Bluefield Virginia Fire Department

Training Night with AMKUS Rescue Tools

Wednesday evening, members of the Bluefield Virginia Fire Department had the opportunity to demo several sets of AMKUS rescue tools while reviewing the fundamentals of vehicle extrication.

We would like to thank Goins Towing for generously donating a vehicle for training and providing a meal for our members. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Bill Weese from Matheny Fire & Emergency for bringing the tools to us on short notice and helping make this training possible.

The Bluefield Virginia Fire Department greatly appreciates the continued support of our community partners and neighboring agencies. Their generosity helps us provide valuable training opportunities that enhance our ability to serve and protect the citizens of our community.

Come out to Walmart tomorrow from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and check out the trucks and equipment! You will have the chance to see the apparatus up close, explore the gear we use, and meet some of our firefighters. We hope to see you there!

🚔🚒🚑 Join us for Safety Day at Bluefield Walmart on Friday, June 12, from 10 AM–1 PM!

Meet members of the Bluefield Virginia Pd, Bluefield Virginia Fire Department, Tazewell County EMS, and Tazewell County Sheriff's Department.

• Free child car seat safety checks
• Free child ID cards
• Frostbite Food Truck on site
• Family-friendly activities
• And much more!

Bring the whole family for a fun and informative day focused on safety and community!

walmart.onelink.me/UIev/WalmartLocal

This past Sunday, several members had the opportunity to gain valuable training on operating the tower, throwing ladders, and stretching attack lines. Members also completed a thorough pre-plan of one of the dormitories at Bluefield University.

Training and familiarization with the buildings in our response area help ensure we’re prepared to provide the best possible service when emergencies occur.

June 6th, 13:20, LZ set for inbound Highlands.

On Thursday, June 4th, Engine 80 and Engine 73 responded to a reported vehicle fire near the intersection of Leatherwood Lane and C. Jefferson Stafford Highway. Crews arrived to find a vehicle with heavy fire showing from the engine compartment extending into the passenger area. Engine 80 stretched an attack line and quickly knocked the fire down. Units operated on scene for approximately 45 minutes before returning to service.

Come join us again this year for our 5th annual first responder cookout, everyone is welcome! **Please note the location change for this year's event.**

This week members had the opportunity to gain valuable training in several different areas. Norfolk Southern brought their safety train into the Bluefield yard, where members attended a 4-hour rail safety course covering the basics of train derailments and related hazards.

Then on Wednesday night, members conducted an after-action review on a call from earlier in the week involving a male victim trapped under a truck, which required the use of airbags and cribbing to safely lift the vehicle.

Every day this job presents a chance to learn something new, and this week provided a lot of valuable lessons that help keep our members prepared.

We have seen a pickup in responses this week. A few notable calls include:

5/18 at 21:18 — Rescue 70, Engine 80, and Command 71 responded to the 100 block of South College Avenue for a juvenile pinned underneath a truck. Units arrived to find a responsive male trapped from the waist up. Crews utilized air bags to lift the truck and safely free the patient. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.

5/19 at 15:30 — Rescue 70, Engine 80, and Engine 77 were dispatched to the area of the Valero on 460 for a dump truck versus crash cushion accident. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained.

5/19 at 19:50 — Engine 80 and Engine 73 responded to the 1900 block of Valley Dale Street for reports of a trash compactor fire. Units arrived quickly, extinguished the fire, and performed extensive overhaul to ensure the fire was completely out.

As the weather continues to warm up and more people get outside to enjoy activities, we encourage everyone to stay safe and be mindful of their surroundings. We hope everyone has a great summer, and as always, our crews are ready when the call comes in.

Last night at our weekly meeting, members trained on the fundamentals of RIT operations. RIT, or “Rapid Intervention Team,” is a dedicated crew assigned to respond when a firefighter becomes lost, trapped, injured, or goes down inside a structure fire.

These skills are critical to the safety of our personnel and require constant training, teamwork, and communication. It’s one of those situations we prepare for extensively, while hoping we never have to put it into action.