Early Morning Fire Claims A Life

On November 20th at 0703 hours, Quint 14, Quint 15, Engine 5, Engine 6, Rescue 2, Safety 2 and BC 1 were called to the 1900 block of Rose Ave for the reported house fire with a person trapped. Phone calls poured into the Emergency Communications Division claiming that an elderly man was inside the house. Quint 14 arrived on location with heavy fire showing from Division 2 of a 2 story wood-frame structure. Command was passed to the next incoming company as Quit 14’s crew entered the structure to search for the victim. The victim was removed from the structure where he was pronounced dead. Engine 5’s crew performed Truck Company Operations as Quint 15 assisted with fire attack. Rescue 2 arrived on scene and conducted a search of the house. The working fire was declared bringing Quints 16 and 10 to the scene. Conditions deteriorated forcing the evacuation of firefighters from the structure. Once all personnel were out, defensive operations begin. The fire was marked under control at 0752 hours. Fire investigators remained on scene until 1330 hours, and ruled the incident accidental in nature.

Richmond Fire Promotes Six to Battalion Chief

On November 4th 2010, the City of Richmond promoted Captain Robert Baumgardner, Jr, Captain John Harkness, Captain Clarence Lewis, III, Captain Orlando Morris, Captain Christine Richardson, and Captain Tina Watkins to the rank of Battalion Chief. This is the first time in the department's 152-year history that two women have been promoted to the Battalion Chief rank. "This has been a year of history making within the Richmond Fire Department," said Mayor Jones referring also to the 60th Anniversary of the first African America firefighters hired into the department and in the Commonwealth.

"The promotion of six Captains at the same time is unprecedented for our department," said Fire Chief Robert Creecy. "Honoring this group as they assume their responsibility in this mission critical role is an historic and very proud time for our organization."

Female Trapped Under Vehicle

On October 21st, at 1222 hours Quint 25, Rescue 2, and BC 2 were dispatched to the Martin’s Grocery store at 3000 Stony Point Road for the female trapped under a vehicle. Q-25 arrived on scene and confirmed that an elderly female was trapped under a 4 door SUV. Units used cribbing to stabilize the car as airbags were used to lift the car off the elderly female. Within 25 minutes of the call the female was removed and placed in the back of a waiting Richmond Ambulance Authority unit. The female was alert and oriented during the entire operation. The female was transported to a level one trauma center. Units cleared around 1330 hours.

Early Morning Accident Sends Two to the Hospital

At 0851 hours this morning Richmond Fire was dispatched to the intersection of 41st and Forest Hill Ave for a two car accident. E-20 arrived on location to find a two car accident with two patients complaining of injuries. Both patients were transported to an area hospital by Richmond Ambulance Authority. Units remained on scene until 0930.

Early Morning Fire Ruled Accidental

On October 6 at 0826 hours Q-18, Q-12, Q-10, Q-19, R-2, BC-2 and Safety 2 were dispatched to 20 S. Nansemond Street for a reported building fire. Q-18 arrived on scene within 3 minutes and reported a 2 story office building with moderate smoke showing from the roof. Q-18 established a water supply and began an aggressive offensive attack. Q-10 Ladder the C side of the office building as Q-12 assisted with fire attack. Q-19 was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team as R-2 performed a quick search of the fire involved building. Once the incident was declared a working fire Q-6, Q-5 and BC-1 was added to the assignment those units checked the other two businesses with in the strip mall complex. The fire was contained to the original unit but another business did receive minor smoke damage. The fire was marked under control at 0901 hours. The fire was ruled accidental, electrical in nature.

Help the Richmond Fire Department Earn $10,000

Liberty Mutual’s Be Fire Smart Fire Safety Pledge program will be giving away ten $10,000 grants to fire departments across the US. The awards will be determined through online voting by the public. All you have to do is take a simple ten question fire safety quiz and then vote...of course for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services. The program runs now through October.


If we win, we plan to use the grant to initiate fire safety programs in our kindergarten through fourth-grade classes and with our seniors. Please take the quiz and vote as well as encouraging your friends, relatives and neighbors to do so.  Most important is this money will allow us to work towards a safer community, and remember you do not have to live in Richmond to vote for us.  Click Here to take the quiz!

Early Morning House Fire

At 0519 hours on August 5th, Q-6, Q-21, Q-20, Q-1, Rescue 3, Safety 2 and BC-1 were dispatched to the 1800 block of Bainbridge St for a reported house fire. Rescue 3 arrived on scene with a 2 story duplex with smoke showing from the A-side of the structure. Rescue 3 quickly learned that all occupants were out of the house. Rescue 3's Lieutenant established command of the incident and directed his company to perform a search of the structure as Q-6 stretched an 1¾ hand line inside and Q-21 performed Truck Company Operations. Q-20 secured a secondary hydrant fifteen feet from the structure and Q-1 became the Rapid Intervention Crew. Once the working fire was declared, Q-17, Q-5 Air Light 11 and BC-3 were added to the assignment. The fire was marked under control at 0542 hours. The Red Cross assisted five people. The fire was ruled accidental, smoking related.

Richmond Handles Truck Fire at Busy Intersection

On Monday August 2nd at 1535 hours, the Department of Emergency Communications was flooded with 911 calls for a tractor trailer on fire at Belvidere and Broad Street. Quint 5 responded finding a tractor trailer with the engine compartment heavily involved in fire. Quint 5 took a hydrant at the intersection as they deployed an 1¾" handline for for fire attack. The fire was marked under control at 1600 hours. The cause of the fire was due to a mechanical malfunction.

Richmond Fire Customer Academy

Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services will be hosting a Fall Customer Academy beginning on September 16, 2010. This is a free ten week academy for residents of the city, employees of the city and family members of Fire Department personnel. The academy will meet every Thursday evening from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on November 18, 2010. Space is limited so registration forms must be received by September 7, 2010.  For more information visit http://www.richmondgov.com/fire/CustomerFireAcademy.aspx.

Early Morning Accident Sends One to The Hospital

At 0816 hours, a citizen walked up to station 5 alerting them of an accident one block from the station with a woman trapped. Quint 5 responded to Leigh St @ Belviedere St and found a 2-car accident with one person still in the car. Quint 5 quickly “popped” the driver’s door and placed all other units back in service. Richmond Ambulance and Quint 5 packaged the patient. Units cleared shortly after 0900 hours.

Early Morning HazMat Incident in Richmond

At 0545 on July 13th, 2010, Richmond Fire units were dispatched to the city’s Wastewater Treatment facility where an employee complained of a hazardous materials release. Engine 13, Engine 6, Rescue 3, HazMat 3, Safety 2, and Battalion Chiefs 1 and 2 responded to the incident. Rescue 3 and HazMat 3 arrived on-scene to find the complainant who informed the units of a Sulfur Dioxide leak. The RFD's HazMat team began the process of medical monitoring and information gathering as units from the Henrico HatMat team were added to the call. Shortly after 0700, Richmond's HazMat team made entry into the area and discovered four railcars and several one-ton cylinders in the area were the leak was reported. The entry team shut off a valve leading to the leak as other members continued to monitor the area. The facility was reopened and all units cleared shortly before noon.

Richmond Fire Graduates 20 New Firefighters

Routine Alarm Turns Real in Richmond

Bus Fire in Hollywood Cemetery

On June 15 at 16:20, the Richmond Fire Department was flooded with calls about a tour bus on fire in Hollywood Cemetery near the 400 block of S. Cherry Street. Within minutes, Quint 6 arrived on scene to find a tour bus heavily involved in fire. Quint 6 command immediately requested a tanker. E-12, Foam/Tanker 8 and BC-2 were added to the assignment. The driver indicated that he was driving the bus and it just shut off. All passengers were able to escape the bus without injury. All units returned to service shortly before 19:00. The fire was a result of a mechanical problem.

Richmond Fire Responds to MVA with Partial Building Collaspe

On June 5, the Richmond Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Adams and Marshall Street for a motor vehicle accident with one vehicle inside a building. Richmond Fire units arrived on scene to find a SUV into a building with a partial collapse of a 2-story building with apartments upstairs. The occupants of the vehicle were able to escape the incident. A total of six people were transported to an area hospital. A building official was on scene and condemned the building involved in the incident.

2 Fires in the Same Apartment Complex

April 7 proved to be a busy day for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services with 2 fires in the same block only hours apart. The first call was at 16:47, Q-22, Q-21, Q-23, Q-20, Rescue 3, Safety 2 and BC-3 responded to the 3700 block of Guilder lane for a reported apartment fire. Q-22 arrived on scene and established command with smoke showing from a 2 story apartment building. Q-22 entered the structure and discovered fire on the second floor and in the attic of the apartment. Q-21 secured a secondary hydrant and was assigned as the Truck Company while Q-23 checked one of the exposure apartments.  Rescue 3 and Q-23 personnel removed a bed ridden female from an exposure apartment.  The female was assessed by the Richmond Ambulance Authority and did not need to be transported. The fire was marked under control at 17:10. The Red Cross was called to assist a total of 10 people.

While Q-22 was waiting for the Red Cross to assist the families affected by the first fire, they were alerted to a fire in the next set of apartments some 100 feet away from the first fire. The same units were dispatched to the second apartment fire at 18:39. Battalion 3 arrived on location with smoke showing. The fire was marked under control at 6:55 p.m. Both fires were ruled accidental.

In both fires, a contractor was on location doing some type of repair work were combustible material was ignited.

West End Apartment Fire Contained to One Unit

April 7 at 1546 hours Q-18, Q-12, Q-19, Rescue 2, Safety 2 and BC-2 were dispatched to the intersection of South Crenshaw and Cary St for the reported apartment fire. Q-12 arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from a 2 story masonry constructed apartment building. Q-12 established command and launched an aggressive interior attack as Q-18 performed Truck Company Operations. Q-19 was assigned fire attack on division 1 as E-5 was assigned as RIT. A search of the building by Rescue 2 proved negative. The fire was brought under control at 1611 hours. The fire was ruled accidental.

Units Response to Hydraulic Fluid Leak

April 7th at 1358 hrs Richmond Fire units were dispatched to the intersection of Albemarle and S. Pine Street for a refuse truck that had lost about 50 to 60 gallons of hydraulic fluid. Units arrived on scene and discovered a trail of fluid for about a block and a half. A sand truck was requested and a clean up contractor arrived on scene and cleaned up the fluid. Units returned to service around 1630 hours.

Richmond Fire Handles Head On Accident

At 8:03 on 05/06/2010 units were dispatched to the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue and Chippenham Parkway for the accident with entrapment. Q-20 arrived on scene with a two car head on accident with one of the vehicles on its side. Q-20 quickly determined that no one was trapped and returned all units to service. Q-20 remained on scene assisting Richmond Ambulance Authority with patient care and also handled hazards associated with the accident. Q-20 remained on scene until 9:30 a.m.

Southside House Fire

On May 3rd, at 1509 hours units were dispatched to the 1500 block of Sunbury Road for the reported house fire. Q-22 arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from the A side of a brick rancher. A quick search of the house proved negative as units continued to combat the fire. The fire was marked under control at 1534 hours. The fire is still under investigation.

Apartment Fire in Richmond

At 1158 hours on April 21st Q-5, Q-14, Q-12, Q-6, R-1, Safety 2 and BC-2 were dispatched to the 1700 block of Hanover Avenue for a reported building fire. Safety 2 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a 3 story apartment building. Q-14 arrived and established command of the incident. Units discovered that the fire was in the rear basement of the apartment building. Crews went door to door knocking to alert residences. Residences were able to escape the fire with their pets without injury. The fire was brought under control at 1227 hours. The fire is still under investigation.

Accident with 1 Trapped on Southside

At 1628 hours on April 21, Richmond Fire units Q-21, Q-20, E-6, Rescue 3, Safety 2 and BC-1 were dispatched to the intersection of Jefferson Davis Highway and Maury Street for a motor vehicle accident with one person trapped. Rescue 3 arrived on scene with a two car accident and confirmed a van on its side and one person trapped inside. As E-6 established patient care for the trapped victim, Q-21 stood by with a 1¾ handline and Q-20 took care of the hazards for both vehicles. R-3 removed the roof of the van to free the patient. Once free, he was then transported by a Richmond Ambulance Authority unit to an area hospital. The extrication took 19 minutes to complete. Units remained on scene until 1830 hours.

Richmond Fire Performs Technical Rescue

Richmond Fire units were dispatched at 1352 on April 19th to 2500 W. Broad Street, at the Science Museum of Virginia for a traumatic injury to a worker on the roof. Fire units arrived on scene to discover a contractor on the roof doing some type of roof repair. The patient is believed to have had a medical situation. Q-5 laddered the building and Rescue 2 placed the patient in a stokes basket. Q-5 was able to lower the patient to the ground where Richmond Ambulance Authority was waiting to transport the patient.

Early Morning House Fire in Richmond

At 0544 on April 20th, Richmond 911 was alerted to a fire in the 2300-block of Summer Hill Avenue on the City’s southside. Q-21, Q-22, E-17, Q-23, Rescue 3, Safety 2 and BC-3 were dispatched. Q-21 arrived on scene with a 2 story masonry constructed house heavily involved in fire and immediately placed a 2½ handline in service. Q-22 arrived on scene and prepared for defensive operations. E-17 and Q-23 placed handlines in service also and controlled utilities. While units were combating the fire the C-side of the house collapsed.

All RFD units were accounted for and the fire was brought under control at 0622 hours. Fire units remained on scene assisting the fire investigators and building officials until 1100 hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Stucture Fire on the Northside Qucikly Controlled

On April 19th, at 0453 hours units were dispatched to the 900 block of Chamberlayne Parkway for a building fire with flames thru the roof. Q-5 arrived on scene with the same report. Units were able to quickly extinguish the fire and bring it under control in about 20 minutes. The building was occupied by the police department for Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The building received a moderate amount of damage and the fire was ruled accidental.

Accident with 2 People Trapped

On Sunday April18 at 1657 hours E-6, Q-5, R-3, Q-12, Safety 2 and B-1 were dispatched to the intersection of 5th and Byrd Street for a motor vehicle accident with persons trapped. Q-6 arrived on scene within minutes and reported a two car accident with two people trapped inside. Members of E-6 established patient care as Q-5 worked to stabilize the vehicle and deployed a 1 ¾ handline. Rescue 3 extricated two patients from one vehicle as Q-12 handle patients in the second vehicle. Units remained on scene until 1830 hours.

Brush fire in Oregon Hill

On April 17th at 2323 hours units were dispatched to the intersection of South Cherry Street and Oregon Hill Parkway for the reported building fire. Units arrived on scene to find a brush fire that was involving about 1 acre of brush. Foam Tankers 8 and 24 were added to the call. Units remained on scene until 0130 hours.

Units Mitigate HazMat Incident on I-64

On April 16th at 11:09 hours Engine 15 was called to the area of Mechanicsville Turnpike at Interstate 64 for a dump truck that was leaking hydraulic fluid on the roadway. E-15 arrived on scene and discovered that the dump truck had a mechanical problem and had dropped about 15 gallons of fluid on the road. Rescue 3 and Haz Mat 3 where added to the assignment as E-15’s crew placed absorbent down to contain the fluid. The truck was quickly removed and a clean up contractor was called in to clean up the fluid. Units remained on scene until about 1330 hours.

Richmond Fire handles accident with One Person Trapped

On April 15 at 1508 hours, Richmond Fire was dispatched to the intersection of Adams and Marshall Street for a 3 car accident with one person reportedly trapped. Q-5 arrived on scene with a 3 car accident and one person trapped in a vehicle on its roof. Members of Q-5 quickly stabilized the car as Rescue 1 began extrication with 2 sets of cutters. The extrication took about 10 minutes to complete. Richmond Ambulance Authority transported 3 to the hospital.

Fire Destroys Southside Home

April 9, at 2253 hours Q-21, E-17, Q-6, Q-20, R-3, Safety 2, and BC-1 were dispatched to the 2200 block of Fairfax Ave for the reported house fire. Q-21 arrived on scene with heavy fire from the second floor of a 2-story wood frame single family dwelling. Q-21 established fire attack as E-17 secured a secondary water supply and conducted Truck Company Operations. Q-6 was assigned as a secondary fire attack and Q-20 was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team. Rescue 3 searched the house that proved negative. On the working fire declaration Q-5, Q-22, and BC-3 were added to the assignment. Evacuation tones sounded at 2310 hours ordering everyone one out of the house. Units went defensive and used ladder pipes to knock the fire down. Once fire was knocked down units re-entered the house and checked for fire extension. The fire was marked under control at 0232 hours with no injuries.

Richmond Battle House Fire in West End

On April 6th, Richmond Fire units were dispatched at 1403 hours to the 0 block of Willway Ave for a reported house fire. Battalion Chief 2 arrived on scene with a large 2-story brick house with flames coming through the roof. Q-18 and Q-10 placed their apparatus in position for aerial operations. Q-18 stretched a hose line in the house as Q-10 performed Truck Company operations. R-2 performed a search of the house and Q-12 assisted with fire attack. Q-6 was assigned as the RIT. Search of the house proved negative, the occupants were on vacation. RFD Members battled the house fire and 90 degree temperature. The fire is still under investigation.

Camper Fire on 95 Ties up Traffic for Hours

On April 6 at 1546 Richmond 911 was flooded with calls for a fire on Interstate 95 involving a camper. Q-21, Foam 21 and Foam/Tanker 8 were dispatched to I-95 north just south of the Maury Street exit. Quint 21 arrived on scene with a large camper well involved. Foam 21 set up for foam application operations as Foam/Tanker 8 supplied water. Members of Q-21 placed a ground ladder in service to combat the flames as a several handlines were placed in service. Members battled the blaze in 93 degree temperature.

Additional units were added to the call bringing in Foam/Tanker 24 and Chesterfield to assist. Traffic on 95 North was closed for several hours and one lane south was closed. Units worked with Virginia State Police to open one lane about 2 hours into the incident.

Richmond Handles MVA with Entrapment

On March 30, 2010, Richmond Fire units were dispatched to the intersection of Westwood and Moss Side for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. E-14 arrived on scene with a two car accident confirming one person trapped. E-14 personnel worked to stabilize the vehicles as Rescue 2 began to extricate the patient. Q-6 established patient care while Q-16 personnel placed one hand line in service. The patient was extricated within 15 minutes and was transported by Richmond Ambulance Authority to an area hospital.

Vehicle Crashes into McDonald's in Richmond

At 12:54 on March 30th, 2010 Richmond fire units were dispatched to the McDonald’s at Forest Hill and Huguenot Road for a vehicle into the building with one person trapped. Qunit 24 arrived on scene and immediately entered the structure to discovered one elderly female trapped. Q-24 personnel broke the table and removed the debris around the female patient that was trapped and assisted Richmond Ambulance Authority with packaging her for transport. Richmond police are investigating the accident. The building official was on location and a contractor was called in by the owner.

Appliance Store Fire Ruled Accidental

On March 16th at 1318 hours, Q-17, E-20, Q-21, E-6, R-1, Safety 2, and BC-3 were dispatched to the intersection of Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike for a reported building fire.  The Department of Emergency Communications received several calls indicating that smoke and flames were visible from the building.  Q-17 arrived on scene reporting a single story commercial building with heavy smoke showing from the A side of the structure.  Once the working fire was declared, Q-22, Air Light 11, and BC 1 were added to the assignment.  The fire damage was contained to the original structure within the strip mall.  A nearby business did receive minor smoke damage.  The fire was brought under control at 1341 hours.  The fire building was located in the 2600 block of Midlothian Turnpike.

Fire investigators have ruled the fire to be electrical, accidental in nature.  The business sustained a $30,000 loss. 

3 Alarm Fire in Richmond's East End

On February 25th at 0323 hours; E-8, Q-11, Q-6, Q-13, Rescue 1, Safety 2, and BC 1 were dispatched to the 5200 block of Hatcher Road for the reported building fire with several explosions heard. E-8 arrived on scene to find a large industrial complex with heavy fire showing and explosions still being heard. BC-1 struck the second alarm and immediately requested the Hazardous Materials team to respond. As additional units arrived, they identified several compressed gas tanks near the fire and removed them to a safe area. Quints 11, 6, and 13 used elevated master stream devices to combat the fire. Once a working fire was declared, Q-5, Q-17, Air Light 11 and BC-2 were added to the assignment.


The second alarm brought in, E-12, Q-15, Rescue 3, Haz Mat 3, and BC-3 those units were utilized for a variety of operations, some of them being relay pumping. Two engines and a BC were requested from Henrico Fire to assist with relay pumping and fire ground operations. Resources quickly begin to be used and a third alarm was eventually struck bringing in Q-18, Q-23, Rescue 2, and a special request for E-24 and Tanker 24 to respond for water supply.



Units were able to remove several items before they sustained damage. Those items ranged from compressed gas cylinders to Port-A-Johns. CSX did have several cars located on nearby railroad tracks that contained several kinds of hazardous materials and they were about 50 to 60 yards away. The fire did extend to a pile of nearby tires, about 100 caught fire. Foam was used to suppress the tires that were on fire as the run off  was contained to a retention pond nearby. The Henrico Fire Hazardous Materials Team was added to the call and the EPA was notified as environmental concerns of the run off increased.

The fire was brought under control at 0613 hour. The investigation team and other units remained on scene well into the night. The fire is still under investigation.

Hull Street MVA with Entrapment

On February 23rd at 0759 hours, Q-17, Q-22, Rescue 3, Safety 2, Q-6 and BC-3 were dispatched to the intersection of Hull Street and Southside Plaza for a motor vehicle accident with one person trapped.  Q-17 arrived on scene and confirmed a SUV vs a light pole with entrapment.  Rescue 3 stabilized the vehicle as other companies performed the extrication.  The patient was removed from the vehicle in less than 30 minutes and transported to an area trauma center. Units remained on scene for a few hours to assist the police with crime scene investigation.  

One Person Escapes Fire without Injury.

On February 22nd, at 1431 hours, Q-20, Q-23, Q-17, Q-22, R-3, Safety 2 and BC-1 were dispatched to the 5600 block of Larrymore Rd for a caller who dialed 911 and stated “his house was on fire and hung up”. Q-23 arrived on scene to find a 2-story wood frame dwelling with flames visible on the first floor on the A-side of the structure.  Fire units were able to bring the fire under control at 1511 hours.  The fire is still under investigation and the Red Cross is assisting the family of 6 that was displaced by the fire. 

RFD Battles Southside Housefire

On February 16th at 1602 hours, Q-25, Q-24, Q-19, Q-20, R-3, Safety 2 and BC-3 were dispatched to the 10100 block of Merrimac Rd for a reported house fire.  Q-25 arrived on scene to find a 2-story residence with heavy fire on the A-side of division 2.  The fire extended to the attic area of the house.  The fire was brought under control at 1645 hours.  The fire is under investigation.

2nd Alarm Fire on the Northside

On January 29th at 1736 hours, Q-15, Q-14, Q-5, Q-6, R-1, Safety 2, and BC2 were dispatched to the 2300 block of 2nd Avenue for a porch on fire. Q-15 arrived on scene within 2 minutes and found a 2 story wood frame structure fully involved. Q-15 and Q-14 performed fire attack while Q-5 performed Truck Company Operations, Q-6 was assigned to the RIT and Rescue 1 did a primary search of the house. As conditions worsened units went from an aggressive interior attack to defensive operations. Units used several ladder pipes to knock the fire down and they later re-entered the house to extinguish the remaining fire. Units were able to bring the fire under control at 1856 hours.

One person was home at the time of the fire and was able to escape without injury. The fire was ruled accidental.

Richmond Fire Makes Rescue

On January 27th at 0200 hours, Q-14, Q-15, E-16, Q-5, R-2, Safety 2 and BC-1 were dispatched for a house fire in the 3100 block of Barton Ave. Q-14 assumed command of the incident and reported a 2 story wood frame residential structure with heavy fire showing on the C-side of the structure. A male met members of Q-14 and reported “my babies are inside”. Q-14 officer passed command to the next incoming unit and launched an interior search for the children. Q-15 performed fire attack, Q-5 performed truck company Operations, E-16 was assigned to the RIT and R-2 assisted with the search. Members of Q-5 rescued one male victim from Division 2 on the B-side of the structure using a ground ladder. One victim jumped to safety from the second floor porch area and the children safely escaped the fire. Q-6 and Q-12 were added to the assignment to provide relief for units on scene. The fire was marked under control at 0315. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.