RFD Receives Governor's Fire Service Awards

On Saturday, February 26, the 2010 Governor’s Fire Service Awards were presented to recipients in eight categories during the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association’s Expo & Symposium opening ceremonies. The event was held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Governor's Fire Service Awards were established in 2002 as a formal recognition of excellence in Virginia's Fire Services. Nominees are carefully reviewed and selected by the Virginia Fire Services Board Executive Committee and forwarded to the Governor through the Secretary of Public Safety for final approval. The awards are presented annually each February.

This year we were fortunate to receive two of the eight awards. The Fire Prevention Division received the award for Excellence in Virginia’s Fire Prevention for their programs and accomplishments. The Metro Richmond Fire Training Chiefs received the award for Excellence in Virginia’s Fire Service Training relating to the regional training initiative. It is quite an honor to be recognized by our peers and receive these awards. Please take a minute to congratulate the staff members from both Divisions on their accomplishments.

Vehicle Into A Building

On February 14th at 1110 hours Rescue 1 was dispatched to 1602 Jennie Scher Road for a vehicle into an apartment building. A contractor that was cutting down trees indicated that they parked the truck and set the brake and was loading the truck when it rolled into the building. No one was injured. The building official did condemn the building. Rescue 1 cleared at 1340 hours.

Busy Day For Richmond Fire

Valentine’s day proved to be a very busy day for Richmond Fire starting just before 9:30 a.m. when units were dispatched to the 3400 block of W. Franklin Street for a house fire. Engine 18 arrived on scene with a 2-story masonry constructed house with heavy smoke showing. Units entered the house and found fire in a room in the rear of the house. The fire was contained to room of origin. Several animals were rescued from the house. The fire was marked under control at 10:10 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At 10:49 a.m. units were dispatched to 7101 Forest Hill Ave for a report of a ½ acre brush fire. Battalion 4 was in the area and arrived on scene within two minutes of the call and requested two more units to assist Q-20 with the fire. E-22, Brush 22, Quint 23, Quint 25 and Foam Tanker 25 were added to the assignment. The fire was marked under control at 11:17 a.m.

Early Morning Fire Claims A Life

Richmond Fire units were dispatched to the 1800 block of Peter Paul Blvd at 12:13 a.m. for a reported house fire.  Quint 11 arrived on scene with smoke showing from a brick rancher.  Units forced the front door and found a victim a few feet inside the door.  The victim was removed and declared dead at the scene.  The fire was marked under control at 12:36 a.m.  The fire is under investigation.

Two Escape House Fire without Injury

On Sunday, January 23 at 1621 hours Quint Companies 14, 11, 16, 6, Rescue 2, Safety 2 and Battalion Chief 2 responded for a report of a house fire in the 2900 block of Woodcliff Ave. Q-14 arrived on scene with a two-story wood frame structure with heavy fire showing from the C-side. Q-14 established a water supply and took command launching an aggressive interior fire attack.  The occupant of the house was able to safely escape the structure with his pet. The fire was marked under control at 1711 hours. The Red Cross assisted two residents as a result of this fire. The fire is under investigation.

Two Escape Cooking Fire

On Monday, January 10th, 2010 at 1643 hours Quint 22, Quint 17, Quint 20, Quint 23, Rescue 3, Safety 2 and Battalion Chief 3 were called to 2918 Bertram Road for the reported kitchen on fire. Q-22 arrived on scene with fire showing from the B/C corner of a masonry-constructed rancher. Q-22 established command of the incident and launched an aggressive interior attack. Q-17 arrived shortly after securing a second hydrant and laid into the scene and performed Truck Operations as Q-20 was assigned the Rapid Intervention Team. Q-23 assisted with interior operations. Two people were at home when the fire started and were able to escape the fire without injury.

The working fire was declared bring in E-13, Q-24, Air Light 5 and BC-4. The fire was marked under control at 1704 hours. The fire was ruled accidental. The Red Cross was called to assist four people from this incident.

Two Escape Late Night Fire in Richmond

At 11:20 p.m. Richmond Fire units were alerted to a house fire at the intersection of 2nd Ave and Pulaski. Q15 arrived on scene in less than 2 minutes and reported heavy fire showing from side-A on the second floor of a two story wood frame structure. Q-15 and Q-14 launched an aggressive interior attack as Quint 5 performed truck company operations and Engine 6 was established as the Rapid Intervention Team. Rescue 2 performed a search of the house. Battalion 1 arrived on scene and assumed command of the incident.

Battalion 2, Q-16, E-11, and Air Light 11 was added to the working fire assignment. Heavy fire forced crews to evacuate the structure and begin defensive operations. The fire was marked under control at 12:06 a.m. Crews remained on scene unit 3:00 a.m.

The Red Cross was called in to assist the family. The fire is ruled accidental, electrical in nature.