Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD

Follow Santa through Ashburn

Click here to see live updates

We will be closing tree sales tonight at 6PM so Santa's elves can help with the parade. See you at 10:00AM Sunday for the last few trees!

35 Beautiful Christmas Trees left...come on out and help us sell out today before Santa rides through Ashburn tonight!!!

Our tree lot is OPEN! It's a little foggy out, so watch for the reindeer and be safe.

Currently there will be no tree sales tonight! Please visit our lot starting at 9AM Saturday!!

UPDATE: Parade is ON!!

Link for Glympse:

http://glympse.com/BQuU-Qc9x?utm_source=glympse-invite&utm_medium=email&utm_content=url-invite-main&utm_campaign=invite

Currently the Santa parade for tonight is still on. Updates will be provided via the Glympse App starting at 5:30 if Mother Nature cooperates.
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Beautiful night to come get your Christmas tree! Were here from 6-8PM tonight, tomorrow and Friday, then again starting at 9AM Saturday. Only about 90 left!!
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Get ready for the festive fun! Santa Claus is on his way to Lansdowne and Ashburn! While his reindeers are still mastering their flight skills, the amazing volunteers of AVFRD have stepped in to chauffeur Santa through the streets, spreading Christmas joy as they go.

Catch Santa's magical ride as he departs from Station 22 in Lansdowne on Friday, December 1st at 6 pm, and from Station 6 in Ashburn on Saturday, December 2nd at 5 pm. Detailed maps and route information are provided below for your convenience.

On this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to explore two impactful ways to support Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD:

Become a Volunteer: AVFRD is welcoming applications for both Operational and Administrative roles. No prior experience is necessary for Operational members, and Administrative roles encompass areas like Marketing, IT, Financials, Event Planning, and more. Initiate the process by visiting www.joinavfrd.com.

Make a Donation: Visit ashburnfirerescue.org/go/donate to contribute. AVFRD, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, relies on community support for its daily operations. Your donation directly aids in apparatus purchases, station maintenance, volunteer recruitment and retention, and various other crucial aspects. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Christmas Tree sales were brisk this weekend and our inventory is getting low. We will be open for sales Monday through Friday 6-8PM each night, then again next weekend on Saturday 9AM -7PM or until we sell out.

Volunteers play AVFRD’s version of co****le with trunk trimmings and a burn barrel. Come out and get your tree and try your hand at this new and exciting game! Open until 6pm tonight.

Our Christmas tree lot is open and trees are selling fast! The weather might be cold, but blue skies are prevailing. Come get your tree, and a wreath and warm up next to the fire barrel while our lot attendants trim the branches and load your tree 🌲 on your vehicle!! We are open until 7pm.

AVFRD extends Thanksgiving wishes for a joyful and safe celebration from our house to yours!

Turkey fryers, while capable of cooking delicious meals, also pose several dangers if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer cooking experience.

https://youtube.com/shorts/KJe8xFUztGU?si=RKvOv-Zf6qtI6N2B

PSA | Turkey Fryer Safety 2022 Drop the beat, not the turkey this year, America! Fry your turkey safely. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed. Follow the manufacturer instructions for you...

As Thanksgiving approaches, AVFRD would like to remind you to keep fire safety in mind. By being vigilant and cautious, you can ensure a happy and safe Thanksgiving for you and your loved ones!

They're here!! Our Christmas trees have arrived all the way from North Carolina. Sales will start bright and early (9:00 AM) on Black Friday, November 24th. Last year we sold out in a week, so don't delay. As an added incentive to shop early we have coming on Friday until 1:00 PM or they sell out.

Tree Prices:
Table Top - $50
4-5' - $75
5-6' - $100
6-7' - $115
7-8' - $135
8-9' - $180
* unfortunately we did not get any of the 9'+ sizes this year

Dr. Chiantella, Chief Medical Officer at Loudoun Hospital Lansdowne, along with Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD Assistant Chief EMS Mike Walsh, recently engaged with approximately 40 Potomac Ridge residents in Lansdowne Woods. Their purpose was to discuss the post-911 experience and the subsequent procedures in the emergency department.

Assistant Chief EMS Mike Walsh provided insights into AVFRD's EMS response strategies for various medical emergencies. He highlighted that Stations 6 and 22 are staffed around the clock by both Loudoun County carrer and AVFRD volunteer crews. During his presentation, he emphasized the significance of maintaining a completed "File of Life" (a card that contains a patient's quick medical history when they are unable to offer one) at home for EMS personnel and offered an overview of the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue system.

Following this, Dr. Chiantella elaborated on what residents could anticipate upon arrival at the emergency department.

AVFRD extends its gratitude to Potomac Ridge for granting the opportunity to address their residents regarding emergency services. For those interested, "File of Life" packets can be obtained at either Station 6 in Ashburn or Station 22 in Lansdowne.

We express our gratitude to the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra for their generous support of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD. Their donation of two tickets to their upcoming "JOY" performance, accompanied by two wine mugs, added a special touch to our recent events—the Fall Open House and Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast.

During these gatherings, attendees had the opportunity to enter a drawing for this exciting prize, creating an extra layer of excitement and engagement. We are pleased to announce that the winner of the drawing, held on 11/12/2023 at AVFRD, is none other than James F. of Ashburn. Congratulations to James for being selected as the fortunate recipient of this fantastic prize.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the raffle, contributing to the success of our events. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to future collaborations that strengthen the bond between our community and its dedicated first responders.

A huge thank you to all the members and community residents who came out to our blood drive this past weekend! You all really are every day Heroes! We were able to collect over 30 units of life saving blood that will be used at local hospitals. Special shoutout to our Wednesday crew who came out in force to donate together!! If you missed donating this time, look for another event in a few months. Or if you can't wait call 1-866-256-6372 or to the website inovablood.org

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) and the Loudoun Career Firefighters Association are participating in the 76th Annual Toys for Tots Campaign, which is a wonderful initiative to bring joy to children during the holiday season.

Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD stations 6 and 22 are serving as collection sites for new and unwrapped toys from November 1, 2023, to December 2023.

If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the local Loudoun County Toys for Tots, please visit https://loudoun-va.toysfortots.org and click on the “Donate Local” red button on the top right of the page.click on the button below.

Thank you for making sure that the children in the community have a happy and memorable holiday season.

Join us at Station 6 in Ashburn for our Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast. Price includes a delicious stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, teach and coffee! VETERANS EAT FOR FREE! For more information, please visit:

www.ashburnfirerescue.org/go/pancakes

Today, we honor and celebrate our veterans, including the dedicated volunteers from AVFRD. Thank you for your service!

EXECUTIVE VP BY DAY, AVFRD FIREFIGHTER/EMT BY NIGHT

Congratulations to Richard Johnson, a dedicated volunteer member, on securing the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at National Capital Bank. Despite the demands of his daytime role, Rich remains committed to serving the Ashburn/Loudoun County community as a volunteer firefighter/EMT during his evenings and weekends with the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD. We applaud his achievements and his continued dedication to community service.

For more information about volunteering with AVFRD, please visit www.joinavfrd.com.

To get the latest updates from AVFRD, check out the November issue of the Dispatch.

https://conta.cc/3QsRBnU

Followers

Red Hats Complete VRS Training!

Under the guidance of Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department's EMT Kimia Teymouri, 14 Red Hats (new probationary volunteers) have successfully completed their Volunteer Recruit School (VRS) training, which took place at Station 6. This training is a mandatory requirement for all new operational volunteers and spans four days. On the final day of the training, volunteers must pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT). Following their successful completion of VRS, they will be assigned to their duty crews while continuing their training. Congratulations to the Red Hats on this achievement!

Quite often during our monthly business meetings we are fortunate to be able to recognize individuals on their accomplishments. Last night Josh Dumke was given his blue EMT helmet. The different colors of helmets (black, white, blue, red) are an easy way in the field to quickly recognize the role of an individual in situations where seconds count.

'Tis the time for generosity! Starting today, you can drop off your clean gently worn coats or new coats at Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD and participate in the One Warm Coat drive. Bring warmth to someone's life this winter.

Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Mobile Hope One Warm Coat

Pancake breakfast is next Sunday in honor of Veterans Day. Come out and let us cook breakfast for you and your family!

Don't forget, tomorrow (Sunday, 11/5/23), we "Fall Back" and turn our clocks back by one hour. The Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD would like to emphasize the importance of checking the batteries in your smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms. A functioning alarm can be a lifesaver! According to the NFPA, approximately 3 out of 5 fire-related deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or with non-functional ones. Moreover, over 400 individuals on average succumb to CO poisoning each year in the United States. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and CO alarms should be replaced following the manufacturer's guidelines. Don't overlook the monthly testing of both types of alarms. Remember, working alarms are a lifeline in emergencies!

We are one week away from our blood drive and still have 22 open appointments. Please, if you are able sign up and donate! Did you know that Inova Blood Donor Services is the direct supplier of blood products for the entire Inova Healthcare system? They need your help to ensure a ready supply to the patients in all the local hospitals.

Meet our Members - Chief Horvath - Operations Volunteer

AVFRD is always looking for volunteers to join our team. For more information, please visit www.joinavfrd.com.

Halloween is not just for kids! Happy Halloween!

AVFRD wants to wish everyone a Happy & Safe Halloween! Our dedicated volunteers will be cruising through the local neighborhoods tonight in fire trucks and EMS vehicles handing out candy. Make sure to stop by for some trick-or-treating fun! Stay safe out there!

Did you know that finding a spider on Halloween Night is good luck? Read below for more Halloween fun fact.

Thank you Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad for sharing!

Some fun Halloween Facts!

Halloween is a time for festive and eerie celebrations, but it can also bring along some truly spine-chilling fire safety risks. As the holiday approaches, consider these straightforward precautions to keep Halloween both enjoyable and fire-safe:

Opt for Safe Lighting: Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles to illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween decorations. This keeps the spooky atmosphere without the fire hazard.

Mind the Costumes: When selecting costumes, avoid those with long, trailing fabric that could easily catch fire.

Light Up Safely: Equip children with flashlights for visibility or incorporate glow sticks into their costumes. This ensures they're seen without the risk of open flames.

Fire-Safety Education: Teach children to stay clear of open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles inside.

Decorative Caution: Keep Halloween decorations at a safe distance from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

Clear Exit Routes: Ensure that decorations don't obstruct escape routes and exits. In addition, check that all smoke alarms are in good working order.

By following these guidelines, you can make Halloween both fun and fire-safe, ensuring a spooktacular time for everyone.

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for children, but also one of the most dangerous. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, and more than 70 percent of accidents occur away from an intersection or crosswalk. (Source: IAFF)

Below are some safety tips from Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department that can help reduce the risk of accidents on Halloween:

Stay Visible: Keep your little goblins safe with these tricks! Use reflective tape, stickers, or glow sticks to make costumes and bags stand out in the dark. Bright, reflective clothing and accessories can be a treat for enhancing visibility.

Light the Way: Don't let the darkness haunt your Halloween! Arm kids and adults with flashlights to brighten the path. It's not only spooktacular but helps drivers see you better.

Follow the Path: No tricks, just treats! Encourage kiddos to stick to sidewalks and cross at crosswalks. Avoid wandering onto the road—it's safer for everyone.

Supervised Scares: For the little ones, don't let them roam alone. Always have a responsible adult by their side. Teens in groups? Set a route and curfew for a safe return.

Traffic Smarts: No witchcraft here, just common sense. Teach kids the basics of road safety: look both ways, obey traffic signals, and stay on the right side of the road when sidewalks aren't around.

Plan Ahead: Plot your trick-or-treat course ahead of time. Stick to well-lit areas and neighborhoods with a Halloween history. Avoid the scariest of all: heavy traffic!

Drivers Beware: If you're behind the wheel on Halloween, drive with extra caution. Slow down, especially in residential areas, and be ready to stop for costumed cuties.

Say No to Masks: Masks can be spooky but limit visibility. Consider face paint or makeup as an alternative for a safer Halloween look.

Candy Check: Before indulging in your loot, examine all treats. If anything seems off or tampered with, toss it out. Safety first!

Home Sweet Safety: Make your home a safe haven for trick-or-treaters. Keep it well-lit and free from trip hazards. No one wants a real-life scare on your doorstep.

Stay safe and have a spooktacular Halloween!

Here are some great tips to stay safe this Halloween Weekend!

👻 🎃 Enjoy Halloween weekend, and remember to share these 5️⃣ safety tips with your community!