Anyone who recognizes the individuals or who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Captain Tim Palmer with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation Section at (571) 221-1049 or timothy.palmer@fairfaxcounty.gov. Your tips can remain anonymous!
By: Battalion Chief Rocco Alvaro Professional Development Section – FCFRD Training Division
Recently, the Professional Development Section hosted a Career Pathways Open House at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy. The open house provided an opportunity for all department personnel to explore career options within the fire and rescue department.
Numerous department resources and staff were available to answer questions, provide mentorship, and share the many experiences that make our department among the very best. This non-traditional event allowed our newest recruits, along with our most tenured personnel, to meet face-to-face, conduct research, explore numerous internal careers, and network with staff from all bureaus, groups, and department services.
This two-day event was a tremendous success that fostered new connections, promoted numerous internal opportunities, and created future pathways toward career success. Participants included:
Employee Sections
Communications Section
Driver Training Unit – Field Training
Fire Marshal’s Office – Fire Prevention
Hazardous Materials Section
Technical Rescue Section
Urban Search & Rescue Team
Virginia Commonwealth University – Paramedic Program
Fire Chief’s Equity and Inclusion Council
Employee Services/Support
Chaplains
High School Explorer’s Program
FIRST Team – Fire & Rescue Support Team
Health & Wellness Section
Honor Guard
High School Cadet Program
Peer Support Team
Public Information Office
Professional Development Section
Recruitment Section
Employee Groups
Asian Firefighters Association
Fairfax Women’s Association
Fairfax Hispanic Firefighters
LGBTQ Firefighters
Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics – Local 2068
As McLean Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) celebrates its centennial, this brief video shares the story of their 100 years of service to the community. It honors a culture of volunteerism that inspires all who work out of Station 1 in McLean.
MVFD thanks the community for their continued support. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department thanks MVFD for being fantastic public safety partners through the years. Happy Anniversary!
By now, many Fairfax County residents have seen the devastating images from Florida. It is natural to want to help. If you choose to donate in any way, here are a few ways to make sure your donation makes an impact.
Monetary Donations
Before making a monetary donation do your research and determine whether the organization has a proven track record of delivering aid to those in need.
Beware of phone calls and emails soliciting donations.
Avoid unfamiliar organizations and websites. It is an unfortunate reality that charity scams pop up after major tragedies. Charity scams can have websites that look official with donation pages, but in reality are scams.
Volunteer
If you wish to volunteer your time, make sure you are doing so as part of a recognized response or relief agency. Places such as Volunteer Florida has provided a list of volunteer opportunities, both in-person and virtual.
Donate blood
The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations in the wake of Hurricane Ian, according to its website. You can find a blood drive in your area by searching your ZIP code here or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
On Wednesday, September 28, at 1:46 a.m., units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and the Arlington County Fire Department were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 6900 block of Birch Street, in the McLean area of Fairfax County.
Units arrived on the scene of a two-story, single-family home with fire showing. Crews worked quickly to control the fire in under 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the family dog perished in the fire. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.
Four occupants were home at the time of the fire. The homeowners discovered the fire when they woke up to their dog barking, and the smoke alarms sounding. Upon investigation, fire was seen in the kitchen. One occupant called 9-1-1 while another tried to rescue the dog. All occupants self-evacuated prior to fire department arrival.
Fire Investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and started on the rear deck. The cause of the fire was an unattended barbeque/meat smoker.
Four occupants were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $156,000.
In celebration of Fire Prevention Week (October 9 – 15, 2022), all Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Stations will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Stop by your local station that day to meet your firefighters and paramedics, join in the activities, learn about fire safety, see the fire trucks and ambulances.
By: Battalion Chief Rodney S. Vaughan
Field Training Section – Training Division
On Monday, September 12, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Field Training Section conducted a live training burn utilizing an acquired structure (house) located in the Town of Vienna. The Field Training section rotated crews through live fire training burns focusing primarily on interior fire behavior. Firefighters, led by an instructor, had an opportunity to observe a fire’s progression. Of particular importance, crews observed how air flow, through different openings, effects the fire’s behavior based on its location inside the house.
Once this was training activity was completed, additional firefighters focused on fire attack (extinguishing the fire). The day was a tremendous success and involved more than 30+ operational firefighters and 15+ training personnel.
This invaluable training was possible because of the FCFRD Acquired Structures Program. The program provides a valuable hands-on experience for all members of FCFRD. You can learn more about the program here: Acquired Structures Program.
This week, FCFRD Field Training hosted “Morning with a Mechanic”. Emergency Vehicle Technician David Wright provided practical instruction to firefighters who drive, or are learning to drive, fire trucks. Topics included apparatus maintenance, inspection, and problems frequently encountered by driver/operators. The training was held under a reserve Engine. Students were encouraged to bring questions and share what they learned with their shift back at the fire station. Watch!
Fire Investigators are seeking the public’s help in obtaining information regarding an arson that occurred in the basement of a home under construction sometime between the evening on Monday, August 15, and the early morning on Tuesday, August 16, in the 11500 block of Leehigh Drive in the Fairfax area.
Around 9:00 a.m., workers arrived and discovered a large, stacked pile of 2×4 finished lumber smoldering in the basement. At 9:11 a.m., fire department units responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the smoldering pile of lumber before it became a larger fire. A few cans of original flavor Twisted Tea were found at the scene.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Captain Tim Palmer with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation Section at (571) 221-1049 or timothy.palmer@fairfaxcounty.gov. Your tips can remain anonymous!
We Are Hiring! No experience? No problem! Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department trains YOU! Join our team of world class, tactical athletes who respond to complex fire, medical, hazardous materials, and technical rescue emergencies. There is no off-season for our firefighters and paramedics! Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department focuses on fitness and wellness training throughout your career and into retirement.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department News 