VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 7, No. 5
Story on pages 20 & 21. - Photos courtesy of VA TF-1 USAR & LACoFD
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October/November 2026
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Richmond & Mutual Aid Halt Church Fire Richmond Fire Department crews responded to a second-alarm fire at a vacant church on 28th Street. See story on page 4
Quick Stop by Fairfax County Crew Crews operated at the scene of a house fire near Onondio Circle SE and Aponi Road SE in Vienna. See story on page 12
Galax Stops Extension with Help from Homeowner Galax firefighters operated at a structure fire on the 400 block of Berkshire Road. See story on page 14
Wildfire in Coastal Marsh Burned Over 300 Acres The Virginia Department of forestry and area volunteer firefighters responded to a wildfire on the Accomack County bayside. See story on page 18
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES, Graphic Artists DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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2 Fatalities at Newport News Residential Blaze The Newport News Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire. See story on page 22
Barn Destroyed in Prince George County Fire A barn was destroyed in an early morning fire in Prince George County. See story on page 24
PLUS: The Virginia Firefighter . . . . . . . . . . . pages 7-11 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 26 & 28 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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Richmond & Mutual Aid Halt Church Fire Richmond Fire Department crews responded to a second-alarm fire at a vacant church on 28th Street. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with mutual aid partners from Chesterfield County Fire and EMS and Henrico County Division of Fire, the fire was quickly contained and neighboring homes were protected. - Photo courtesy Richmond FD
Brush Fire Along Train Tracks in Hickory Area Chesapeake Fire Department (CFD) units responded to a report of multiple brush fires along the train tracks in the Hickory area. Emergency Communications received multiple calls reporting smoke and flames visible along the train tracks stretching from Mount Pleasant Road to Etheridge Manor Boulevard. Firefighters were dispatched at 1158 hours on August 23, 2026, and arrived to find multiple brush fires burning along the tracks over several miles. Due to the distance involved, multiple units, including several brush trucks, were needed to contain the fires. Crews quickly contained the fires to protect nearby residences and property. There were no injuries reported. - Photo courtesy Chesapeake FD
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Tree Down, Ammo Cooking Off, Fireworks, Make for a Sketchy Fire Fight On July 7, 2026, Company 13 was notified of smoke in the area of Richmond Highway and Oxford Furnace Road. Attack 13 and Tanker 13-3 responded after just clearing a previous call in Appomattox for a possible residential structure fire. Units arrived to find a tree across the driveway and removed it. T 13-3 arrived and proceeded up the cleared driveway with A-13. Units arrived at the house to find heavy fire through the roof adding Company 16 and Monelison. Crews deployed multiple attack lines from T 13-3 and made entry into the residence. Additional companies would later be requested for tankers and manpower due to the extreme heat. Interior crews were met with heavy fire inside with fireworks and ammunition going off at one point. All residents were confirmed not at home at the time of the fire. Several family pets did not make it. Crews operated for several hours completing fire extinguishment and overhaul. - Submitted by Ryan Davis
Quick Stop by Fairfax County Crew Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews operated on the scene of a house fire near Onondio Circle SE and Aponi Road SE in Vienna. Just after 1708 on August 10, 2026, units responded for reports of a house on fire. Arriving crews observed fire showing from the side of a two-story home and a gas-fed fire on the exterior. Firefighters were able to quickly secure utilities and extinguish the fire. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. - Photo courtesy Fairfax County FR
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Galax Stops Extension with Help from Homeowner Galax firefighters operated at a structure fire in the 400 block of Berkshire Road. Arriving units found an outbuilding fully involved within three feet of a residence. The homeowner worked hard with a garden hose to protect the house. Engine 2 pulled one 1-3/4 inch line and made quick work of the fire. The residence was checked for extension, which proved negative - Photo courtesy Galax FD
Foxchase Shopping Center Electrical Fire On August 25, 2026, the Alexandria Fire Department responded to the rear of Foxchase Shopping Center for a reported outside electrical fire. A tractor-trailer making a delivery to Harris Teeter accidentally struck an electrical service drop, pulling the lines away from the building. The damaged, energized lines began arcing and ignited nearby combustibles, spreading the fire to multiple dumpsters, a vehicle and wooden fencing. Fire suppression efforts were delayed approximately one hour while the power company worked to de-energize the lines. The fire was accidental. No injuries were reported, and no buildings sustained fire damage. - Photo courtesy Alexandria FD
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Wildfire in Coastal Marsh Burned Over 300 Acres The Virginia Department of forestry and volunteer firefighters from Onancock, Painter, Melfa and Wachapreague responded to a wildfire on the Accomack County bayside. The fire burned more than 300 acres before firefighters completed containment lines. The fire began in an isolated marsh before winds pushed it ashore. While firefighters worked to keep the flames from spreading further onto land, a single-engine air tanker (SEAT) dropped water on inaccessible areas and provided aerial reconnaissance. “Believe it or not, wildfires are a regular occurrence in the marshes of Virginia’s Eastern Shore,” said DOF Area Forester Robbie Lewis. “The coastal landscape has plenty of highly flammable fuels, including wax myrtle, invasive phragmites and abundant dead plants that have been killed by salt exposure. Combined with access challenges and steady winds from the bay and ocean these wildfires can be tricky to contain. Thanks to a team effort between DOF and our local partners, this fire did not damage any homes or structures.” - Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry
Resident Hospitalized, Several Animals Rescued Following Hampton House Fire One resident was hospitalized and several animals were rescued following a house fire in Hampton, according to the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue (HDFR) which reportedly received a call at approximately 0835 hours for a residential structure fire in the 0 block of Gibson Road. Firefighters arrived minutes later and found smoke coming from a single-story home. Fire officials said crews launched an aggressive fire attack and searched the residence, bringing the blaze under control within a short period of time. One resident was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries from smoke inhalation. Several animals were rescued by firefighters and reunited with assistance from the Hampton Animal Rescue Team and neighbors. - Photo courtesy Hampton Division FR
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Cover Story
VA Task Force 1 Deploys to Colombia Following Deadly Earthquake
Members of Virginia Task Force 1 deployed to Colombia to assist local authorities following the powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck the country on August 10, 2026. The Fairfax County-based urban search-and-rescue (SAR) organization deployed a 10-member disaster coordination and structural engineering assessment team as part of the United States Government’s international response. The specialized contingent was operating as USA-1 under activation by the US Department of State. The deployment is listed by Virginia Task Force 1 as an Americas
Support Team mission. Rather than sending a full heavy-rescue complement, the task force dispatched specialists capable of helping coordinate urban SAR resources, evaluating damaged buildings and supporting communications between responding agencies. The Virginia personnel are working with Colombian emergency services and other international responders as authorities continue assessing widespread destruction across western and central portions of the country. A second 10-member American technical support team deployed from Los Angeles County. The USA-2 contingent included continued on next page
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VA Task Force 1 Deploys to Colombia Following Deadly Earthquake continued from previous page
seven members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and three structural specialists from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Although smaller than the full urban SAR teams commonly seen during catastrophic deployments, the two American technical teams bring extensive experience in managing complex disaster operations. Structural specialists can help determine whether damaged buildings are safe for rescuers to enter, identify collapse hazards and recommend stabilization measures. Coordination personnel can also assist authorities with organizing search teams, equipment and information from multiple responding agencies. The earthquake caused major structural damage, numerous building collapses and significant loss of life. Rescue and recovery operations
have continued amid repeated aftershocks, unstable structures and disruptions to roads and other infrastructure. Virginia Task Force 1 is sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and is one of the nation’s most experienced international urban SAR organizations. Its personnel have responded to earthquakes, hurricanes, building collapses and other disasters throughout the United States and overseas. The Colombia assignment follows several recent international missions by the task force, including responses to the June 2026 earthquake in Venezuela, Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica in 2025 and the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. - Photos courtesy of VA TF-1 USAR & LACoFD
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2 Fatalities at Newport News Residential Blaze At approximately 0200 hours in the 100 block of Cindy Circle, the Newport News Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire. Upon arrival, the crews found the structure fully involved in flames. Initial deployment of lines was attempted; however, due to two structural collapses, exterior operations had to be initiated. Fire crews on scene worked to extinguish the flames from a defensive position. Once the fire was knocked down to an operable position, fire crews began completing internal extinguishment. Three occupants were able to make it out of the home safely. Unfortunately, two occupants did not make it out of the home. Currently, the fire continues to be under investigation. - Photo courtesy NNFD
Rescues at Norfolk House Fire Norfolk Fire Rescue responded to multiple calls for a structure fire with possible victims in the 300 block of East Evans Street. Engine 13 arrived close to three minutes later to find a large volume of fire showing from a two-story Cape-Cod-style residence and immediately conducted a vententer-search, rescuing one victim through a first-floor window. The victim was transported to Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. A second person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. One firefighter was transported for evaluation with non-life-threatening injuries. An adjacent home sustained exterior damage. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy NFR
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Little Fork Handles Vehicle Fire On August 15, 2026, Little Fork volunteers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire on Rixeyville Road at Old Barn Road. Units arrived to find a pickup burning. The fire was extinguished within a few minutes of arrival. Wagon 9 and Ambulance 9-1 responded. - Photo courtesy Little Fork FR
Barn Destroyed in Prince George County Fire A barn was destroyed in an early morning fire in Prince George County, according to Prince George County Fire and EMS. The department reported that firefighters responded to the 9400 block of Hollywood Drive at approximately 0530 for a reported brush fire that was later upgraded to a structure fire after the caller reported a barn was on fire. Officials said crews established a rural water supply because there were no hydrants in the area. Firefighters reportedly deployed hoselines and launched an exterior attack to contain the blaze, protect nearby structures and prevent the fire from spreading. The fire was brought under control and extinguished after crews accessed the barn and put out the remaining hot spots, according to officials. No injuries were reported, and officials said the barn was considered a total loss. - Photo courtesy Prince George County Fire & EMS
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Training
Alexandria Marine Ops Team at Multi-Agency Practice
Our Marine Operations Team and Inland Water Rescue Team 201 supported helicopter hoisting, swimmer recovery, patient basrecently joined the US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and US Park ket loading, and water safety operations. Police for a multi-agency training on the Potomac River. Fire Boat - Photos courtesy Alexandria FD
The Tools Change, But the Mission Doesn’t A-Shift crews from Stations 4 and 7 put in the work with forcible entry training and the new Holmatro T1 tool. This piece of equipment allows firefighters to cut, wedge, ram, spread, hammer and lift. - Photo courtesy Roanoke Fire & EMS
VDFP, Surry County Entry Level Vehicle Rescue Practice Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations collaborated with Surry County on delivering a Passenger Vehicle Awareness, Operations, and Technician program on August 15-16, 2026. This 16-hour course provided the entrylevel rescuer with classroom and practical training in common passenger vehicle rescue. This course meets the requirements for NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, Chapter 8 and the students will perform at the Passenger Vehicle Awareness, Operations, and Technician Levels as specified in NFPA 2500/1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, Chapter 8. Special thanks to Kinsey Chilcutt, Executive Assistant with Surry County Emergency Management for assisting with and securing required locality logistics. - Photo courtesy VDFP
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Celebrating 50 Years Training of Service Norfolk Water Rescue Training
Blairs Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1976 in response to a devastating fire at a local sawmill. At that time, the Blairs community received fire suppression services from neighboring Chatham and Mount Hermon. Marshall Kendall, a prominent citizen, owner of the sawmill and member of the local Ruritan Club introduced the idea of forming a fire department to his fellow Ruritans. In the late summer of 1976, members of the Blairs Ruritan Club began formally organizing what would become the Blairs Volunteer Fire Department. The Club purchased and converted the former ESSO Service Station located on Highway 29 in the heart of the Blairs district to serve as the first firehouse. The initial apparatus, to include a pumper and tanker, were designed a constructed by the membership. In 1978, the department purchased its first new and commercially constructed apparatus. The John Bean/Ford pumper was secured from Slagle’s Fire Equipment located in South Boston, Virginia. In response to changing community needs, the department initiated a first responder program in 1985 to respond to priority medical calls. The purchase of a response car facilitated providing prompt emergency medical response, as transport services were provided by neighboring Danville Life Saving Crew and Chatham Rescue Squad. In 1999, Blairs VFD purchased its initial set of extrication tools, and members were trained in their operation. In 2001, Blairs VFD constructed a new station that continues to serve as its home today. The donated property and new facility placed the station in a more strategic location in the service district. In 2004, the membership again answered the call from their community by purchasing its first ambulance and beginning ALS transport services. Today, Blairs Fire and Rescue continues to proudly serve its community. The agency provides fire suppression, technical rescue and EMS transport services with a complement of 11 apparatus thatrinclude an engine, rescue, ladder, brush truck, support vehicles, and two ALS transport ambulances. The membership has grown to more than 60 highly trained fire and EMS personnel who responded to more than 1900 calls for service in 2025. Blairs Fire and Rescue is consistently among the highest call volume agencies in Pittsylvania and continues to meet the challenges of the modern Fire/EMS service. The department continues to proudly serve the community in which they reside and credit the success of the agency to the membership, their families and the unwavering support of the community. - Submitted by Blairs VFD
Norfolk crews headed to Lake Whitehurst for some water rescue training. They reviewed the fundamentals of “Reach, Throw, Row, Go,” practiced throw-rope techniques, got in some swimming, and sharpened their boat operations skills aboard the Zodiac. Training like this helps keep the crew ready for whatever conditions hurricane season may bring. - Photos courtesy Norfolk FR
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A Look at What it Takes Virginia Department of Fire Programs was pleased to welcome members of the General Assembly to Virginia Beach for a live fire burn exercise with new firefighter recruits. Delegates Phil Hernandez and Anne Ferrell Tata, Senator Christie Craig, and Brenda Roberts from Congresswoman Jen Kiggans’ office joined VDFP Acting Executive Director Jamey Brads, along with members of the Chesapeake Fire Department and Virginia Beach Fire Department, for a discussion on fire and rescue training and the challenges facing the fire service. They also had the opportunity to observe the critical hands-on training firefighters undergo to protect communities across the Commonwealth. - Photo courtesy VDFP
Happy Birthday, Smokey First appearing on a wildfire prevention poster in August of 1944, Smokey Bear is now celebrating 82 years of wildfire prevention! - Photo courtesy VA Department of Forestry
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Rebecca Smith New Division Chief of VFMA The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) is pleased to announce Rebecca ‘Becky’ Smith as the new Division Chief of the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy (VFMA). In this role, Smith will oversee the VFMA and its efforts to provide high-quality professional training and development opportunities, including Basic Law Enforcement for fire marshals, fire inspectors and
investigator programs across Virginia. Smith brings 23 years of fire service experience to VDFP, with the majority of her career spent serving the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department at Stations 1 and 4. She’s also served in the Fire Marshals Office starting 2018 and ended her career as Battalion Chief Law Enforcement Fire Marshal. - Photo courtesy VDFP
RFD Teaches Emergency Skills to Teachers Richmond Fire Department (RFD) helped Richmond teachers strengthen their emergency preparedness skills by completing CPR training, EpiPen training, and other emergency response skills through the RFD C.A.R.E.S partnership, which helps Richmond Public School (RPS) teachers maintain critical certifications while also supporting the Richmond Fire Department’s goal of ensuring a more safe and prepared community. We’re grateful to all of our RPS partners and RFD members who came together to bring this valuable resource to the community. - Photo courtesy Richmond FD
KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through community-directed living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC. The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell. Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and well-being of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.” In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities: ·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer. ·Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful (and both parents in law enforcement) who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor. ·John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic. ·Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received
his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist. About Kidneys for Communities Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients, increasing the likelihood that a life-saving kidney can be directed to a fellow community member in need. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website. Photo Caption: Kidneys for Communities bestowed the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) with a National Community Impact Award. Pictured (left to right) are: kidney recipient Daulton “DJ” Riddell; kidney donor Lucas Gorelick; kidney recipient John Duncan; kidney recipient Venedo Alcazar; Kidneys for Communities CEO Atul Agnihotri; CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell; NAC Chair and CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence Preet Bassi (holding award); NAC Vice Chair and Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association Vickie Pritchett (holding award); CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director, First Responder Engagement & Strategy, Kidneys for Communities.
25 YEARS LATER, WE’RE STILL CLIMBING We climb to honor the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. We climb for the firefighters who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses. And we climb to ensure their courage, service, and sacrifice are never forgotten. Each 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is more than a physical challenge. By ascending or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, participants symbolically complete the journey those firefighters began as they raced upward to save others.
This year, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, every step carries added significance. Your participation helps preserve the memory of those we lost while supporting those who continue to bear the weight of 9/11. From August through November, join thousands across the country in making the climb. Participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb near you, including special Retro Fitness Stair Climb events on September 11 at 75 locations, and help carry this legacy forward.