 20 year old Leesburg female. At approximately 11:35 PM, the female
was driving west on the Route 7 bypass when she and Mr. Flanagan began to have an argument. During the argument, Mr.
Flanagan broke off the window crank handle on the passenger side of the car and threw it at the driver striking her
in the forehead and then demanded to be let out of the car. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Flanagan reached across and grabbed
the steering wheel causing the driver of the car to lose control and crash into the median strip causing front end
damage to the car as well as injuring the 20 year old female driver. The victim was taken to the Lansdowne Emergency
Room for treatment of her injuries which consisted of lacerations to her hands and contusions to her leg and arm.
As a result of the investigation, Mr. Flanagan was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Malicious Wounding.
He was ordered held in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on a $1500.00 secure bond.
Pictures courtesy of D/C Ian Buchanan, Company 1.
Don't know about road work, but definitely some body work ahead!
Company 1 crews on the scene, providing lights for PD.
Severe damage to the vehicle is evident.
Front end damage as well....luckily, both occupants escaped with minor injuries.
At 0644 hours on December 4th, Companies 2, 4, 5, 1, 8 and 12 were dispatched for a barn fire on Charles Town Pike. Initial on-scene reports suggested a significant fire in an approximate 100' x 400' barn with involvement of 3 silos. Captain Parker (LCFR) had command initially, though it was transferred to BC Cullers upon his arrival. Command requested a tanker task force be added to the call.
Engine 2 and Tower 2's crews performed an outstanding initial knock on the fire, first with a deck gun and followed by aggressive work with handlines. Due to their efforts and the building's construction, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished.
Units from Company 1 on the scene included Tanker 1, Truck 1, and Engine 1. The tanker and engine were involved in the water supply operations, while the truck and tanker's crews assisted with overhaul at the fire building.
Pictures courtesy of D/C Ian Buchanan and FF Jim Fazekas, Company 1.
Through the morning fog, you can see the size of the building involved.
Engine 2's crew put a great knock on the fire.
Blame for the fire has been placed at the hooves of a cow that reportedly knocked over a heater.
Bill McGann (right) from Co. 5 had water supply. That explains the hair color!
Portable tanks strategically placed to allow quick dumping of water.
That's a lot of supply line to pick up!! Over the hill sat Wagon 5 as a relay pumper.
Engine 1 and Tanker 1 were part of the water supply operation. Engine 1's driver, MFF S. Earley, believes he's set a new standard for tanker operations by arriving full of water, pumping off nearly all his water, yet returning from the scene full having never visited the fill site! Call him if you want an explanation!!!
Plenty of water was on hand, though luckily not much was needed.
At around 0036 hours on December 3rd, Company 1 was dispatched for a car fire on Country Club Drive. Units first arriving found an Isuzu SUV fully involved. Recent Black Hat promotee FF Chris Patton had the knob. FF John Kurtin manned the pump panel while Lt. Marc Timbrook was in charge of the crew.
Cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated. The vehicle was a total loss but fortunately there were no injuries.
Pictures courtesy of D/C Ian Buchanan, Company 1.
Vehicle was fully involved. Note the headlight still shining.
D/O John Kurtin charges the bumper line for the attack.
Crew begins the attack with an 1 3/4" line.
A little steam on a 26 degree night.
Lt. Timbrook surveys the scene as the attack is underway.
Fire is knocked down as mop up begins.
At approximately 0100 hours on November 27th, Jefferson County, WV requested mutual
aid assistance from Loudoun County for a mountain fire. The initial request was for a brush truck, to which the Lovettsville Volunteer
Fire Company responded with Attack 12. Shortly after the original dispatch, Battalion 2 (Cullers) was dispatched to assist. Conversations
between Loudoun ECC and BC Cullers suggested it was going to be a long day...
The fire was on a mountain near the Shannondale subdivision, just over the Virginia line. It became apparent that many more personnel were going to be needed to battle this quickly growing fire. At about 0400, an all call page was sent to all western Loudoun volunteers requesting all available members to up-staff their stations. Duty Crew 4 was on duty at station 20 and Firefighters Anthony Jackson, AJ Durham, Brian Duddy, Brian DeQuittner, and Richard Wolf responded from home to Station 1 and awaited assignment.
Captain Pete Commanduras notified this crew to report to Round Hill Fire station 4 and await deployment. The Co. 1 crew was grouped with members of Round Hill Company 4, and Lt. Snowden of LCFR and were deployed as one of the initial strike teams on the north side of the 125 acre fire at approximately 0700.
The operations were hindered by limited access. A short ATV ride got crews part way up, but from there, it was a hike up the mountain to access the fire. With no water and only brush rakes and axes, the crew made their way around the head of the fire and eventually met another crew from Jefferson county who had come from the south side of the fire. After more then 5 hours of exhaustive work, the two crews hiked out to the command post at 1300 hours to report their progress on stopping the fire. This was a grueling call for all that attended. Fire companies from as far away as Pennsylvania and eastern Maryland eventually answered the call for mutual aid. The combined efforts of many Loudoun and Jefferson career and volunteer members made a quick stop on this challenging fire.
Photos courtesy of FF Brian Duddy. Thanks to FF A. J. Durham for the narrative.
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| FF's Jackson, Wolfe, Durham, Dequittner, and Duddy (clockwise from lower left) | Heading West into Wild, Wonderful West Virginia! |
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| Anthony sleeping before deployment.... | ...and Anthony sleeping after the deployment |
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| Helicopter used for aerial water drops | |
On November 18, 2005, at 1446 hours, Company 1 was dispatched for
the investigation to the Leesburg Airport at 1001 Sycolin Rd. SE. When reading the CAD notes before leaving Station 20,
it was discovered that the investigation actually involved a downed plane.
Both the Rescue Engine and Truck responded from Station 20 to the call. A/C Earley also marked up, and as units responded towards the scene, Loudoun ECC advised that they had a plane that had landed safely after a problem with the landing gear.
As units arrived on the scene, they were greeted by airport staff, the crew from Air Care 3 (Medevac helicopter stationed at the Airport), and a very embarrassed pilot of the plane involved. After talking to the pilot, who was not hurt, he advised the Fire/Rescue crews that there was NOT a problem with landing gear, and that he just forgotten to put it down before landing.
After checking over the aircraft, no hazards were found and the units cleared. The scene was turned over to Airport security and Leesburg Police.
Photo courtesy of LCFR FF/EMT Mike Ciaburri, Truck 1.
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A/C Paul Earley |
MFF Tina Earley | FF Jamie Arnold | FF Justin Holmberg | PFF Christoff Botha |
| Pictured above are members of Crew 2 who were on the first arriving engine. They worked as a team to rescue at least 6 people. | ||||
On November 16th at around 0410 hours, units were dispatched for an apartment fire at The Glen apartment complex on Heritage Way, N.E., Leesburg. Duty Crew 2 was in the station and responded on Tanker 1. Upon arrival, they were greeted by heavy fire on the D side of the building, running up along the stairwell and above, heading straight for the roof and attic space.
A/C 1 Paul Earley was the officer on the Tanker. He established command and quickly went to work, but not before requesting a second alarm assignment. FF Jamie Arnold was assigned to the attack line, while FF Holmberg and A/C Earley began to make entry into apartments whose occupant's primary means of egress had been cut off by the fire. On the C side of the building, they made entry into a second floor apartment where they found occupants still sleeping while the fire raged just outside. They were able to rouse the occupants and get them safely from the apartment.
On the A side of the building, Leesburg Police assisted a mother who was trapped in her second floor apartment with a small child. Initial reports suggest that the mother dropped the small child to waiting police officers, who then assisted her down off the second floor balcony.
While all this was going on, Master Firefighter Tina Earley and Probationary Firefighter Christoff Botha were not idle. MFF Earley established a water supply from a nearby hydrant, supplied the attack line for FF Arnold, assisted the crews with tools and placing ladders to get over the metal fence that surrounds the complex. PFF Botha was a tremendous help in getting all these tasks accomplished.
As additional units began to arrive, all affected apartments were searched, ladders were placed along both the A and C sides, the roof was laddered and a ventilation hole cut. Extensive overhaul ensued, with units clearing by 0800. No injuries to civilians or fire personnel occurred. 3 cats that were in one of the affected apartments were cared for by Loudoun County Animal Control.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation into the cause of this fire.
Slideshow now available! Click here to view. All pictures courtesy of Photo 1, Charles Speacht.
On November 15th at 1220 hours, units were dispatched for an auto accident on the Route 7 Bypass, eastbound at Roxbury Hall Rd.
with possible entrapment. As units marked up, the Loudoun ECC advised that callers were reporting vehicles overturned with reported
double entrapments. After traveling west in the eastbound lanes to access the accident, Rescue Engine 1 arrived on the scene at
1227 and reported a 2 vehicle accident, 1 overturned in the roadway, and 1 on its side off the roadway in a ditch. After a quick
survey of the scene, Lt. Harne from the Rescue Engine reported back to communications that all patients were out of the vehicles, and
no entrapment. Other units arrived on the scene, including Battalion Chief 2 (Martin) who established Route 7 Command. All units
were held with the exception of Rescue Squad 13 which command placed in service before arrival.
In all, there were 2 patients who were transported to Loudoun Hospital by Medic 13 and Ambulance 17 / ALS 1. According to bystanders, the patient that was in the overturned vehicle was pulled from the vehicle after 911 was called.
After the patients were transported from the scene and the vehicles were secured, Command was terminated and the units went in service.
Units on the scene or responding:
For a slideshow of pictures from this call, all courtesy of Photo 1, Charles Speacht, please click here.
Pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1
Capt. Wilson and Technician Muth make their way to the aircraft.
The nose of the plane appears to have taken the brunt of the impact.
FF/EMT Nick Hildebrand wields a chainsaw to clear a path from the plane.
Deputy Chief Brandenburg, Battalion Chief Colby, and Captain Wilson confer at the command post.
On October 29th, 2005 at 0612 hours, companies were dispatched to Box 1-9 for a reported structure fire at the First Citizens Bank, located at 40 Catoctin Circle, N.E. Engine and Truck companies from Leesburg, Ashburn, Lucketts, Hamilton, Purcellville, Sterling, and Aldie eventually ended up in Leesburg for the call.
Initial reports from 911 advised that there was scaffolding on fire , unknown location. Engine and Truck 1 were the first to arrive on the scene, reporting a two-story commercial building with smoke showing from Sides A and D. Engine 1 established their water supply on side D while crews investigated the location of the fire prior to stretching handlines. Interior crews found a scaffolding, which extended from the base of the structure to the dome level, with fire involvement and smoke banked down to floor level. Engine 1 (Lt. Kiger) established "Catoctin Circle Command" as attack lines were deployed through side D into the building.
Crews began the fire attack on the scaffolding while additional crews began opening up and checking for additional extension to the building. Tanker 1, Rescue Engine 10, and Engine 6 found additional water supplies and had supply line on the ground if needed. Due to the structure being a commercial building, coupled with the planned bank occupancy, ventilation was a chore because of thick glass. Tower 2 opened up vertically through the rooftop cupola, facilitating rapid smoke removal with the usage of positive pressure ventilation.
Battalion Chief 2 (Chief Martin) assumed command upon arrival and began assigning units to cover all tasks. The fire was quickly brought under control with a considerable amount of damage done. The Loudoun County Fire Marshall's Office is investigating the fire which was discovered by a worker that arrived at work an hour early because he forgot to set his clock back (thank goodness for daylight savings!). Units cleared the scene shortly before 0900 hours and the cause is still under investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1
Tower 2 reaches the roof cupola to take out glass for ventilation.
Engine 1 was the attack pumper on side D.
Lt Kiger (left) gives situation report to command officers.
Lt. Neiberger packs up his SCBA in preparation for returning to service.
Command 1 served as the base of operations for this incident .
View of side C of the building.
(September 25, 2005)
In the late morning hours this day, motorists in the area of Cochran Mill Road noticed
a column of black smoke rising into the air. The first callers to the Loudoun County ECC didn't quite know what was on fire , so
dispatchers sent a structural assignment, including rural water supply units, to the area of Cochran Mill and Route 7 for an unknown
type fire . Units on the initial dispatch included Engine Companies 1, 6, 23, 5, 18, Truck 1, Tower 2, Tanker 1, Engine 5, Tanker 10,
Battalion 2, and Medic 13. Since he was in the Leesburg Area, Battalion 1 (Richardson) added on to the call.
A/C 1 (Earley) saw the column of smoke as he was leaving a shopping center and decided to investigate. He ended up being first on the scene and established Cochran Mill Command. The fire was at an asphalt plant near the W & O D bike trail. The gates were locked, so access was not gained until the arrival of Truck 1. Command ordered Engine 1 to drop a supply line and their tank at the bottom of the driveway and proceed up to the gate. Wagon 1 was the next to arrive, and they took a position to be the supply pumper at the dump site. Command also requested Foam Trailer 1 be dispatched.
Crews from Engine 1, Wagon 1, and Truck 1 made quick work of the fire , using the onboard foam capabilities of the engine. Tanker 1 arrived at the dump site after Engine 6, dropped their portable tank and their load of water and headed to the fill site. Tanker 10 and Engine 5 weren't far behind, so there was plenty of water on the ground to support the fire fighting operations. Battalion 2 (Colby) had water supply operations.
The fill site was the Potomac Station Recreation Center, located at River Creek Parkway and Potomac Station Drive. There, Quint 18 established an excellent fill operation, with both 4" LDH and 3" lines from their unit to a turn lane on River Creek Parkway. Had extended water supply operations been needed, Quint 18's preparations would have made the job very easy.
After the fire was knocked down, runoff from the site became a concern, so HazMat 19 was requested. Hazards were quickly mitigated and command began releasing units. No injuries occurred and all units cleared upon the arrival of the fire marshal. The cause is under investigation.
Units on the scene:
Pictures courtesy of FF Jim Fazekas and Master Firefighter Tina Earley, Co. 1
Column of black smoke visible from Route 7 as Wagon 1 responds to the scene.
Engine 1 lays a supply line from the water dump site to the fire .
Fire on what appeared to be a heater of some type at the base of several storage tanks.
White helmets talk while the yellow helmets work....isn't it always the way?
Personnel check for extension after the fire was knocked down.
Engine 1's foam system helped make a quick knock on this fire .
Utility 1 and Foam Trailer 1 on the scene to resupply engines as needed.
FF Jim Fazekas removes smoldering insulation from the involved equipment.
Damage to storage tanks is evident from this angle. At the height of the fire , flames had reached the top of these tanks.
(July 25, 2005)
A little after 0530 hours this day, Companies 1, 6, 5, 23, T1, TL2, TL11, Medic 13, and Battalion Chief 2 were alerted for a structure fire in the 42000 block of Loudoun Center Place. En route, Chief 1 (Mantell) received a radio report of visible smoke. As he arrived on scene, Chief 1 found a modular office structure with heavy smoke pushing from the eaves on all sides. T-1 and Wagon 1 arrived on scene and attempted to make an interior attack from side "D" which initially was thwarted by the heavy fire conditions and the configuration of the walls and systems furniture within the office complex. TL-2 opened the roof allowing the attack to proceed. Wagon 5 made an interior attack from side "A". Chief 1 had command of the incident .
Once the fire was knocked down, an extended overhaul was necessary due to the heavy fire loading. Units were on scene for over 4 hours. No injuries occurred in this incident . The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office is handling the investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Chief Marty Mantell, Co. 1
Smoke rises from the Loudoun County school bus administrative offices as dawn breaks across the sky.
Another view of the building, shrouded in smoke.
Truck 1's crew takes a break after the bulk of the fire was knocked down.
Crews performed a great deal of overhaul.
The interior shows the extent of the damage.
Crews take a breather outside in the humid morning air.
Krueger, how'd you get in another picture?
Debris removed from the structure is wet down to ensure it doesn't re-ignite.
(July 16, 2005)
At 0459 E-1 was dispatched for fuel leaking from a vehicle on the onramp to the Dulles Greenway. E-1 arrived on scene to find Virginia State Police working a single vehicle accident, with the vehicle perched on top of the guard rail. The vehicle had traveled approximately 200 feet while on top of the guard rail, puncturing fuel lines and causing severe damage to the undercarriage of the car, not to mention the guardrail. Company 1 checked hazards and mitigated the spill, then returned in service.
Pictures courtesy of Chief Marty Mantell, Co. 1
Crews from Co. 1 check for hazards under the hood of the rail surfing SUV.
Approximately 200 feet of guardrail was damaged.
A head-on collision near the intersection of Gap Road and James
Monroe Highway on July 15th took the lives of 2 people. Units were alerted at around 1846 hours for an auto accident
with possible entrapment. Companies 1, 13, 7, 17 responded, as well as helicopters from MedStar and Fairfax County
Police. For the full story, click here.
At 0432 hours on June 27th, units from Leesburg , Ashburn and Sterling were dispatched for a house fire in the 18000 block of Longhouse Place in Potomac Station. Company 1 responded with Engine, Truck and Tanker 1. Upon arrival, Engine 1's crew pulled a 300' 1 3/4 line to side Charles and extinguished a fire involving the deck.
Other crews checked for extension and pulled siding to ensure fire had not extended to the residence. Deputy Chief 1 (Goss) had command. Engine 1's officer for the night, Master Firefighter Jasen Dodson did an excellent job with initial size up and assignment of responsibilities. No injuries occurred and units returned to service in about 1 hour.
The fire is in under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.
Pictures courtesy of FF Brian Duddy, Company 1 (camera phones are great, huh?)
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| The deck to the rear of the house was damaged by the early morning fire |
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| Crews wet down the area to make sure fire is out |
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| FF Jeff Mason operates the 1 3/4 handline |
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| Engine and Truck 1 in front of the residence |
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| Crews take a break as the sun begins to rise |
At approximately 1219 hours on June 24, 2005, a structure fire assignment was dispatched to the 16000 block of Folkstone Ct., outside Round Hill. Truck 1 from Leesburg was on the initial assignment. The house was in a remote area not served by municpal water, so water supply was a challenge. Command requested additional engine companies, which resulted in Engine 1 being added to the box.
Truck 1 was staffed by our career staff, led by Captain Randy Shank. His crew had been at the training center participating in live fire evolutions prior to being dispatched on this call. Engine 1 was staffed by a volunteer crew, led by Lt. Marc Timbrook. Both units from Company 1 worked hard to extinguish remaining fire on the Charlie side, as well is in the basement, where a partial collapse of the first floor made access difficult. They even employed a cellar nozzle at the suggestion of FF Jeff Ewing.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office. One fire fighter sustained a minor injury on the scene.
Pictures courtesy of Captain Randy Shank, LCFR
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| Fire still burns on the Baker side as the ladder pipe is pressed into service. |
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| Fire spread through most of the structure. |
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| Lt. Micah Kiger, Technician Ray Muth, Jr., and FF Nick Hildbrand find access to the basement under the porch. |
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| Ray Muth and Nick Hildebrand use a 2 1/2 to hit fire in the basement. |
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| Lt. Kiger and Ray in the bucket of Tower 2 hitting hot spots. |
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| When the fire was out, not much of the home remained. Cause is under investigation. |
At 1423 hours on Wednesday, June 16th units from Leesburg Fire
and Loudoun Rescue were dispatched to East Market Street (westbound) just west of Cardinal Park Drive for a motor vehicle
crash with entrapment. Leesburg Fire responded with both Engine 1 and Rescue Engine 1. LCFR Battalion 2 (Colby), who
had just pulled in to Station 20, also responded.
Crews arrived to find a SUV that had crossed the median and struck a westbound mini-van almost head-on. There was no entrapment. Numerous patients required transport. Loudoun Rescue responded with A13-2, A13-3, & 13-4. Aircare 3 airlifted the driver of the SUV to the hospital. Safety Officer 601 (Swarthout) also responded.
According to reports in the Leesburg Today, the accident began when two eastbound vehicles collided and the Buick Ranier crossed the median strip and struck a westbound Honda Odyssey. Leesburg Police continue to investigate the accident. No charges have been filed.
Photos courtesy of Captain Randy Shank, LCFR.
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Units from Leesburg Fire and Loudoun Rescue were dispatched to the intersection of South King Street and Davis Avenue at 1334 hours on June 14th for a motor vehicle crash. M13-3 and Engine 1 arrived to find four wrecked vehicles from a two-vehicle crash.
Allegedly a towing company rollback was traveling south on South King Street with a Toyota 4Runner on top and towing a Mercedes 4-door sedan behind it. A northbound vehicle pulled a U-turn from northbound South King Street into the southbound lane, striking the tow vehicle. Upon impact, the sedan that allegedly caused the crash traveled across all three lanes of southbound South King, all three lanes of northbound South King, across a large grassy area, and struck a tree on Davis Avenue, SE. The rollback struck the curb and a sign pole and rolled over, crushing the 4Runner against the traffic light pole. The Mercedes broke off the back and rolled over, coming to rest on it's wheels.
Medic 13-3 transported two green tag patients to Cornwall. Engine 1 remained on the scene until the 4Runner was winched off the pole.
Photos courtesy of Captain Randy Shank, LCFR.
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| Luckily, this SUV was on top of a rollback tow truck, so no occupants were injured. |
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| The 4Runner and the light pole are somewhat inseparable. |
Harry Byrd Highway Accident Pictures |
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| Quite a sight that greeted Engine 1 upon arrival. |
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| This car traveled well off the road before hitting a tree. |
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| The gold Mercedes rolled over before ending up on its wheels. |
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| A little bit of intrusion into the passenger compartment. |
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| After the 4Runner was winched off the pole, the extent of the damage is clearly visible. |
Two vehicle accidents kept Lt. Timbrook and his crew busy on the night of May 27th. First, at about 1930 hours, in the 19000 block of Harmony Church Road (704), a t-bone collision between two motorcycles injured three, one seriously. Tanker 1, Command 1, a medic and an ambulance from Co. 13, as well as Medic 17 responded. Capt. 1 (Buchanan) had "Harmony Church Command". The most seriously injured patient was flown to Fairfax Hospital by Aircare. Once the helicopter departed, units returned in service.
At around 2340 hours, Co.'s 1 and 13 were again alerted for an auto accident, this time at the intersection of Harry Byrd Highway and White Gate Place. Rescue Engine 1, Command 1, Medic 13-3 responded. There were 5 occupants in two cars, with no significant injuries. Company 1 units returned once hazards had been secured and the street had been washed down.
Pictures courtesy of Capt. Ian Buchanan, Co. 1
Harmony Church Accident Pictures |
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| Aircare makes a safe landing in the front yard of a home on Harmony Church Road. |
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| Medic 13-3 awaits arrival of Aircare helicopter's personnel as Tanker 1's crew stands by. |
Harry Byrd Highway Accident Pictures |
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| FF Jeff Kratz pulls equipment of Rescue Engine 1 to mitigate hazards. |
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| This compact car was struck by a large SUV. Luckily, no serious injuries occurred. |
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| FF Kraatz works to disconnect power at the battery. |
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| The second vehicle involved in the accident sustained substantial front end damage, including a ruptured battery. |
Just before 2100 hrs on May 23, Engine Co. 1 and Ambulance 13 were dispatched for an auto accident. Tanker 1, Ambulance 13-2, Command 1 (Lt. Neiberger) and Command 13 responded on the initial call. Command 1 arrived first and immediately requested a medic unit, Rescue Engine 1 and Squad 13. Lt. Neiberger established command.
The accident involved a Jeep Cherokee that apparently collided with a school bus at the intersection of Tolbert Lane and Sycolin Road. Only the driver was aboard the bus. There were two occupants in the Jeep; one was removed quickly from the passenger side, but the second one had to be extricated from the driver's side. Rescue Engine 1's crew handled the extrication and ended up removing both doors, and cutting the b-post to gain access. This patient was transported by Medic 6. Although a helicopter was requested, weather conditions prevented them from flying, so ground transport was the only option.
In the end, units on the scene included: Tanker 1, Command 1, Rescue Engine 1, Chief 1, Ambulance 13-2, Command 13, Medic 13, Medic 6 and Battalion 2. Sycolin Road was shut down for about an hour as the patients were treated and Leesburg Police conducted an investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Battalion 2 / Captain 101 Wayne Whetsell
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| Jeep Cherokee vs. school bus...bus wins. Rescue Engine 1 in the background handled extrication of the driver. |
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| View from the rear after extrication was complete. Note the cut in the b-post, which allowed access to the patient. |
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| Both driver's side doors were removed. |
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| Tanker 1 (background) provides lights and assisted with extrication and patient care. |
(May 11, 2005)
Two high school students escaped injury when their Jeep Grand Cherokee careened off the Shreve Mill Road bridge near Sycolin Road today. Tanker 1 and Medic 13-3 responded.
Pictures courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR
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| Taking offroading to a new extreme... |
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| Luckily, all occupants escaped without injury. |
(April 16, 2005)
Shortly after 1600 hours, Co's 1, 5, 13, Leesburg Police and Virginia State police were dispatched for a light aircraft crash at Leesburg Executive Airport. As units responded, Deputy Chief Brandenburg, LCFR, arrived on the scene and found a small single engine airplane at the edge of the woods adjacent to the runway. Company 1 units were held, including Engine 1, Tanker 1, and Chief 1. The occupants were out of the plane and reported no injuries. Engine 1 checked and found no leaks or hazards, and stood by until investigators arrived. Within one hour the scene was turned over to the VSP and NTSB.
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| The runway's nowhere in sight... |
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| Luckily, all occupants escaped without injury. |
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| This view shows how close the plane came to striking trees. |
(April 10, 2005)
This evening at approximately 1812 hours, Companies 1, 10, 6, 5, T1, TL2, TL11, and A-13 were dispatched for a structure fire at the Fieldstone Apartments, Fieldstone Dr. N.E. Chief 1 (Mantell) established command as the units began to arrive. It was quickly determined by Engine 1 that a grease fire on the stove top had extended to the range hood before the resident moved the pan with the burning oil to the sink. E1, T1, and A-13 were held to ventilate the building and remove the hood assembly to check the area behind the cabinets and stove for extension. No injuries were reported.
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| Co. 1 Firefighters Richard Wolfe and Jim Fazekas check the area behind the stove. |
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| The wall was opened slightly to check for extension. |
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| Residents wait outside as the apartment is ventilated. |
(April 6, 2005)
At 0932 this date, Medic 13-2, Rescue Engine 1, Rescue Squad 13, and Battalion 2 (Cullers) were dispatched to James Monroe Highway (Rt. 15) northbound just north of Oatlands Plantation Lane, for a personal injury crash with entrapment. Engine 1 requested Aldie - Wagon 7 be dispatched as they were returning to the station to get Rescue Engine 1. Wagon 7 arrived to find that the driver of a northbound Honda Accord, had veered off the right shoulder and impacted a small tree, pinning him in the vehicle. He was the only occupant. The driver was pinned with his legs under the dash and dash against him and the seat. Battalion 2 (Cullers) arrived shortly afterwards and established "James Monroe Command".
Rescue Engine 1 arrived and used their Amkus rescue tools to pop the drivers door and lift the dash enough to allow the unconscious victim to be pulled free. Extrication was completed in less than 10 minutes. The patient was treated and then airlifted from the scene by Aircare 3.
Rescue Squad 17 was also dispatched after Rescue Squad 13 failed. Safety Officer 601 (Swarthout) was also on the scene. Hamilton Fire - Wagon 5 transferred to Leesburg Fire - Station 20 to cover during the call.
Pictures courtesy of Capt. Randy Shank, LCFR
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| This Honda Accord struck a tree after it left the roadway. The driver was trapped and pinned inside. |
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| Considerable deformation occurred to the passenger compartment, resulting in the dashboard pinning the driver. |
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| View from the passenger side shows just how far into the vehicle the tree intruded. |
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| Another view of the passenger side. Note how far the roofline has been pushed backward. |
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| Wagon 7 handled the LZ for Aircare while Battalion 2 (Cullers) had command. |
(April 2, 2005)
At 1422 this day, Engine Co. 1 was dispatched for an investigation for a possible hazardous material spill at the Dominion Transmission substation in the 18000 block of Potomac Station Drive. Engine 1 and Captain 1 (Buchanan) responded. Upon arrival, what had been described as a "possible small spill of glycol" turned about to be a fairly large spill. Checking the site, several pools of the material were evident, as well as contamination of a nearby stream. Captain 1 requested HazMat 19 and Battalion 2. Shortly thereafter, Rescue Engine 1 was requested as well.
Engine 1's crew, led by Lt. Krueger, obtained the MSDS sheet from onsite personnel and worked to determine how much product had been released. Meanwhile, Capt. Buchanan established "Potomac Station Command" and relocated to Longhouse Place where the creek adjacent to the substation passed under the street and emptied into a storm water retention pond. Responding units were directed to that location. Upon arrival, Rescue Engine 1's crew was directed to move downstream to determine the extent of the spill. Earlier in the day, torrential rain had pelted the area, so the streams were flowing freely.
As properties of the spilled product were identified, it became clear that booms and pads would be ineffective in controlling the spill. Overflow dams and retention ponds would be needed. HazMat 19 arrived on the scene and met up with Rescue Engine 1's crew. Lt. Pierson from the HazMat was designated "Recon Group", with his crew, and those of Rescue Engine and Brush 1. Lt. Krueger was designated "Substation Division", with his crew, as well as additional personnel from the rescue engine. They were busy building a containment dam on the substation side of Longhouse Place.
It had been determined that the tank that spilled the chemical had a capacity of 12,000 gallons and was now 2/3 full. Clearly, it was possible this was a substantial spill. Since the leak had apparently been caused by a malfunctioning boiler which ended up boiling over, it was unknown how much product had spilled as liquid and how much as a vapor.
Eventually, units and personnel on the scene included:
The "Recon Group" built a large overflow dam to contain the product downstream of the storm water pond. Appropriate notifications of the incident were made to local and state authorities. Dominion Transmission had already alerted their cleanup contractor, so it was a matter of containment and waiting for them to arrive. Once they arrived, they were given a correction order and units began picking up and making ready to return to service. Most units were available by 1700 hours. No injuries occurred.
Pictures courtesy of PFF Matt Price, Co. 1
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| A 12,000 gallon tank of ethylene glycol on the grounds of this natural gas transmission line substation boiled over, spilling a substantial amount of product. |
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| Contamination of an adjacent stream and wetland area is evident. |
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| Engine 1 was placed in position with the role of decon, should it be needed. Medic 13's crew stood by as well. |
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| Members of the "Substation Division" work to build a dam to contain runoff before it enters the storm sewer. |
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| The command post with Capt. Buchanan and plenty of help from LCFR. |
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| The dam appears effective as water is now gathering behind it. |
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| After passing through the storm water pond, the stream continues until it reaches Goose Creek. In the distance, you can see the site where a large overflow dam was built by the "Recon Group". |
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| The busy beavers work to build a dam to collect the runoff. Since the product was heavier than water, an overflow dam was used. |
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| It's a long drive from South Riding, but we're glad HazMat 19 was available to assist! |
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| After the scene had been turned over to the cleanup contractor, crews took on a little hydration. |
(March 28, 2005)
On Wednesday, March 30th, a minor mishap at the McDonalds on Edwards
Ferry Road resulted in a new opening in the building. Dispatched as a vehicle into a structure with possible building collapse, the
call originally involved Engine Companies 1, 6, 5, Truck 1, Squad and Medic 13, and Battalion 2. Once on the scene, Deputy Chief
1 (Goss) held Truck 1 and Engine 1.
Damage was limited to a broken section of glass and displacement of the brick veneer around a metal structural post. Additionally,
a booth inside the restaurant was overturned. Broken shards of glass covered the floor and the restaurant was closed briefly for
cleanup. A building inspector was called to the scene to ensure no structural elements had been damaged.
Units responding from Leesburg were Engine 1, Truck 1, Tanker 1, and Command 1. Most units cleared after about 15 minutes,
but Engine 1 remained on the scene awaiting the building inspector. Luckily, no injuries occurred.
Pictures courtesy of Capt. Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
(March 24, 2005)
This morning, a box alarm was struck for a townhouse fire on Roanoke Drive in Leesburg . Units on the call
included Engine 1, Truck 1, Engine 6, Engine 5, Engine 23, Tower 2, Medic 13, Battalion 3. Engine 1 arrived on scene with
smoke showing Side A, both 1st and 2nd floors. Engine 1's crew made a quick attack while Truck 1 searched and vented. When
Engine 5 arrived, they took a line to the second floor to check for extension.
The fire spread to the Baker exposure, but was quickly checked by aggressive work inside and outside on the Charlie side. No firefighters or occupants were injured, but a pet succumbed to the heat and smoke. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire .
For a few more pictures (courtesy of J. B. Anderson, Co. 1), please click here.
(March 10, 2005)
Just before noon on this date, Engine Companies 1, 5, 10, 6, Truck 1 and Tower 2 were dispatched for a structure fire at the Leesburg United Methodist Church on West Market Street in Leesburg . Tanker 1, led by Lt. Micah Kiger (LCFR) arrived on scene first and found smoke in the structure. They established a water supply and pulled a handline inside. Truck 1 and Rescue Engine 1 also responded from Leesburg , staffed by volunteer crews.
Engine 6's crew ended up in the attack with a hoseline, while Tower 2 peeled back part of the metal roof from Side Charlie to ventilate. Engine 23, added on for additional manpower, provided a secondary water source for Tower 2. Engine 7 was also on the scene. Lt. Kiger had " Fire Attack", while Battalion Chief Cullers had "Market Street Command".
Thanks to aggressive action and intensive salvage operations, the historic structure sustained little damage. The fire was investigated by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.
Exterior pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, interior photos, Jim Fazekas, both from Co. 1
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| A close call for an historic building, averted by the actions of firefighters. |
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| The incident brought traffic to a standstill in downtown Leesburg . |
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| Tower 2's crew did an excellent job opening the roof with minimal damage. |
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| Lt Delalian (Co. 1) surveys the scene. |
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| Rescue Engine 1 prepared to supply Truck 1's ladder pipe if needed. |
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| A view of Tower 2 at the peak of the roof on Side Charlie. |
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| Truck 1 in position on Side Adam. |
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| Aerial positioning was a bit tricky due to overhead power lines. |
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| Master FF Rick Etter (Co. 1) at the controls of Truck 1. |
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| Inside the sanctuary, you can see the tin ceiling that has been opened in the upper left corner. |
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| Salvage was a huge part of the operation, as fragile woodwork, books, etc. needed protection from suppression operations. |
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| Another view of the ceiling, with covered furnishings in the foreground. |
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| FF Richard Wolfe (Co. 1) mans a long pike pole in the sanctuary. |
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| Extensive salvage operations resulted in very little interior damage to the church or its contents. |
Truck 1 Responds to 5th Due House Fire
(February 17, 2005)
At approximately 0237 hours, Truck 1 was dispatched as part of a box assignment for a house fire on Aberdeen Terrace in Ashburn, Co. 6's first due.
Though dispatched as the third due truck and the seventh due piece overall, Truck 1, staffed by Duty Crew 9, arrived 4th on the scene. Command
ordered Truck 1 to place PPV fans on side A, which was accomplished quickly. The truck crew then proceeded into the structure to search and ventilate. The second
floor, where it appeared the fire had originated, was quickly searched, then the crew of 5 proceeded to the loft space, directly above the fire room.
On their way up, a hoseline was discovered on the stairs and at the vocal urging of FF Kay Ann Yahnke, was advanced into the loft area. FF Anthony
"The Bouncer" Jackson handled traffic control on the stairway...
MFF John Earley cleared out two dormer windows on Side A and utilized hydraulic ventilation to clear the loft of residual smoke. The rest of the crew pulled small sections of ceiling and wall to check for extension, which was negative. Two storage areas were checked and contents removed to ensure no vertical extension had occurred.
Once this assignment was completed, the crew exited the structure. As they were collecting equipment and preparing to move to rehab, the occupant of exposure B informed Capt. Buchanan that he smelled natural gas in his residence. Command was notified and Truck 1 checked the residence and obtained positive reaction from a GasTrax device. Truck 1 notified command and requested that gas be shut off to this structure. Tower 11 handled that assignment as the residents were evacuated.
Truck 1 began picking up equipment and was released from the scene at approximately 0345. The cause of the fire is under investigation with the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.