3rd Alarm Fire @ 1104 Gordon Ave

On November 1, 2014 @ 0708 crews were dispatched for a report of a warehouse fire at this location. Engine 13 arrived on scene and found a single story warehouse with heavy smoke visible from the "A" and "B" sides and immediately a working fire was declared. Rescue 1 forced entry while Engine 13 and Engine 17 attempted an interior attack. All units were pulled out after fire started ventilating from the roof and a 2nd Alarm was declared @ 0732. Truck companies worked to open up the structure for master stream devices, while ground and elevated master streams were put into place on the main fire building. Heavy fire was endangering an adjoining warehouse, multiple lines were put in place to protect this exposure and attack the initial fire which prompted the BC to declare a 3rd Alarm @ 0749. As a result, the exposure suffered only minor roof damage from the original fire. The fire crews did a great job of stopping it before it spread to adjoining warehouses which would have cause catastrophic damage. Heavy elevated and ground master streams remained in place until the fire was marked under control @ 1034.

The last crew on scene cleared up @1726; the initial warehouse which stored plastic bottles for recycling was completely destroyed, while the adjoining warehouse only suffered minor damage. There were no civilian or firefighter casualties or injuries... Weather played a major factor as wind obstructed visibility and increased the possibility of the fire spreading. Without the assistance of our partners, this fire could have gone very wrong very fast. Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities boosted hydrant water pressure to accommodate what we needed otherwise we wouldn't have had enough water to put the fire out as quickly. Richmond Police Department and Richmond Ambulance Authority provided immediate support with traffic and Medical Services. Mutual Aid coverage was provided by Henrico's Engine 18 to Station 11 and Chesterfield's Engine 11 to Station 21. VA Dominion Power assisted as well to provide electrical shut down on the property to keep all personnel on scene safe. The cause of this fire was determined to be faulty electrical equipment per the investigators.
 

 

 

 

2nd Alarm House Fire @ 3204 Chamberlayne Ave

On October 29, 2014 @ 0349 Engine 14 was dispatched on a single company assignment for smoke investigation at 3211 Chamberlayne Avenue based on caller information of a lot of smoke in the area. While approaching the 3200 Block Engine 14 advised Richmond Dispatch that there was a heavy smoke in this area and requested a full assignment to sent. Engine 14's Lieutenant walking walked towards the lower end of the 3200 block and he noticed heavy fire and smoke coming from the roof and attic dormer. A working fire was declared immediately and Incident Command was established. Based on the current condition, an intelligent decision was made as the fire was declared a defensive operation. Engine 14 stretched a leader line to the C side to darken it down so that companies could make a push once this process was completed. Truck 10 was the second company that arrived and based on the progress thus far, they were able to open the front door noticing clear visibility on both 1st and 2nd floor. Initial and final search results were negative. A transitional attack was deployed: Battalion Chief’s 1 & 2, Safety Officer, Air Light 5, Engine’s 5, 15, 16, and 18 assisted with various tasks throughout the operation as well. The fire was marked under control @ 0539 by Battalion 2. The fire was upgraded to a 2^nd Alarm for the purpose of personnel being relieved only.

2nd Alarm House Fire @ 1915 Carter St

On October 24, 2014 @ 0526 Engine 6 was dispatched to 1908 Texas Ave for a report of a structure fire. While en route, E6 received a updated location that the 1900 block of Carter Street is where the fire was located.  From miles away, Battalion Chief 3 advised that he could see a bright orange glow visible in the night sky. Engines 6 and 12 arrived simultaneously as both companies secured hydrants conducting forward lays to the structure.  The Captain of Engine 6 reported a 2 story residential structure under construction fully involved with fire. A working fire was declared, an interior attack was not feasible since the fire had fully breached the roof prior to fire personnel arriving. Engine 6 deployed 300' of 1 3/4" and 400' of 2 1/2" including two pre-connect cross lays and a leader line system with the Blitz Fire appliance as a control valve.  The fire attack was a defensive operation originating on the Alpha then Charlie side. Upon Battalion 3’s arrival and assuming Carter Street Command, he called for the 2nd Alarm be put in at 0545.  The exterior tool shed on the Bravo side was exposed flames and sustained damage to the exterior siding.  Various building supplies and finished wood products on the site were damaged by fire and the structural framework sustained heavy charring throughout the structure.  Battalion Chief 2, Safety Officer, Air Light 5, Engine’s 13, 17, 18, Truck 1 & 10, along with Rescue 2 assisted with various tasks throughout the operation as well.  The fire was marked under control @ 0624 by Battalion 3.

MDA

For six decades, fire fighters nationwide have fueled MDA's mission to find treatments and cures for life-threatening muscle diseases.  Collectively, Richmond area firefighters to include Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico Counties, along with Richmond City, pledged to raise over $225,000 (of which Richmond’s goal was $100,000) for the local families served by MDA.  The funds raised through 2014 Richmond area Fill the Boot events will help support MDA's programs of worldwide research, specialized health care services, and day-to-day support – which includes sending children affected by muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases to a weeklong, barrier-free MDA summer camp at the Airfield 4-H Conference Center in Wakefield, VA.

I’m very proud to announce that the Region raised $273,000.  The final results are in and not only did we meet our goal, we exceeded it by collecting a total of $138,845.23.  “Thanks to your teamwork, effort, and dedication to serve others” says this year’s MDA Coordinator Battalion Chief Warren A. Cersley.  A special acknowledgment goes out to Engine 13 and Rescue 1 “C” Platoon for collecting $26,458.01, this year highest individual total.

House Fire 2614 Redwood Ave

On September 11, 2014 RFD companies were dispatched for the house fire located at 2614 Redwood Ave…  Engine 11 arrived on scene, establishing command, and found a 1.5 story private dwelling with smoke showing from the “C & D” corner.  They conducted an aggressive attack, stretching a 1 ¾ attack line through the front door and encountered fire rolling out of the kitchen into the dining room.  Engine 11 darkened the fire down and moved into the kitchen extinguishing the remaining fire.  They also extinguished hot spots as Truck 1 opened up.  Truck 1 completed a primary search, which proved negative, as Engine 1 stretched a back-up line and Engine 15 established the role of RIT.  The fire was quickly brought under control as a result of a total team effort.  Fire Investigators were requested to the scene to determine a cause.  There were no casualties or injuries as Red Cross was requested and assisted the sole occupant.

9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

On September 7^th, 2014 the Richmond Fire Department hosted its 5^th Annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at the SunTrust Center located at 919 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA. These climbs are not timed race events, but a way for firefighters and members of the community to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. With the participation of first responders from multiple jurisdictions from Central Virginia, this year’s stair climb was a great success. The goal of 343 climbers was not only met but exceeded. FDNY Rescue Co. #4 was on display at the climb, which was the rig that was pulled from the rubble on 9-11 and repaired.  It now travels the country to educate, honor, and remember the fallen. A special Thanks to this year’s Coordinator RFD’s LT Mike Oprandy, all of the participants, and sponsors who all made numerous sacrifices to make this a success.