| 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 |
The late December surge in interesting calls for Company 1 continued on Wednesday
night. Crew 4 was on duty and they got their fair share. Most interesting of the night was the "vehicle into a structure"
which was dispatched just after 2100 hours. We're still unsure what caused the driver of a late model Mazda to drive through the
front windows of the ice cream eatery. We are sure that it was very lucky that no one was in the way of the vehicle as it crashed
inside and made it all the way to the bathrooms before stopping.
A full structural assignment was put on the call, but "Maggie Moo Command" (EMS-601, Rath) held Engine 1, Truck 1, Rescue Squad 13 and Medic 13-4 after the initial investigation was complete. After FM 610 got a chance to investigate, units assisted with the clean-up before returning to quarters. No injuries occurred.
For a few pictures from the call, click here. All pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1.
At around 0350 hours on December 27th 2006, tones started dropping
for a car fire. At his home in the south west quadrant of Leesburg, Deputy Chief 1's Minitor alerted, bringing him to a somewhat-
conscious state. "Engine Company 1, Ambulance 13 respond for a car fire, ......... ".
"Wait a minute, that's my next door neighbor's address!", thought D/C 1. Quickly jumping out of bed and looking out the window, it was clear there was a car on fire, but not just any car, it was a police cruiser! Turns out a police car that is usually parked on the street had caught fire and was now fairly well involved in the trunk area.
Duty Crew 3, with their guest OIC MFF J. C. Blaylock, arrived quickly and pulled Engine 1's bumper line. FF's Mereish and Blaylock made quick work of the car and then turned the scene over to FM 601 for the investigation. No one was injured, though the car was somewhat worse for wear. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Deputy Chief Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
The rear of the vehicle was most affected by the fire.
Crews have begun to hit the fire with the bumper line from Engine 1.
Firefighter Mereish begins the attack as MFF Blaylock dons his mask to assist.
Lots of steam is formed as the water begins to reach the fire.
The nozzle is positioned above the rear wheeel to access the trunk area.
At around 0103 hours on Dec. 22nd, Companies 1, 6, 5, 23, Truck 1, Towers 6 and 2, Medic 13 and Battalion 2 were
dispatched for a structure fire at the Days Inn on East Market Street. Truck 1 arrived first, followed quickly by Engine
1. Crews found light smoke in the hallways of the first level. They quickly located the affected room and made entry,
searched the room, vented and extinguished the fire. MFF J. C. Blaylock on Engine 1 had "Days Inn Commmand" for the
first 10 minutes of the operation.
As other units arrived, they were assigned to evacuation duties and checking for extension on the second floor. Leesburg Police officers were a big help with the evacuations. Once all the real work was done, Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) arrived on scene, got a briefing from MFF Blaylock, then assumed "Days Inn Command". The incident was quickly scaled back, with Co. 1 units held on the scene to await the arrival of the fire marshal. 6's engine briefly filled in at Sta. 20 until one of Co. 1's units became available.
Once the investigation was complete and the fire alarm system restored, all units cleared the scene. One civilian suffered minor smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital. No firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
For a few pictures from the call, click here. All pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1.
Just after 1900 hours on Wednesday, December 20th, Engine Company 1, Medic 13, Rescue Squad 13 and Battalion 602 were dispatched for an auto accident with entrapment at West Market St. and Morven Park Road. Engine 1, Rescue Engine 1, Deputy Chief 1, Medic 13-5 and Battalion 602 responded initially. D/C 1 arrived on the scene first and found a 2 vehicle accident with no one trapped. A medical transport ambulance had stopped at the scene and was rendering aid as units responded.
Squad 13 was cancelled and the battalion chief placed himself in service. Crews secured hazards and 1 patient was transported. Damage occurred to a power pole that had already been hit on a previous accident, as evidenced by the braces holding it up. Crews were in service within 20 minutes.
Pictures courtesy of Deputy Chief Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
This power pole with previous damage was hit.
The two vehicle accident tied up traffic as crews cared for 1 patient and secured hazards.
Lieutenant Fazekas supervises as two red-hats disconnect the battery from one of the vehicles.
Just after 1900 hours on Monday, December 11th, Company 1 and Ambulance 13 were dispatched for an auto accident on Old Waterford Road near Fairview Street. As Rescue Engine 1 and Medic 13-5 responded, supplemental information revealed that the accident involved an overturned car with all occupants believed to have safely exited. Units arrived on the scene to find a Hyundai Sonata on its roof in the middle of Old Waterford Road. The medic transported 2 patients, while Lt. McMurrer and the crew of the rescue engine checked for hazards and controlled leaking fluids. They also remained on the scene to assist Leesburg Police with lights for their investigation.
Pictures courtesy of Deputy Chief Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
Rescue Engine 1's crew used absorbent to control fluid spills from the overturned vehicle.
Fortunately, the roof didn't collapse, allowing egress from the vehicle prior to rescue units arriving.
Crew 6's personnel working to mitigate hazards.
Rescue Engine 1 provided plenty of light for the scene.
On Saturday, October 28th, Duty Crew 7 assisted with a traumatic injury that required the use of a helicopter to transport the patient quickly to a local trauma center. Although this is not an unusual call for Company 1, it's not often the public really gets to see the things that need to be done to ensure a safe landing. Blocking traffic and pedestrians, setting up the landing zone, etc. Heres a quick video showing some of the things that took place as the landing zone was set up at Rivercreek Parkway and Parkers Ridge Drive. Click here for the Youtube video
Incredibly, a resident who lives near the landing zone came out to ask, "How much longer will the helicopter be here, some of us are trying to sleep!"
Units on the call:
Thanks to FF Brian Duddy, Co. 1, for the story and the video.
On October 19th, after what has seemed like months with a very low call volume, Company 1 broke out of the slump. Crew 7's evening started with a fire alarm at the Potomac Station apartments. As Tanker 1 was responding to the call, it was upgraded to a "Fire Reported Out" with a sprinkler activation in one of the apartments. Crews arrived on scene and found there had been a small fire in the kitchen of one of the apartments and the fire had activated the sprinkler system. Lieutenant 1 (Dempsey) arrived on the scene and established command. Rescue Engine 1 and Truck 1 completed the assignment.
Water from the sprinkler had found its way to the apartments on the floors below. Crews worked for approximately 2 hours to salvage belongings damaged by the water. 4 people and 1 dog were displaced. Special thanks to PFF Trimpey and PFF Gant who were a great help retrieving equipment needed to help clean up the damage from the water.
It seemed that every time the engine crew went to bed, the bells rang again for various other emergency's throughout Leesburg. Several fire alarms, a stop at Heritage Hall to assist with a medical call, and last but not least, an inside gas leak at Target. The gas leak call came in around 0430 hours and kept the tanker and truck crews busy for about an hour. A propane tank had fallen over and ruptured causing a rear warehouse area to fill with gas. MFF Jackson, with the help of "Shopping Cart 1", removed the ruptured tank from the store. Company 1, with the help of Company 6, ventilated the store and returned to service.
Just as a very busy night seemed to be coming to a close and the career staff at Station 20 was coming on duty, Tanker 1 was dispatched to a house fire in Hamilton. Luckily, it turned out to be a malfunctioning furnace and they were quickly returned to service. The active streak continued throughout the day, with burning school buses, fire alarms, car accidents and electrical surges keeping Leesburg units busy all day. Let's see if the craziness continues!
(Thanks to FF Brian Duddy for submitting this story.)
Just after 0300 hours on October 10th, Engine Companies 1, 6, 10, and 5, Trucks 1, and 11, Tower 2, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 2 were dispatched to the 800 block of Edwards Ferry Road for an apartment fire. Tanker 1 was first to arrive. Lt. McMurrer's crew advanced a 300' attack line to the stairwell while he gave a situation report and established "Edwards Ferry Command". There was a strong odor of smoke in the enclosed stairwell, as well as a light haze.
As other units responded, Truck 1 and Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) arrived on the scene. Truck 1, led by Lt. Neiberger, positioned on Side A and raised the stick to the roof. Command was transferred to D/C 1 as units evacuated the building and continued their search for the source of the smoke. Command requested Wagon 10, Truck 11, Wagon 5, and part of Wagon 1's crew operate on Side C of the building. Wagon 10's officer, Lt. Brandenburg (LCFR) was assigned "Division Charlie".
Tower 2 and Battalion 2 (Wright, LCFR) were now on the scene. Tower 2's crew went to the interior to assist Tanker 1's crew. Engine 6 had arrived and picked up Wagon 1's line at the hydrant. Engine 6's crew was assigned RIT duties. Battalion 2 assisted at the command post and then went inside to assist crews searching for the smoke's source. Safety 102 (Etter) was also on the scene, and he assisted command and patrolled the scene, ensuring the safety of those on the fireground.
After a 20 minute investigation, nothing had been located. It was decided that residents could be let back in and we'd close up the building and see if the smoke odor returned. As residents began to re-enter their apartments, it became very apparent where the smoke had come from. Though earlier one resident advised units there was nothing amiss in her apartment, apparently that wasn't entirely accurate. There was evidence of something having been burned and then placed in the sink!!! With this information communicated to command, the operation was quickly terminated and units returned to service.
All units were back in quarters by 0400 hours.
Pictures courtesy of Deputy Chief Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
View of the apartment building from the command post.
Truck 1 on Side A
Tower 2 sits on Plaza Street as her crew works inside.
Company 10 didn't seem to miss the off-road capabilities of ER10; they managed to cross the grass courtyard without a hitch!
Wagon 5 on Edwards Ferry Road
At around 1830 hours on September 15th, a box alarm
was struck for a fire at the Radio Shack in the 500 block of East Market Street, Leesburg. Engine companies 1, 6, 10, and
5, Truck 1, Tower 2, and Truck 11, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 2 were alerted. Battalion Chief 619 (Shank, LCFR) arrived
first, followed quickly by Tanker and Truck 1. Units found a small electrical fire behind the newly-built facade over
the shopping center. A/C 1 (Earley) arrived on the scene and consulted with Battalion 2, then established "Market Street
Command".
As the investigation ensued, units were sent to find an electrical panel from which to kill power. This proved hazardous as there was a dog guarding the panel in the vacated store. Gaining access to the panel didn't solve the problem, so crews continued to work to find a way to kill power. Meanwhile, additional units were arriving on the scene. Command advised them to assume their NOVA positions and assist in the investigation.
It seems that Radio Shack had moved a few doors down, and whoever removed their sign didn't do the best job securing the electrical lines left behind. Eventually, the problem was solved and units were able to clear the scene. No injuries occurred.
For more pictures from the scene, couresy of D/C 1, please click here.
At around 2100 hours on September 3rd, units were dispatched for an auto accident with injuries at Rt. 15 and Raspberry Drive. Upon arrival, responders found a Nissan SUV that had been rear-ended by a car, causing the SUV to hit the guard rail and flip over and spin, ending up on its side. Both occupants of the SUV had exited their vehicle prior to the arrival of fire and rescue. 1 was transported with minor injuries.
The driver of the car was not injured, but may have received a new pair of shiny bracelets and night of hospitality at the local lock-up due to a DUI situation.
Crews on the scene used Rescue Engine 1's Res-Q-Jack system to stabilize the vehicle while working near it.
Units on the scene:
Pictures courtesy of Lt. Jim Fazekas, Co. 1. (See Fuzzy, your camera does take web-compatible pictures!)
The vehicle came to rest on its side. Note the stabilization in place.
Guard rail and signs took a beating....
and so did the vehicle. Everyone escaped with minor injuries.
Capt. Comanduras (left) and Lt. McMurrer talk about the situation.
Another view of the scene.
At the height of "Mercaptan Madness" on September 2nd, a house fire was dispatched in Co. 5's first due area. On the initial dispatch were engine companies 5 , 1, 2, 4 and 10, Tankers 5, 4, and 10, Tower 2 (from Sta. 20), Mt. Weather Truck 21 (from Sta. 2), Ambulance 17 and Battalion 602. Engine 5, led by Leesburg's Lt. 1 (Dempsey) arrived on the scene first, reporting heavy fire on side C. They had dropped a line at the end of Milton Court and proceeded up to and past the house, leaving room for Tower 2. Next to arrive on the scene was Battalion 602 (Kelly) who was coming from Sta. 20. He assumed command as Engine 5's crew pulled two lines, one to the rear and the other to the front door. Co. 5 FF Phillips and Co. 1 FF A. Jackson took the line to the rear and began knocking the fire from the exterior while Lt. Dempsey and Co. 1's Lt. Neiberger went in the front door with a line.
Rescue Engine 1 arrived on the scene and positioned at the end of Milton Ct., picked up Engine 5's line and began preparations to establish a dump site for water supply. MFF J. Earley had this task well in hand as Tanker 5, operated by Co. 1 FF Jim Cook arrived and positioned two portable tanks in front of Rescue Engine 1. Rescue Engine 1's crew proceeded to the fire building, checking in with command on the way. Command requested them to perform a walk around before performing any other tasks.
Meanwhile, Engine 5's crew had knocked most of the fire down from the exterior. Inside, the crew advancing the line was moving slowly through heavy smoke that was down to the floor. They found a room with heavy curtains blocking access. Clearing the obstruction, they entered the room, only to be met by a scared and confused Black Labrador Retriever who didn't seem happy to see them. Fortunatley, turnout gear is pretty thick, so bites didn't do major damage. The crew made a hasty exit and proceeded to the other side of the house, going through the kitchen to the rear of the house.
Tower 2 was now on the scene and began aggressive ventilation efforts, taking windows and going to the roof to ventilate. A little later, they were assisted by Wagon 2's crew. As holes were cut in the roof, it was quickly discovered that two roofs covered the structure. The visible roof had been built over a smaller one when the house had been expanded. Inside, searches were completed and no human occupants were located. The dog wasn't coming out, despite everyone's best efforts, so animal control was summoned. (Eventually, the dog was removed through a window when the resident arrived and coaxed the terrified animal to safety.)
The fire was had been extinguished in just a few minutes from the time Engine 5 arrived, but there was a great deal of overhaul to be completed. Ceilings and walls were pulled, hot spots were exposed and extinguished, and contents were removed. Truck 21 from Mt. Weather got involved in a good bit of this activity. They seemed quite happy to be "off the reservation" for an afternoon, and may have possibly have gotten their pristine turnout gear a little dirty. Hopefully, they'll be able to see a bit more action in Loudoun County!
Units that responded to this call were a mix of volunteers, Loudoun County career firefighters, and U. S. Government firefighters from Mt. Weather. Everyone worked extremely well together and put a quick stop to a significant fire. No injuries occurred. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office is investigating the fire. Units were clear by 2100 hours.
An "equipment malfunction" at a Washington Gas facility in Virginia resulted in too much mercaptan (the chemical used to give natural gas its odor) being added to gas being piped to Loudoun County customers. As a result, many residents and businesses in the county began smelling the odor on Saturday afternoon (9/2/06). The calls began coming into the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) around noon, and calls for natural gas leaks soon overwhelmed the fire and rescue units in the east end of the county. Assistance was requested from Fairfax County for several of the calls and to fill stations in the Sterling area.
As the resource drain intensified, units from Leesburg and points west were transferred east to backfill stations in Ashburn. Tanker and Truck 1 were moved to Station 6 in Ashburn, leaving Leesburg stations temporarily unstaffed. As always, volunteer members of Company 1 responded and within minutes, a volunteer crew was in place at Station 20 on Plaza St. Later, Tower 2 and her career staff crew were moved to Station 20 to backfill Truck 1. As it became clear that the gas situation was only going to get worse, contingency plans were formed.
Company 1 had already agreed to fill-in at Station 5 on Saturday night so their members could attend an important function, so that took 6 members from Leesburg at about 1630 hours. With 1800 hours approaching, we wanted to be able to send crews to Station 6 to relieve the career staff as well as maintain coverage in Leesburg. This had all been arranged when a curve got thrown our way.
At 1804 hours, tones began to sound as a box alarm for a structure fire in Co. 5's first due area. It was reported as "near the intersection" of Fulton and Milton Sts. in Paeonian Springs. With Co. 1 members at Station 5, and Co. 1 being 2nd due, this was going to be an interesting reunion at the scene! (More on this fire will be posted separately.)
While Rescue Engine 1 was off fighting fire, Capt. Pete Comanduras had taken the replacement truck crew to Ashburn and relieved the career crew. Quickly, Truck 1 got involved in the gas leak mayhem, running from here to there and back again, following their noses and gas meters to find the source of smells in houses and businesses. Meanwhile, Tanker 1 had returned to Leesburg, and the career crew was held over until relief became available.
At around 2100 hours, Rescue Engine 1 returned to Station 20. Some time earlier, a volunteer crew had staffed Wagon 1, allowing the remaining career personnel to leave the station. Contingency planning resumed, as predictions were that "Mercaptan Madness" would soon be sweeping the 'burg. By midnight, Truck 1 had returned, allowing the Purcellville volunteers to return home with Tower 2. The Hamilton fill-ins had also returned, so staffing in Leesburg was plentiful. By 0200 hours, we were all nestled in our bunks for much-needed sleep.
At around 0400 hours, we were rudely awakened for an inside gas leak at Hunter's Crossing Apartments on Fort Evans Road. Tanker 1, Truck 1, Engine 6, Ambulance 6-4, Deputy Chief 1, and Battalion 602 responded. Wagon 1 added on after clearing a medical call. As a thorough investigation was performed, another gas leak was reported, this time at the I-HOP. Wagon 1 and Battalion 602 cleared the first call to respond. Clearly, our wishes of missing out on the gas leak bonanza were fizzling.
Just before 0600 hours, another gas leak call took Tanker 1 and Truck 1 to Aurora Ct. where no hazards were found. Shortly thereafter, Company 1 was requested to provide a command officer to run the "Leesburg Division" to handle the predicted onslaught of calls as the excess mercaptan reached gas customers in Leesburg. Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) agreed to take on this role, though only after having breakfast at the same I-HOP where a gas leak had occurred earlier.
By around 0900 hours, the Leesburg Division was functional, with Tanker 1 and Rescue Squad 13 as the resources available for gas leak investigations. Truck 1 and Rescue Engine 1 were to be held in reserve for more pressing emergencies, should they arise. The Truck was staffed with Lt. Joe Zavatson (LCFR) and his crew, while Rescue Engine 1 was manned by Lt. Joe Neiberger (Co. 1) and his volunteer crew. The Tanker and Squad were staffed by LCFR crews.
Quickly, the volume of calls overwhelmed the available resources, so "Sterling Area Command" sent Rescue Engine 4 to Leesburg.
This was another career staffed unit, led by Captain Rodney Frye. Call volume continued to increase, so additional Co. 1
members staffed Wagon 1 to meet the demand. Led by Master FF J. C. Blaylock, this crew quickly got involved in the gas leak
derby. The calls never let up. Volunteers from Co. 1 streamed into Station 20, but we had run out of fire apparatus to ride.
Command 1 was briefly pressed into service and a call was placed to Co. 5. Chief Pete Rhoades quickly agreed to let us borrow
Engine 5 and it was soon on the road answering gas leak calls.
By the time the "Leesburg Division" was terminated, there had been 99 gas-related calls answered in Co. 1's first due, with 81 of them occurring on Sunday! On a typical weekend, the Loudoun County ECC answers about 125 calls for fire and rescue services. During the weekend of September 2nd and 3rd, a total of 414 calls were handled! Since many of these calls resulted in units going to one address and being flagged down at several others in the area, the true number of residents served is actually closer to 500. The ability of Loudoun's fire and rescue system to handle such a huge number of service calls is a testament to the cooperation of all system elements, including career and volunteer personnel who worked side by side to serve the community.
The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank Company 5 for the use of Engine 5 and especially all of our dedicated personnel, many of whom provided service for close to 36 hours with very little sleep. Thankfully, there was the small matter of structure fire in that time period to break the monotony, but they still made a great sacrifice to answer the multitude of calls for service. Last but certainly not least, thanks to our career staff for all their hard work and for putting up with all the disruptions to their normal schedule.
On August 8 at around 2130 hours, Engine Companies 1, 5, 2, 4, and 6, Truck 1,
Tower 2, Tankers 1, 5, and 4, Ambulance 13 and Battalion 2 were dispatched for a house fire in the 18600 block of Woodburn Road,
just outside Leesburg. Company 1's duty crew happened to be at Station 1 doing driver training at the time of dispatch, so they
headed to the call in Wagon 1. As the Wagon arrived on the scene, they found smoke showing from Side Charlie. FF Brian Duddy
was the OIC and he advised they'd be pulling an 1 3/4 line and investigating with a crew of 2.
Chief 1 (Whetsell) arrived just behind the wagon and established "Woodburn Command". Tanker 1 was next on the scene, followed immediately by Wagon and Tanker 5. Wagon 1's crew, who happened to be the husband and wife "Duddy Duo" made a quick knock on the fire, which was contained to the basement. (Nice job Kathleen and Brian!!) They were assisted with initial ventilation efforts by PFF Jeff McCoy, who wielded a mean sledgehammer! Other crews performed searches of the structure and ventilated. No extension beyond the basement was found, though the entire structure was heavily charged with smoke.
Battalion 2 (Colby) had water supply and Company 1's JB Anderson was the safety officer. Command held all units during the search and vent operations, then began releasing units. Company 1 remained on the scene about 2 hours, assisting with salvage and providing lights for the Fire Marshal. No injuries occurred on the call, though the family residing in the house was displaced.
For pictures from the call, please visit JB's website.
At 1433 hours on August 17th, units from Leesburg Fire (Tanker 1), Loudoun Rescue (Rescue Squad 13 & Medic 131) and Battalion 1 (Shank) were alerted to a motor vehicle crash with entrapment on River Creek Parkway near Northlake Boulevard. Loudoun 3 (Cullers) and Lieutenant 1 (Dempsey) also responded. Units arrived to find a Mustang 5.0 that had lost control as it rounded a turn, run up a bank, struck a guardrail and rolled ending up on its roof. The driver had self-extricated and was sitting beside the car awaiting treatment.
Pictures and call summary courtesy of Batt. Chief Shank (LCFR).
Tanker 1 sits on River Creek Parkway, just behind the accident scene.
Looks like that used to be a nice Mustang...
Might need an alignment on the rear axle.
Probably don't need CSI to figure this one out...
(Saturday, August 12th) The day started out with an early morning brush truck and red-hat training drill at
Station 20. With Co. 1's Jim Cook handling Brush 1 training and D/C 1 Ian Buchanan covering Jeep 1, about 20 members of
Co. 1 and our career staff participated in the drills. At the same time, FF Richard Wolfe was teaching some of our newest
members, getting them familiar with their PPE. By lunchtime, the drills were finished and most of the volunteers headed
out to find lunch.
At 1412 hours, units were alerted to a reported house fire at 38327 John Mosby Highway. Truck 1 was
dispatched as the first (and only) due Truck. Wagon 7 arrived on the scene reporting a Victorian style home with fire
showing from the "Charlie side". At 1431 hours, Truck 1 arrived. After making access, the Truck made its way up the
driveway and set up on the "C" side. Units worked together for several hours, chasing the fire through hidden voids,
and additions made to the home until the fire was placed under control at 1640 hours. Tanker 1 established the fill site
at the Aldie Dam. Truck 1 stayed on the scene to assist with overhaul and cleared at 1854. While on the way back to
Leesburg, the Truck was alerted to another house fire on Hamilton Station road, but the assignment was placed in service
soon after dispatch.
The dispatch of Truck and Tanker 1 to Aldie may have taken the normal daytime staffing away from town, but that didn't
mean Leesburg was left unprotected. Company 1's volunteers responded as they always do, backfilling the stations. It wasn't
long before that staffing was put to use. Rescue Engine 1 was initially dispatched to assist on the house fire, but was
quickly diverted to fill Station 7. Filling a quiet station like 7 usually means you're in for a good rest. This was not
to be on this particular Saturday. A little after 1600 hours, Rescue Engine 1, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 9 and Battalion 1 were
dispatched to an auto accident with possible entrapment or ejection on Rt. 15, north of Rt. 50. As units responded, the ECC
received additional reports that both patients had been ejected and there was no entrapment. En route, MFF J. C. Blaylock
on Rescue Engine 1 requested an additional medic unit.
Rescue Engine 1 was first to arrive and MFF Blaylock established "Rt. 15 Command". After the arrival of Medic 9, a helicopter
was requested, along with a second engine for the LZ. After some discussion with Medic 415, which was responding from Station
19, a second helicopter was added. Battalion 1 arrived on the scene and assumed command. Aircare 1 and Aircare 3 landed
on Rt. 15 and the patients were transferred to the choppers and flown to Fairfax Hospital.
For more pictures of all the day's events, click here. (Pictures courtesy of Ian Buchanan, Co. 1; Lt. Brenton Harne, LCFR; and Battalion Chief Randall Shank, LCFR.)
At around 1745 hours on July 30th, Company 1 was dispatched to assist units from the Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad and Hamilton Volunteer Fire Company at the scene of an auto accident on Charles Town Pike (Rt. 9) north of Harry Byrd Highway (Rt. 7 Bypass). The initial alarm had been dispatched at 1733 hours. First arriving units from Co.'s 17 and 5 made a quick assessment and immediately requested additional resources, including additional medic units and 4 helicopters. Command was initially established by Lt. McGann, Co. 5 and transferred to Battalion 2 (Colby) upon his arrival.
The vehicle crash involved an Infiniti sedan and an Audi TT. There were 6 patients in all, and three were flown by helicopter to a local trauma center. (The most critical patient has sinced died of his injuries.) The other three patients were ground-transported to local hospitals.
Tanker 1, led by Capt. Dannie Wilson, LCFR, had the air traffic control responsibilities. He and his crew established a landing zone on Beacon Hill Drive, just off Rt. 9. Three Aircare helicopters arrived and were all on the ground at the same time. Flight medic crews assisted patient care and once patients were ready for transport, crews loaded them into waiting choppers and carried them to the hospital.
Tanker 1 returned to quarters just before 1900 hours.
Photos courtesy of J. B. Anderson, PIO, Leesburg Vol. Fire Co.
Three Aircare helicopters lined up on Beacon Hill Drive, behind Tanker 1
A patient is transferred to one of the waiting helicopters for transport
Engine 5 and her crew stand by at the scene as the investigation gets underway
The two wrecked cars sit where they ended up after a head-on collision
Engine 5's crew takes a breather.
At around 1540 hours on July 30th, Company's 1 and 6, Battalion 1 were dipatched for a truck fire on the Greenway near Tolbert Lane. Company 1's career staff responded with Tanker 1 and Rescue Engine 1, followed closely by Battalion 2 and Safety Officer 1. Once on the scene, it was discovered that it was only a car on fire, so Co. 6 was placed in service. Crews made quick work of an engine compartment fire and returned in service.
Photos courtesy of J. B. Anderson, Co. 1 PIO and Safety Officer.
Shortly before 1800 hours on Sunday, June 25th, Company 1 was dispatched for an investigation for a smell of natural gas near an apartment complex on Ft. Evans Road N.E. Tanker 1 responded and found a strong odor of gas in the area. Their investigation revealed an underground leak that was coming to the surface near a utility construction area. Washington Gas officials arrived on the scene and after much discussion, decided to attempt temporary repairs.
Making repairs was going to take quite a while, so the volunteer crew led by Lt. Chris Dempsey relieved the career staff on the Tanker, allowing them to go home around 1830 hours. Heavy rains in the area threatened to require additional resources for storm-related emergencies, so additional volunteer personnel reported to Station 20 and staffed more apparatus.
Deputy Chief 1 arrived on the scene at around 1930 hours, during the height of the rains. The tent from Command 1 was deployed to offer protection to crews standing by at the gas leak. A repair crew from the gas company arrived at around 2030 hours.
Meanwhile, storm water management systems at the intersection of Meadows Lane and Ft. Evans Road had become overwhelmed and several yards were flooded, preventing access to the front doors of residences. Brush 1 was called to the scene and they utilized their drafting capabilities to remove much of the water.
Back at the gas leak, the repair crew had begun digging around a valve that was the suspected culprit in the leak. Careful excavation with a small backhoe and shovels exposed the valve which was leaking at two flanges. Repairs were made and the leak was finally secured at around 2345 hours. With the hazard removed, Company 1 units cleared the scene and were back in quarters before midnight.
Photos courtesy of D/C Ian Buchanan, Co. 1
Engine 1 sits at idle on Ft. Evans Road. (For the observant out there, yes we refer to Tanker 1 in the text, but Engine 1 switched with Tanker 1 about halfway through the incident so we'd have a working generator for night operations.)
Washington Gas crew begins digging around the affected valve.
Command 1's tent came in handy on a very rainy night.
Here's the valve that was leaking. Quite an interesting operation getting it fixed!
On June 12th at 1416 hours, Engine Company 1 and ambulance Co. 13 were dispatched for an auto accident at the intersection of Edwards Ferry and the Leesburg Bypass. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the ECC upgraded this call to an entrapment accident. Truck 1 was on the air in the first due and responded back to station 20 to retrieve the Rescue Engine. Tanker 1 arrived on scene and found 2 cars in the intersection with 1 SUV resting on its side with the driver still in her seatbelt, keeping her from falling into the passenger side of the vehicle which was resting on the road. Tanker 1 established command and gave the Rescue Engine pre-arrival information. Rescue Engine 1 arrived on scene and broke through the sunroof to access the patient. Both volunteer and career crews worked to quickly remove the patient from the vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Crews operated for approximately 25 minutes and returned to service.
Photos courtesy of FF Brian Duddy and PFF David Robertson
The sunroof of this Lexus SUV was used as an access point for the patient.
The accident involved 2 SUVs.
Injuries were minor to occupants of both vehicles.
On Sunday, June 4th, at 0938 hours, units were dispatched for a reported structure Fire at #11 Federal Street in Middleburg. Truck 1 was dispatched as the first due Truck, as Tower Ladder 2 was unavailable. After the 20 minute ride to Middleburg, the Truck arrived and was quickly put to work.
Truck 1 set up on the Adam/David corner and opened up the roof by taking out the sky lights. After completing this task, the crew entered side Adam and assisted in extinguishing the fire. Once the fire was knocked, crews were rotated in to help with extensive overhaul. The Truck was stripped of equipment until the overhaul was complete. After picking up, the Truck crew, along with the crew from Truck 338 (Dulles), covered the vent holes. Once this job was completed, both Truck crews picked up and went in service. The Truck was on the scene for over 5 hours.
Truck 1 arrives on the scene in Middleburg after the scenic 20 minutes journey.
The stick provides access to the roof where crews utilized skylights for vent holes.
Translucent fiberglass panels were removed to provide ventilation for crews working inside.
Crews working inside the building.
Truck 1's crew takes a breather after a full morning's workout.
After making holes, it was time to patch them.
The work's all done, time to relax a bit. (Brent needs a hair cut.)
Photos by FF Mike Ciaburri (LCFR - Truck Co. 1)
At approximately 2230 hours on June 2nd, a box alarm was dispatched for a townhouse fire in the 300 block of Roanoke Dr., S.E. in
Leesburg. Engine Companies 1, 6, 5, and 23, Trucks 1 and 2, Battalion 2 and Ambulance 13 were dispatched. Company 1 units responded
immediately and were on the scene in under 5 minutes. A/C 1 (Earley) was first to arrive, along with Lt. 101 (Neiberger). A/C 1
reported fire on the roof of an interior unit, possibly extending to as many as three units. He established "Roanoke Command" and
requested two additional engine companies.
Truck 1 arrived first, positioned in front of the house, followed quickly by Tanker 1. The crews of these two pieces made quick entry into the unoccupied townhouse, secured electricity, located the attic scuttle and attempted to put a quick knock on the fire with a fog stream into the attic. The attic had already vented itself, so steam conversion was limited. The truck's crew began pulling ceiling as the Tanker and Rescue Engine's crews attacked the fire with two hoselines.
Other units began to arrive on the scene, including Wagon 1, Wagon and Engine 5, units from 6, 23, 10, and 2, as well as
D/C 1 (Buchanan).
D/C 1 established "Division Charlie" to provide reports from the rear of the row of townhomes. Although smoke got into the exposure
buildings, no fire made it beyond the masonry fire walls between the units. Company 1's engine crews put a quick stop on the fire
and kept it to the building of origin. The attack and truck crews, consisting of Lt. Neiberger, FF Ray Ginman, FF Jim Cook,
FF Ray Mereish, FF Troy Gittings and Master FF J. C. Blaylock did an oustanding job. On the outside, FF Anthony Jackson handled the pump duties
without a hitch. This was FF Ginman's first real fire; he seemed to like it!
Tower 2 had to respond from several miles south of Round Hill. After consuming many gallons of diesel fuel, they arrived on
scene and threw ladders to the rear of the exposure buildings. They also checked for extension on the David-1 exposure. Once
the excitement was over, crews began the long overhaul process. Truck 1 was moved to allow Tower 2 access to the front of the
fire building. Their bucket is ideal for the type of roof overhaul that was performed. Once that work was complete, command
was terminated and units returned to service. Tanker 1 was the last unit to return to service at around 0230 hours.
The fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office, however it appears lightning was the culprit. Damages are estimated at 100,000 dollars. No one was displaced by the fire, and no injuries occurred.
(Photos courtesy of Co. 1 Master Firefighter Jimmy Csizmadia and FF Brian Duddy.)
During all of this, the day started to heat up and as the afternoon was beginning and traffic clogged the streets, a "plane down" assignment was dispatched to the Leesburg Airport. Tanker and Rescue Engine 1 arrived to find a small plane that had crashed on the runway with one injured person. EMS crews evaluated the patient while the engine crews mitigated a fuel leak from the plane. Utility and Foam Trailer 1 responded to the scene along with Hazmat Support Unit 20 to assist with the fuel leak.
The continued heat and backed-up roads in the area prompted the Leesburg Fire Company into action a few more times in the remaining hours of the afternoon all while maintaining an additional 2 engine crews.
Roads were clogged all over Leesburg as units tried to get to the airport.
Once on the scene, HazMat Support 20 assisted with controlling a fuel leak..
Unsure of exactly what happened, but the accident reportedly occurred on takeoff.
Just like the roads around Leesburg, the runway at the airport was closed for the afternoon.
May 31st brought another busy day. One of the assigned career staffed day units was sent to fill in for a station that was receiving RIT training. Volunteers from Co. 1 stepped up and provided a ladder truck crew for the day. With EMS calls, fire alrams and errands, the crews had a busy morning. An inside gas leak at the Leesburg Corner Outlets tied up crews for a good portion of the afternoon. Just as it looked like crews were going to get a break, Company 1 was dispatched for a car fire at the south end of town. Wagon 1 arrived on scene and found a car fire that had extended to the wood line and was starting to gain strength. Lt. Johnson (LCFR) requested 2 additional engines, 2 brush units, a medic unit, and a battalion chief. Company 1 responded with Engine 1 and Brush 1 while, Company 6 brought Engine and Brush 6. The fire was quickly contained and crews were held for overhaul.
Company 1's Lt. Jim Fazekas works a hot spot in the brush fire area.
Crews work to overhaul the area where the brush fire had been.
This is no place for fire engines! What you need is a Jeep! (Oops, it's not here yet.)
Pictures courtesy of FF Brian Duddy, Co. 1. Text from FF A. J. Durham, Co. 1.
(5/30/06) Lt. Krueger's last night at the helm of Duty Crew 8 came to a fitting end at 0452 hours when a box alarm was struck for an "Unknown Fire" in the area of Gap Road and Gleedsville Road. Apparently, a motorist on the Greenway saw the fire and tried to locate it while talking to dispatchers at the Loudoun County ECC. Engine Companies 1, 7, 5, and 2, Tankers 1, 7, and 5, and Trucks 1 and 2 were alerted for the call, along with Battalion 2 and Ambulance 13. The ECC advised units that the caller was waiting in a black pickup at the intersection of Gap Road and Gleedsville Road to show units the location of the fire. Truck 1, Tanker 1, and Deputy Chief 1 arrived at the caller's location, then followed him towards Oatlands Mill Road. At the same time, Wagon 7 was coming up Oatlands Mill and found the fire. Wagon 7's officer (Lt. Matt Murphy, LCFR) provided the location, advised they'd be dropping a line at the driveway, and established "Oatlands Mill Command".
Company 1 units, as well as the caller, arrived seconds later. Tanker 1 backed into the driveway and dropped a dumptank for water supply. Meanwhile, Command advised that the building appeared to be an old barn that was now down to the foundation. Command was transferred to D/C 1 (Buchanan). After conferring with Lt. Murphy, Command held Wagon 7, the three tankers, Truck 1 and Trauma 13-3. The remaining units were returned to service.
A water shuttle was established, using hydrants in a new development at the end of Gleedsville Road as the water source. Engine 5 and Tanker 7 made several trips for water as crews applied thousands of gallons of water to the remnants of the building and bales of hay stored inside. Later, units were repositioned to allow Tanker 7's Class A foam capabilities to be used to apply a final blanket of water and foam to the pile of rubble.
Command was terminated and units cleared the scene at around 0730. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office is handling the investigation. No injuries occurred, but the structure was a total loss.
Photos courtesy of Safety Officer 1, J. B. Anderson
Tanker 1's crew applies water to the remnants of the building as the sun rises.
Another view of the scene shows there wasn't much left when units arrived.
Firefighter from Wagon 7 hits the fire from the opposite side.
Wagon 7 was the attack pumper. Here, her driver monitors the pump.
Tanker 1 provided the water supply to Wagon 7.
PFF Christine Nosseir gets a little nozzle time, as FF Mereish backs her up.
Water was supplied via shuttle. Here, Engine 5 drops her water into Tanker 1's dump tank. (By the looks of it, these guys in the white helmets have never seen water before!!)
Firefighter Jackson, Lt. Neiberger, and Lt. Krueger (l to r) relax on Wagon 7's bumper. This was Lt. Krueger's last night with Co. 1 before he moves to Georgia. We'll miss you Chris!
(Webmaster's note: Okay, so Lt. Krueger busted my chops, and rightly so, my updates have been a little slow...I'll try to do better, and maybe even get up for one of these fires!!)
(4/18/06) A report of a structural fire at 75 Plaza St in Leesburg brought fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Hamilton, Ashburn, Lucketts, Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue, and Aerial Ladder Trucks froom Purcellville, Dulles and Sterling Fire Departments. The initial alarm was at 1:10pm and first arriving units were on the scene in 3 minutes to find smoke in a hallway. The fire had been reported by a neighbor and the initial search by firefighters found no one at home.
The fire was confined to the kitchen area with smoke and heat damage to the rest of the apartment. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire. The Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross was on the scene to assist the displaced residents. Units remained on the scene for just over an hour. There were no injuries reported to the responders.
Photos courtesy of Lt. Brent Harne, LCFR. Text courtesy of Co. 1 PIO J. B. Anderson
Smoke showing upon arrival.
Engine 1 handled the attack.
Wagon 1 on the plug.
(4/17/06) The first day back to school from spring break was slightly delayed in Leesburg Monday morning. A reported house fire on Catoctin Circle near Catoctin Elementary and Loudoun County High School forced the detour of traffic for almost an hour just as school began. Volunteer and career firefighters from Leesburg, Hamilton, Ashburn, Lucketts, and Purcellville Fire companies and Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue responded to the 7:27 a.m. call for a house fire in the 300 block of Catoctin Circle, S.W. Initial dispatch reported a bedroom but residents were out of the house. The first units arrived within 5 min to find a small fire that was contained to the bedroom with smoke damage throughout the upper level. The fire was quickly extinguished but overhaul and investigation kept units on the scene for approximately 1 hour. The Leesburg Police Department quickly responded to provide the safe re-route of traffic using Catoctin Circle. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office determined the "unsafe use of a candle" as the origin of the fire.
Photos and story courtesy of Co. 1 PIO J. B. Anderson.
Fire was quickly confined and extinguished.
Units operating on Catoctin Circle just as school buses were trying to reach their destinations.
Co. 1 Asst. Chief Paul Earley was the Incident Commander on this call.
(4/4/06) At approximately 0700 hours, a box alarm was struck for a townhouse fire on Shenandoah St. in Leesburg. Engine companies 1, 5, 6, 10, Trucks 1, 2, and 11, Medic 13 and Battalion 2 were alerted. Loudoun ECC advised responding units that there was a victim trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Medic 13 was first on the scene. The reported smoke showing and immediately abandoned their rig and donned PPE to begin rescue attempts. Tanker 1 and Truck 1 were right behind. The fire was extinguished quickly as a search was begin conducted.
Multiple searches were performed, but no victim was found and no injuries occurred on the call. Most units were back in service within 30 minutes, with Tanker 1 and Truck 1 remaining on the scene to assist the Fire Marshal with his investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photos courtesy of Co. 1 Lt. Jim Fazekas.
After the fire was extinguished and searches complete, crews gathered on Side A.
Damage to the exterior was very limited.
Career and volunteer personnel responded on this call.
Hmm, think a 75' quint could reach that roof?
Rescue Engine 1 had the water supply at the corner of Shenandoah and Harrison.
(3/30/06) Duty Crew 2 had an interesting night. At around 2200 hours, Truck 1 was dispatched to the 37000 block of Snickersville Turnpike for a house fire. The truck responded with 6 personnel. The house was in Co. 8's first due. Due to a lengthy driveway, it was a little difficult to find, but Wagon 8 marked on the scene with the house fully involved. Shortly after Co. 8's arrival on the scene, they requested a tanker task force. This added Engine 1 to the call.
With a 20 mile drive from Sta. 20 to the fire, Truck 1 was not exactly an early arrival! When they got on the scene, command requested they abandon their piece and come up to the house. This involved a walk of about 2,000 feet, along lots of supply line laid out to effect a rural water supply operation from the street to the house. Truck 1's crew was assigned Side A to assist Chief 4. The truck crew performed overhaul, removed a garage door, and pulled down some walls.
Meanwhile, Engine 1 had arrived and dropped of two personnel, then became involved in water shuttle operations. Engine 1's crew assisted Truck 1's crew on Side A.
The house was a total loss due to the extent of fire involvment when the fire was first reported. Crews did everything they could to salvage belongings for the owners. No injuries were reported. Additional Co. 1 personnel stood by at Station 20 to cover the Leesburg area while Truck 1 and Engine 1 were far afield.
Photos courtesy of Co. 1 Lt. Jim Fazekas and his shaky-handed assistants....
This single family home in a rural area was a total loss.
Saturn's may shrug off bumps, but not the heat of a fire!
Co. 1's Lt. Fazekas (far right) surveys the scene on Side A.
Even Loudoun County Chief Joe Pozzo came out to the scene.
Co. 1 PFF's Christoff Botha and Ryan Richetti got to see a little action.
Jamie Arnold with the knob, and no, it's not a mobile property!!
Co. 1 personnel taking a break. The new Scotchlite looks good on Justin's helmet.
(3/26/06) Duty Crew 7 had an interesting evening on their Sunday tour. First, a driver who apparently couldn't find a parking space at the Fields of Leesburg apartment complex decided to exit the premises in a rather hasty manner. Haste might not have been the best choice, as evidenced by the pictures below! A tree suffered fatal injuries, while several parked cars received minor damage. The driver sustained minor injuries as well.
Later, a structure fire assignment was dispatched to the 300 block of Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E. LPD, who arrived first, reported heavy smoke showing. Turned out to be a malfunctioning boiler.
Pictures courtesy of an LPD Officer who shall remain unidentified, unless he wants to be identified...
The tree sustained fatal injuries while the building received a flesh wound.
The runaway vehicle ended up smashing into this white Chevy Blazer.
Damage to the Blazer seems minor, at least compared to the other car!
An LPD officer checks out the damage. Bet there was a lot of paperwork for this call!
(3/25/06) At around 0930 hours, Engine Company 1 and Medic 13 were dispatched for an auto accident with possible ejection on East Market Street, in front of the FAA building. Tanker 1, Truck 1, Medic 13, Trauma 13, Deputy Chief 1, Battalion 2, and Loudoun 9 responded. Arriving units found an SUV upside down in the median, with a single patient already out of the vehicle. After a quick assessment, a helicopter was requested.
Truck 1 was going to handle the landing zone, but Aircare requested the patient be brought directly to the helicopter base at Leesburg Executive Airport. After the patient was loaded and taken to the airport, units remained on the scene a short time assisting the recovery company with righting the vehicle and controlling a fuel spill. Units were clear of the scene by 1015 hours.
Pictures courtesy of D/C 1 Ian Buchanan.
This International Scout with a single occupant rolled over into the median on East Market near the FAA building.
The injured driver was flown by Aircare to a local trauma center.
(3/17-18/06) Saturday was supposed to be a day of training, with the
only fires being the ones set inside the burn building at the Loudoun County Fire Training Center. As it turned out, training was
curtailed quite early in response to real fires throughout the area. At around 0945 hours, an outside fire along Rt. 9, near the West
Virginia border was reported. This fire grew quickly in the dry, windy conditions we've been experiencing for the last three weeks.
Battalion Chief Cullers (LCFR) had command (like it would be anyone else!!) and he needed additional resources. The fire was impinging
on a 500 gallon propane tank, causing it to pop its relief valves and vent flammable gas into the air.
Truck 1 was the first Leesburg unit requested; they were dispatched as part of a structural assignment in response to worsening fire conditions and the threat of fire to many residences. At the training center, it was quickly decided that training would have to be stopped so that the volunteer crews involved could assist in whatever way was needed. Engine 1 with Capt. Pete Comanduras and a crew of four was sent to Purcellville to fill-in at Station 2. Brush 1, with Master FF John Earley and FF Chris Patton headed off to the mountain fire.
Things remained quiet for the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Then, an outside fire was reported in the Greenway Farms subdivision. Rescue Engine 1, Tanker 1, Deputy Chief 1, Brush 6 and Medic 13 responded. Units found a storm water retention pond was involved, with cattails and high grasses burning above the wet surface of the pond. The fire was quickly extinguished and units began clearing the scene.
Before they could make it back to Leesburg, however, another call for an outside fire was reported, this time at Gap Road and Gleedsville Road. Here, a controlled burn had been started in violation of the burn ban. Brush 1, Rescue Engine 1 and Deputy Chief 1 responded to this call. Brush 1 handled the extinguishment and then waited with D/C 1 for a fire marshal.
The remainder of Saturday was quiet, with the exception of a smoldering mulch fire outside the Target store on Edwards Ferry Road. Sunday started quietly as well. Later in the afternoon, though, things got more interesting. Out in Lovettsville, someone apparently wasn't aware of the burn ban and their controlled burn became anything but. Once again, Leesburg's Tanker 1 was sent on a station fill, this time to Lucketts Station 10. While this call was underway, Company 1 was dispatched for a machinery fire in a field along Harmony Church Road. Rescue Engine 1, Brush 1, D/C 1 and Medic 13-1 responded. As more information became available, D/C 1 requested a tanker be added. Engine 1 responded for the tanker duties.
As units arrived on the scene, they found a John Deere Gator that had apparently ignited dry grass or brush in the area with its hot exhaust. Unfortunately, the Gator was destroyed by the fire which spread to an area of about 1/4 of an acre. Rescue Engine 1's crew, led by Lt. Zavatson (LCFR) and Brush 1, with Lts. Neiberger and Fazekas (Co. 1) made quick work of the fire while D/C 1 supervised. Approximately 1,500 gallons of water was applied to the fire to ensure the very dry brush would not re-ignite.
As this was going on, Tanker 1 handled their own brush fire in Co. 10's area, while additional volunteers from Co. 1 stood by at Station 1, staffing units in case additional emergencies arose. After a lull in the action for a dinner break, as well as a wild goose chase on the Greenway for a car fire and another mulch fire at Target, Company 1 was back in business for a reported house fire in the Northeast quadrant. Simultaneously, a fire alarm call was dispatched on Town Branch Terrace. Nothing came of either call and units returned in service. The rest of the evening was uneventful.
Pictures courtesy of J. B. Anderson, Co. 1 Public Information Officer, FF Chris Patton, Co. 1, and D/C Ian Buchanan, Co. 1.
Training fire burns in the living room of the residence side of the burn building as Co. 1 performs training evolutions.
Steam billows from all openings of the building as the fires are knocked down by attack crews.
Brush 1 operates at the latest mountain fire near the VA / WV line.
This propane tank became involved, venting to the atmosphere and providing quite a challenge for fire crews.
Later, a fire was reported in Greenway Farms. Technician Brian Fluharty (LCFR) is wetting down the stormwater pond with a forestry line.
Sunday's machinery fire involved a John Deere Gator. Here, FF/EMT Blake Bullard examines what's left as Brush 1 operates behind him.
Plenty of water was applied to the brush to ensure it would not re-ignite.
(3/14/06) After starting off with a structure fire, then filling in the middle of the day with a brush fire on Huntmaster Terrace, it was only
natural that things would go downhill in the afternoon. With high winds building from the north and west, humidity dropping, and
temperatures fairly warm, conditions were perfect for outside fires. In the early afternoon, a fire began in Clarke County, just
over the Loudoun County line. The fire built quickly, and Clarke County began asking for assistance from neighboring jurisdictions.
Company 1 was one of many fire departments that sent help. Tanker 1, staffed with the same crew which had earlier fought the house fire, plus Brush 1, ended up in Clarke County, fighting a dangerous fire that threatened to run all the way up the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Shenandoah River. Command posts were moved several times as the fire overran crews fighting the blaze. As evening came, Hotshot Crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry arrived, along with two bulldozers. These resources, with the help of crews from all over the area, were able to get a line cut around most of the fire and begin to bring it under control.
Loudoun County sent their Mobile Command and Communications "bus" over the mountain to serve as the unified command post. LCFR's
Battalion 2 (Cullers) became the overall incident commander, with officers from Clarke County's Station 8 (Blue Ridge) and
surrounding companies handling operational roles. As the incident command team was built up, more and more resources flowed in to get
control of the 150-200 acre fire.
At midnight, the first operational period ended and a major crew changeover took place. The incident command staff, as well as many of the operational units, was replaced with fresh personnel. Tanker and Brush 1, staffed mainly with career personnel from LCFR, were allowed to return home. They were replaced with Engine 1, staffed by a volunteer crew consisting of Lt. Jim Fazekas, MFF J. C. Blaylock, FF/EMT Anthony Jackson, and FF Richard Wolfe. Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) was part of the night time contingent from Co. 1. He assisted A/C Pete West (Co. 8, Philomont) with the planning role. Sterling Rescue's Chief, Byron Andrews, had the overall incident command during the second operational period. Forester Gerald Crowell from VDOF remained on site all night, in constant communication with Hotshot crew.
Overnight, the Hotshot crews, augmented with staffing from Engine 1 and Sterling VFD's Engine 18, completed cutting the fire line, performed "back burning" to reduce fuel for the fire, and managed any major hotspots. Fortunately, the winds died down slightly for this operation. Crews from Prince William County Co. 4 and Clarke County staffed brush units that patrolled the perimeter all night, making sure the fire stayed within the fire line.
The second operational period ended at 0800 on 3/15/06, and the incident command was turned over to LCFR Battalion Chief Colby. There were significant fears on the part of Virginia Forestry personnel that Wednesday's high winds would possibly cause a resurgence of the fire. Fortunately, that did not occur, in large part due to the work of all the personnel that had fought to contain and control the fire on 3/14 and through the night.
No homes were lost during the fire, and no one was injured. Cause of the fire is under investigation. The Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue Auxiliary and the Red Cross for provided food and beverages for all the personnel involved in this major incident, for which we were very thankful!!
Pictures embedded in text above courtesy of FF Chris Patton, Co. 1.
Pictures below courtesy of Deputy Chief Ian Buchanan, Co. 1
Loudoun County's Command bus was home to the incident command staff.
Engine 1 sat outside Clarke Sta. 8 overnight as her crew walked the fireline.
Lieutenant Fazekas takes a nap after a long night outside.
Chief 15 Byron Andrews was the IC for the second operational period.
LCFR's Keith Virts at the controls of the command bus.
At 0852 hours on March 14th, a box alarm was struck for a house fire in the 200 block of Appletree Drive in Leesburg. Engine companies 1, 6, 10, 5, Truck 1, Tower 2, Medic 13 and Battalion 2 were alerted for the call. Tanker 1 was already out on an auto accident call, which they were able to clear, while the truck was at Ida Lee Rec. Center for PT. Lt. Zavatson (LCFR) on Truck 1 advised that there was a heavy column of black smoke visible from Ida Lee as they began their response.
Truck 1 arrived first, followed closely by Tanker 1. The truck's crew made entry, searched and vented as the Tanker arrived and initiated an aggressive interior attack. Lt. Mike Johnson (LCFR) and his crew did an outstanding job on the attack, greatly assisted by the truck's work in opening up ceilings and walls. Later arriving units pulled additional hose lines and quickly contained the fire which heavily damaged the 2-story home. Battalion 2 (Cullers - LCFR) had "Appletree Command" on Side D.
The fire appeared to have begun in the rear of the structure and extended up the exterior into the attic. Fire fighting operations were hampered by fire involvement with the electric meter on Side C. Electrical arcing at the meter and service panel created a dangerous situation for firefighters. Dominion Virginia Power representatives on the scene quickly shut down power to the street until they could isolate the service to the involved structure.
A propane tank on Side C became involved in the fire and apparently exploded. The twisted metal of the tank was found several feet behind the house. Rescue Engine 10's crew, led by Capt. Justin Green (LCFR) had a line to the rear of the structure, while Rescue Engine 1's crew, led by Lt. Jim Fazekas (Co. 1) had a line in the lower level inside the house.
Reserve Engine 6 established a second water supply and provided additional attack lines for crews. Wagon 1 positioned on Wythe Ct., a street behind the affected home. With the help of Assistant Chief Jack Brown (LCFR) and PIO Mary Maguire (LCFR), a third water supply was established in case the high winds of the day spread the fire to adjacent exposures. The Wagon's crew assisted Rescue Engine 10 in the Charlie Division.
Once the fire was extinguished, crews began salvage and overhaul operations. Due to the care taken during this process, many of the family's belongings were saved. Units remained on the scene for more than an hour completing the overhaul process. No injuries occurred on this call. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's office.
Pictures courtesy of Photo 1, Charles Speacht.
Upon arrival, units had heavy fire on Side C, extending to the attic.
Fire also involved the attached wooden deck.
Rescue Engine 10's crew engulfed in smoke on Side C.
Tanker 1 was the first arriving engine and handled the primary attack duties.
Truck 1's Lt. Zavatson (right) and FF/EMT Blake Bullard take a breather.
FF/EMT (Acting Technician) Vinnie Dieterich looks on disapprovingly. They must have been getting the Truck's equipment dirty!!
The remains of the propane tank that exploded during the fire.
Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) and Master FF J. C. Blaylock hooking siding on Side C.
The electric meter took a beating!
Crews did an outstanding job salvaging the homeowner's belongings.
Secret meeting of the Co. 1 Lieutenants.....people will talk!!!
Co. 1' PIO J. B. Anderson talks to a reporter from the Loudoun Times Mirror.
Significant damage to Side C of the house.
Lieutenant Zavatson is covered in insulation from the attic of the home.
On February 6th, 2006 at 0839, units were dispatched for a reported auto accident with entrapment on the Woods Rd. off Evergreen Mill Road, south of Leesburg. As units marked up, they were advised by Loudoun ECC of an overturned vehicle with one reported trapped. Tanker 1 responded from the Training Center, and Rescue Engine 1 marked up from Station 20.
Tanker 1 arrived at 0851 and established "Woods Road Command". Captain Wilson reported a SUV overturned in the roadway with one confirmed entrapment. Due to the limited access and road conditions, units had to park away from the scene to make room for the Rescue Engine. BC 2 (Colby-LCFR) arrived soon after and command was transferred to him. Once Rescue Engine 1 arrived, the crew stabilized the vehicle using the Res-Q-Jacks and cribbing, and took 1 door to free the patient. The patient was then transferred to the care of Medic 13-3.
Units then picked up, and command was terminated.
Units on the scene or responding:
Photos courtesy of Lt. Brent Harne (LCFR)
The Woods Road is extremely narrow, making access very difficult.
The Oldsmobile SUV was upside down, with roof deformation over the driver's compartment.
With the vehicle stabilized and the passenger door removed, crews could access the patient.
Okay, now how did we ever survive without the Res-Q-Jack system? And how do we get paid for all the publicity we're giving them?
On January 24 at 0724 hrs, Engine Company 5, Rescue Squad 17, ALS 1, and BC 2 were dispatched for a reported vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of Clarkes Gap Rd. and Hamilton Station Rd. in Waterford. As units marked up, they were advised of a possible single vehicle accident with persons trapped.
Wagon 5 arrived at 0732 and established Command, reporting a SUV overturned with 1 person out of the vehicle, and 1 person still trapped. BC 2 (Colby) arrived soon after and assumed Command from Wagon 5's officer.
Rescue Engine 1 added on to the call to assist at 0732. They arrived at 0742 and assisted with the stabilization and extrication of the trapped patient. The Rescue Engine cleared at 0835.
Units on the scene
Photos courtesy of Captain R. Leeper (LCFR)
Crews carry patient to a waiting ambulance after the extrication was complete.
The Res-Q-Jack system from Rescue Engine 1 was used to stablilize the vehicle.
Once the vehicle was stable, the roof was cut and "flapped" down to access the patient.
On Saturday, January 21st 0607 hours, Engine Companies 1, 5, 2, 4 and 10, Truck 1, Tower 2, Ambulance 13, Tanker 1, Engine 5, Tanker 4 and Battalion Chief 2 (LCFR) were alerted for the reported house fire in the
40700 block of Canongate Drive in the Shenstone subdivision just west of Leesburg.
As units marked up, Loudoun ECC advised that the caller reported the rear of the house fully involved with fire. As Engine 1 (Lt. Kiger, LCFR) approached the scene, they advised this would be a rural water supply operation. As they marked on the scene, they advised fire showing Side C and the roof, they dropped a line at the end of the driveway and advised they were "burying" the engine and taking an 1 3/4" line through an open garage door on Side D. They also advised no occupants were there to greet them.
Deputy Chief 1 (Buchanan) arrived right behind Engine 1. "Canongate Command" was transferred to DC1 and the engine crew proceeded to the second floor to mount an attack. Truck 1 arrived next and backed up the driveway, then Lt. Zavatson (LCFR) and his crew began a search of the structure while placing ladders on the exterior. The primary search was negative. As the engine crew began hitting the fire from underneath, fire conditions quickly worsened on the exterior.
Wagon 5 arrived next and set up for water supply operations. Wagon 5's crew, led by Co. 5's Lt. Bill McGann, took a second line in Side A and went to the second floor as well. Battalion 2 (Cullers) was now on the scene and he took operations. His lap around the building revealed heavy fire to the rear, and the attic. Command continued to communicate with the interior crews, advising of the exterior conditions. It was clear to both Command and Operations that the interior attack was failing to make headway. Command called for the evacuation tones at 0624, less than 6 minutes after crews had made their first entry.
All interior crews exited safely and were accounted for on Side A. At 0630, a collapse of the attic floor occurred, bringing heavy HVAC equipment down from the attic onto the stairwell. A propane line that fed this equipment was now feeding the fire, resulting in a spectacular fire ball over the C and D quadrants. Co. 1's Lt. Neiberger, who was familiar with this development advised Command of the situation and the propane supply was quickly secured.
While all this was going on, water supply operations were being established. Rescue Engine 1's crew, led by Co. 1's Lt. McMurrer established the first fill site at a tank on Canongate. They were able to fill three tankers before the tank was empty. Rescue Engine 10 took responsibility for water supply next, setting up a draft site at a pond in the development. Under the direction of Capt. Green (LCFR), they set up a site that could fill two tankers simultaneously and wouldn't be constrained by the 5,000 gallon tank capacity of the in-ground cisterns. Lt. Neiberger handled water supply operations from the command post.
Exterior operations continued, with Division C coordinated by LCFR's Capt. Frye, while Division A was led by Co. 2's Chief Dryden. Handlines, portable master streams, and the ladder pipe were all employed to get the fire under control. With an unstable structure, it would be hours before all the hot spots could be extinguished. At around 1100 hours, Command began releasing units, eventually scaling back to Tanker 1 and Command 1 by 1230 hours. Later, Tanker 10 was requested back to the scene and crews flowed another 6-7000 gallons of water in an attempt to knock out all hotspots. Units cleared the scene at 1536, but were back again within 2 hours as 30-40 mph winds kicked up and caused flare-ups. Much of the structure collapsed in the wind overnight. One more trip out in the morning took care of the remaining smoldering materials.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office. A Co. 1 firefighter sustained a sprained ankle during the operation; no civilians were injured.
Special thanks to Company 1's Associate Members Jill Anderson, Mary Lee, and Donna Frye for bringing the Canteen to the scene, stocked with hot and cold drinks, and hot food. Also, thanks to President Gaither and Treasurer Barnhardt for ensuring that crews had the resources needed for a long, tiring operation.
For a slideshow from this call, click here. All pictures courtesy of Charles Speacht, Photo 1.
Units Responding and or on the scene:
On the evening of Friday, January 20th, Engine Companies 1, and 6, Truck 1 and and Ambulance 13 were dispatched for an inside gas leak at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on Church St. Engine, Truck, Wagon, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief 1 responded, along with Reserve Engine 6, Battalion 2 and Ambulance 13-X. With two Leesburg chiefs responding, A/C 1 (Earley) placed Battalion 2 in service after establishing "Church Street Command". Engine and Truck 1's crews made entry into the structure with sheriff's deputies and found a heavy odor of gas, mainly on the lower levels. The gas had been shut off at the street prior to the arrival of FD personnel, but residual gas still reamined inside.
Using every available fan, units began the long process of ventilation and monitoring. Eventually, Command requested Tower 2 to the scene to provide more fans to aid in the ventilation effort. Reserve Engine 6 was released from the scene and they filled Station 20 while units remained on the scene. Once the building was clear, the scene was turned over to the LCSO and Washington Gas.
Photos courtesy of FF John Kurtin, Company 1.
Engine and Truck 1 positioned on Church Street.
A/C 1 had command at Church Street and Edwards Ferry Road.
Sometimes the coolest pictures are accidents, as seen here with a FF from Wagon 1 walking past the camera.
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