Loudoun County Fire and Rescue

Congratulations to now Firefighter Catherine Cottone (Fire Station 26, Loudoun Heights – C-Shift) on successfully completing her probationary year with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the community!

Closed Door Limits Damage to Sterling Home After Accidental Fire

Just before 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call from a resident reporting a fire at their home in the 200 block of East Juniper Avenue in Sterling. Fire and Rescue units from Sterling Park, Cascades, Kincora, and Fairfax County, as well as command officers from both Loudoun and Fairfax were dispatched.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two-story, single-family home with smoke showing from the attached garage. Fire crews confirmed all occupants were safely out of the home and quickly extinguished the fire in the garage.

While on the initial 911 call, our ECC dispatchers directed the residents to close the interior door to the garage as they evacuated, limiting fire and smoke from spreading to the interior of the home. The simple act of closing the door can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped and unable to escape the fire.

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental, due to improperly discarded smoking materials in a trashcan inside the garage. The damage is estimated at $70,000 and two adults were displaced. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Improperly discarded smoking materials cause devastating home fires across the United States. According to the US Fire Administration, home fires started by smoking materials caused 330 deaths, 725 injuries and $368.9 billion in loss in 2020. These fires are preventable by following a few simple tips:
• If you smoke, do so outside.
• Put ci******es out all the way, every time.
• Ensure smoking materials are discarded in appropriate containers and clean them often. Never use plastic, potted plants or anything that can burn to extinguish smoking materials.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Hot ashes can smolder for days.
• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray and be sure it is placed on a surface where it will not tip over.
• Place containers away from the house. Never place containers on front porches, decks, or just outside the door.
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. For smoke alarm information, visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms or call 703-737-8093.

Join our team! 📢🚨 LCFR's Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Civilian Fire Inspector position. Learn more and apply today at https://bit.ly/482lqDf. Applications will be accepted through 12/14!

CIVILIAN FIRE INSPECTOR We are hiring for CIVILIAN FIRE INSPECTOR.

Exciting news! US 340 near Harpers Ferry is close to reopening following a major safety improvement project. The route is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Transportation's website to learn more: https://bit.ly/3t0L4Jp

US 340 near Harpers Ferry is close to reopening following a major safety improvement project where crews removed loose material from slopes and installed mesh barriers and fences. Crews are wrapping up with pavement markings and striping, which is weather dependent. The route is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 1, 2023. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3t0L4Jp

Yesterday, Chief Johnson attended the biannual Joint Northern Virginia Police Chiefs & Sheriffs and Fire Chiefs Meeting. These meetings are a great opportunity to collaborate with our regional public safety partners and highlight the importance of law enforcement and fire & EMS working together to keep our communities safe.

It’s going to be a cold night! Did you know the County Hypothermia Prevention Shelter serves single adults, aged 18 and older, who are experiencing a housing crisis resulting in homelessness? The shelter is open 5PM – 8:30AM, seven nights a week through 3/31/24. Learn more: https://t.co/4cR6hvGJR8

Loudoun County Government

Loudoun County Hypothermia Prevention Shelter Opens November 15 The shelter will be open through March 31, 2024.

We’re hiring! Become a Public Safety Telecommunicator! 📢‼️

Do you have strong communication and customer support skills? Help your community by joining our team of first responders. Learn more and apply today at https://bit.ly/3sVhEwp. Applications will be accepted through 12/19!

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR We are hiring for PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR.

Dinner with Santa!

Calendar Reminder for THIS Saturday!! Dinner With Santa following the Town Christmas Tree Lighting Event!!!!

Give the gift of life this holiday season and join us during our upcoming blood drive on December 8! Every donation of blood saves three lives here in Northern Virginia!

Sign up at https://bit.ly/3sMBslG or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) CODE 5245.

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

It’s , and today is all about celebrating acts of generosity! Make an impact in our community and consider donating to either our annual coat drive or the Toys for Tots campaign! Visit any of our fire and rescue stations to participate! 🧥🎁

LC-CFRS Annual Coat Drive: https://bit.ly/47gs0p2
Toys for Tots Campaign: https://bit.ly/46OOT38

Loudoun County Government
Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

Please join us as we congratulate two of our most recent Firefighters who have successfully completed their probationary year with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue!

- Firefighter Connor Fagan (Fire Station 27, Kirkpatrick Farms – B-Shift)
- Firefighter Michael North (Fire Station 3, Middleburg – B-Shift)

They’ve worked hard during their probationary year, and we thank them for their dedicated service to the community.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the family, friends and co-workers of Lt. Travis Traynham.

With great sadness, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announces the death of Lieutenant Travis Traynham. Lt. Traynham passed away while off-duty on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Lt. Traynham has been a valued member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department since joining in 2004. He was assigned as a Battalion 8 Relief Lieutenant, B-shift, at the time of his passing.

Lt. Traynham will be greatly missed. Fire Chief Butler and the women and men of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department extend our deepest condolences to Lt. Traynham’s family, friends, co-workers, and anyone whose life he touched.

It’s the last Friday in November! Remember to check your smoke alarms this month, if you have not already!

community members can request a free smoke alarm assessment at any time by completing the online form on our website: https://www.loudoun.gov/819/Smoke-Alarms

Join us during our upcoming blood drive on Friday, December 8, and give the gift of life this holiday season! Every donation of blood saves three lives here in Northern Virginia.

Sign up today at https://bit.ly/3sMBslG or by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) CODE 5245.

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
Inova Blood Donor Services

Happy Thanksgiving from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System! We are thankful for the dedicated men and women of the LC-CFRS and all our public safety partners working today and every day to keep our community safe!

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than 3x the daily average for such incidents. Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Follow the International Association of Fire Fighters tips below to ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday! 🦃🍽

There’s still time to drop off donations for either our annual coat drive or the Toys for Tots campaign! Visit any of our fire and rescue stations to participate! 🎁🧥

LC-CFRS Annual Coat Drive: https://bit.ly/47gs0p2
Toys for Tots Campaign: https://bit.ly/46OOT38

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

Officials Break Ground on New Aldie Fire Station

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, officials from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, Loudoun County Government, the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capitol Infrastructure (DTCI) and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors broke ground on a new fire and rescue station that will serve the residents of Aldie and the Route 50 corridor.
The new 23,000 square foot facility will replace the existing Aldie Fire and Rescue Station and provide an updated, accessible facility for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel that staff the station along with the Aldie Volunteer Fire Department. The facility will include apparatus bays, bunkroom facilities, a training room, a break room, restrooms and showers, food preparation and dining areas, laundry and decontamination areas, supply storage, a gear and hose drying area, a breathing apparatus air compressor room, a fitness room, offices, and a repair shop. Additionally, the updated technology and design of the building will provide for much needed occupational cancer protections.
“When someone calls 911 for a fire or a cardiac arrest, we have only minutes to ensure enough fire and rescue personnel and equipment arrive at the scene to get water on the fire or reach the patient to provide lifesaving emergency care, said System Chief Keith Johnson. “In addition to being a modern and safe facility for our firefighters, the location of the new fire station will facilitate the quick response times needed to protect Aldie and the surrounding community.”
To follow along with the progress and learn more about the Aldie Fire and Rescue Station project, please visit the DTCI project webpage. For information on the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System please visit loudoun.gov/fire.

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

Due to favorable weather conditions, the burn ban imposed by the LCFR Fire Marshal's Office earlier this week has been lifted, effective today, November 17, 2023. For more info about open burning regulations in , visit our website: https://loudoun.gov/openburning

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking information related to a fire that occurred on the evening of November 14, 2023, at the intersection of Rock Hill Road and Transamerica Plaza in Sterling. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Brian Beaulieu at 571-479-9105 or [email protected].

This , and every week, keep our crash responders safe by staying alert, slowing down, and moving over a lane when you encounter a roadway incident. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Remember, when you see those flashing lights, slow down and move over. It's a simple action that can make a world of difference. Let's make sure our everyday heroes return home safely. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

UPDATE (11/17/2023): Due to favorable weather conditions, the burn ban imposed by the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office earlier this week has been lifted, effective November 17, 2023.

__________________
IMPORTANT📣: Due to atmospheric conditions, the County Fire Marshal’s Office has prohibited open burning in Loudoun County, effective today, November 15, 2023, until further notice.

Anyone found burning during this prohibition may receive a Virginia Uniform Summons for prohibited burning, which is a class one misdemeanor.

For more information on open burning regulations in Loudoun County, visit our website: https://www.loudoun.gov/openburning

Loudoun County Government

No matter the destination, it’s important to practice safe driving habits, like buckling your seat belt. On this , we’re reminding you and your loved ones to wear your seat belt on each and every ride.

Today is ! Remember to always for those who love you.

Thank you to all our crash responders -- police officers, firefighters, EMTs, state highway workers, and tow truck drivers -- who risk their lives to keep us safe. We appreciate your dedicated service to the community!

🚓🔧🚑 It's Crash Responder Safety Week, and we're shining a spotlight on the heroes who rush to the scene when we need them the most. 🌟 Let's take a moment to appreciate the dedication of our crash responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, state highway workers, and tow truck drivers—who risk their lives to keep us safe. 👏

This week, we're focusing on ensuring their safety as they tirelessly work to protect and serve. 🛡️ Remember, when you see those flashing lights, slow down and move over. It's a simple action that can make a world of difference. 🚨

Let's make sure our everyday heroes return home safely to their families.

Sterling House Fire Caused by Candles

Two Sterling residents were injured after an early morning house fire that fire marshals determined was caused by unattended candles.
Just before 2:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center started receiving 911 calls for a house fire on North Fillmore Avenue in Sterling. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units from Sterling Park, Cascades, Kincora, and Fairfax County were dispatched to the incident.
Engine 611 from Sterling arrived on the scene and reported a single-family home with active fire and smoke showing from the rear of the structure. Additional units were dispatched to assist including a Rapid Intervention Task Force, the LCFR Rehabilitation Unit and the Mobile Air Unit.
All occupants were confirmed out of the house as firefighters quickly worked to locate and extinguish the fire. Crews extinguished the fire on the first floor and exterior of the home as additional crews checked for fire extension and searched for the homeowners’ missing pets. One cat was found deceased and two currently remain unaccounted for. The family dog is being cared for by personnel from Loudoun County Animal Services. The two occupants who were home at the time of the fire were both treated and transported for minor burn injuries. One firefighter was transported for evaluation after the fire. Three occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire to be accidental, resulting from unattended candles. Damages are estimated at $498,168 ($311,355 structure and $186,813 contents).
Fire officials remind residents to stay vigilant and only use candles in a safe manner. Candles should be placed on a sturdy, nonflammable surface, away from children, pets and anything that can burn. Candles require constant supervision by an adult, and you must ensure that candles are completely extinguished before leaving the area. A safer alternative is using flameless candles that still look and smell like real candles.
For additional fire prevention and life safety information visit loudoun.gov/fire or call 703-737-8600.

November 13 – 17 is recognized as Crash Responder Safety Week, and this year’s theme is “Protect Those Who Protect You”. When you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down, move over, and give first responders the space they need to safely work. 🚒🚑🚓

Protect those who protect you. Keep first responders safe – slow down and move over when passing traffic incidents. 🚒🚑🚓🚧

Happy ! We hope the festival of lights brings peace, contentment, joy and happiness your way throughout the year and in the years to come. If your celebration includes fireworks, please keep these safety tips in mind!

On this , we pause to honor and thank the brave men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces. Thank you to all our LC-CFRS members who served our country and continue their dedicated service to the community.

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System

Remember to close before you doze. 😴 Fire needs oxygen to burn and once it uses all the oxygen in one space, it will spread to another room quickly. By closing the door, you can limit the amount of oxygen fueling the fire and slow the spread.

REMINDER: Tomorrow, 11/5/23, we “Fall Back” & set our clocks back 1 hour to Eastern Standard Time! ⏰ As we do, the LC-CFRS reminds you to use this opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms.

MORE: https://www.loudoun.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=8731

, don't forget to change your clocks on Sunday, November 5! Enjoy the extra hour of sleep 😊 😴

“Fall Back” - Change Your Clocks, Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Sunday, November 5, 2023, we “Fall Back” and set our clocks back one hour to Eastern Standard Time. As we do, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) reminds citizens to use this opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for smoke. A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all!

“Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in alerting a person to the presence of smoke and fire in the home,” said Keith Johnson, Chief of the LC-CFRS. “It’s critical that these life-saving devices are tested frequently to ensure they work when you need them most.”

Remember, smoke alarms must be maintained! All smoke alarms should be tested monthly and maintained by replacing the batteries as recommended and vacuuming off any dust and debris. In smoke alarms with standard batteries, replace the batteries at least once a year. If at any time your alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the batteries right away. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Always check the manufacturer’s expiration date and specifications on the label located on the back of the alarm. Whether hardwired or battery driven, ALL smoke alarms should be completely replaced every ten years.

In addition to smoke alarms, ensure that your family is protected against Carbon Monoxide (CO). Often called the invisible killer, CO is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. It is recommended that you install CO alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on each level of your home. CO alarms should also be tested monthly, replacing the batteries as recommended by the manufacturer, and CO alarms that do not respond correctly when tested or reach the manufacturers recommended lifespan should be replaced.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue offers free home safety and smoke alarm assessments to all Loudoun County residents. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the hotline 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms . It is also critical to develop and practice a home escape plan so that everyone knows what to do if an alarm sounds. To learn about home escape planning and to get additional fire safety information, visit www.loudoun.gov/fire or call Lisa Montalvo, Public Education Manager, at 571-258-3222.

View this press release on our website: https://www.loudoun.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=8731

Last week, started fire school and practiced search and rescue, forcible entry, and ventilation. Recruits were able to cut ventilation holes in the roof prop, force entry through multiple types of doors and learn victim rescue techniques. They will be completing their first burn this week! Keep up the great work!

‘Tis the season for giving! 🎁 Beginning today, November 1, you can visit any fire and rescue station to drop off donations for either our annual coat drive or the Toys for Tots campaign! Learn more on our website.

LC-CFRS Annual Coat Drive: https://bit.ly/47gs0p2
Toys for Tots Campaign: https://bit.ly/46OOT38

Loudoun County Government
Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
Mobile Hope
One Warm Coat

And the votes are in! The winners of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) pumpkin decorating contest are...

1st Place - Pumpkin #6
2nd Place - Pumpkin #3
3rd Place - Pumpkin #2

Our telecommunicators did an excellent job decorating their pumpkins this year! Thank you to everyone that voted in our contest! Happy Halloween!

Halloween is a frightfully festive time, but it also comes with many unique fire safety considerations. We encourage community members to familiarize themselves with these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and hope everyone has a scary good Halloween! 🎃👻

Stay tuned to see who will be crowned the winner of this year's Emergency Communications Center pumpkin decorating contest. If you have not already voted, you can do so until 10:00 a.m. TODAY (10/31) by "liking" the picture of your favorite pumpkin on our previous post: https://www.facebook.com/LoudounFireRescue/posts/pfbid02hoHKjdyHrmYMiwQbeH125upwa2xy8CFYhhXF8GqwjPvsSYtmEAvUigWZZNEbHd7ol

Over the weekend, firefighters from our Middleburg station wore their breast cancer awareness shirts in support of !

Although we may be nearing the end of , you can visit the Loudoun Breast Health Network’s website year-round to learn more about their organization, services, and how you can help support Loudoun County residents who are undergoing breast cancer treatment: https://lbhn.org/

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Inova Loudoun Hospital