Wednesday, February 15, 2012 The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2012 – the start of spring fire season in Virginia. This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 – April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property. Burning of leaves, yard waste or trash continues to be the major cause of wildfires in Virginia. These "debris" fires can easily escape unless proper precaution is taken.
Saturday, January 14, 2012 2357 HRS - Bedford Communications alerted Companies 2 (Big Island-First Due), 3 (Boonsboro-2nd Due), and 1 (Bedford-RIT) for a structure fire. Communications advised that a motorist called the fire in, but did not stop to see what the structure was. Command 2, FC2 (B. Cocke) was the first to arrive. FC2 advised the structure was a 40X20 barn containing hay, old tractor tires, and a 4X4 John Deere tractor. E2 arrived next and pulled lines and began fighting the fire. With help from B3 and W1 the fire was brought under control at 0030 hrs. The structure and it's contents were a total loss. After a lengthy overhaul all units returned to service at 0204 hrs. Apparatus on scene: C2, E2, T2, M14-1, W1, B3, U2, B2, County 10. Total Co. 2 personnel: 15.
Monday, January 9, 2012 2106 hrs - Bedford Communications dispatched companies 1 (Bedford 1st due), 2 (Big Island 2nd due), and 5 (Forest RIT) to 1209 Welsh Road for a reported residential structure fire. P2 with 3 and T2 w/ 2 responded and as they approached the scene Command (AC1 -Stevens) advised the fire was under control. Command then had P2 and T2 shuttle water for overhaul. Collectively, Co. 2 delivered nearly 9,000 gallons of water to the scene. At 2322 hours all Co. 2 units were back in service.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 1435 hrs - Bedford Communications dispatched Co. 2 to assist Rockerbridge County Co. 2 (Glasgow FD) on a structure fire. Tanker 2 with 2 arrived to find a single story, masonry, commercial structure with smoke showing from sides Alpha and Bravo. Crews from Rockerbridge County Co. 2 (Glasgow FD), Co. 10 (Buena Vista FD), Co. 11 (Natural Bridge FD) and Co. 9 Lexington FD) in a defensive attack. Big Island Tanker 2 supplied water to Truck 2 which fed the various hand lines along with a Blitz Fire attachment. Tanker 2 returned to service at 1655 hrs. This was just in time to catch the first due chimney fire, with reported fire showing dispatched at 1658 hrs.
Sunday, December 18, 2011 1550 - At 1550 hours Bedford Communications dispatched Co. 2 for a car fire on Melody Lane. E2 (w/4) was first arriving to find a single vehicle away from any exposures and no one inside. The crew from E2 was able to contain the fire to only the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished and all units returned to service. Units operating on scene: E2, C2, and T2.
Monday, December 5, 2011 On Monday, December 5th the Big Island Volunteer Fire Department held it's annual elections. The officers for 2012 are as follows: Line Officers Chief: Brandon Cocke, Deputy Chief: Clint Dudley, Assistant Chief: Bailey Branch, Captain: Frank Branch, Lieutenant: Jimmy Childress, 2nd Lieutenant: Taylor Neas, EMS Officer: Mel Nowlin Administrative Officers: President: Gary Tomlinson, Vice President: Don Cocke, Secretary: Allen Gunter, Communications: Taylor Neas, Chaplain: John Robert Rusher
Saturday, December 3, 2011 1734 - Bedford Communications dispatched Co. 3 (Boonsboro FD), Sq. 3 (Boonsboro RS), and Sq. 2 (Big Island EC) to a single car MVC versus a tree, overturned with entrapment. The reported crash site was on Lee Jackson Hwy in the area of Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center. At 1747 hours Assistant Chief 3 (M. Litchford) added Co. 2 to the incident for requesting additional manpower. At 1800 hours E2 arrived and went to work with R3 on the extrication. The operator of the vehicle was severely trapped and required an extended extraction. After 2 hours of extrication the operator was freed and loaded in M33 and transported to LGH ED. Co. 2 returned to service at 2026 hours with 9 firemen. Apparatus on scene: R3, M22, E2, M33, P2, and County 10 (E. Witt).
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 The Big Island Christmas Parade will be held this Sunday, December 4th at 3:00pm. The parade will begin on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Visitors Center, south on Lee Jackson Hwy (Rt. 501) and end at the entrance to Georgia Pacific. Everyone come on out to see the antique vehicles, floats, LHS marching band, and of course some of Central Virginia's finest Fire and EMS vehicles. Some of the more popular places to view the parade are at the intersection of Lee Jackson Hwy (Rt. 501) and Big Island Hwy (Rt. 122), The Big Island Emergency Crew, the Big Island Post Office, the old First Citizens Bank, and of course the Big Island Vol. Fire Department. As always, we expect a visit from the jolly old fella himself, Santa Claus. Santa will be arriving by his trusty reindeer and sleigh on the Parkway. He will then stop by the firehouse to listen to what the kids, and young at heart want for Christmas. Ole St. Nick will also hand out gifts to each child. And as always, please remember the real "reason for the season".
Saturday, November 26, 2011 1530-Members of BIVFD decided to get together today for a little football. The guys got to watch the UVA vs VT game while snacking on pizza, hot wings, and bread sticks. Engine 2 was staffed and ready to go during the entire time. In the first quarter our brothers from the St. Charles VFD (Lee County VA) stopped by. We enjoyed their visit and look forward to seeing them again.
Monday, November 14, 2011 1500 Hours-Blue Ridge Parkway maintenance workers using a tractor with a boom axe to cut the banks of the road, sparked a small fire at MP 73 of the Parkway. Park Ranger Z. Cunningham requested Co. 2 and Co. 1 (Bedford FD) to be dispatched jointly due to the high winds the area was experiencing. Z. Cunningham arrived first and established command. Command reported to have approx. 5 acres of active, rapid spreading fire. By the time B2 arrived, just a few moments later Command advised due to the conditions, which included active rock slides we would merely monitor the fire until the arrival of the federal fire crew. Command held B2, B2a, & B1 while returning T2, W1, B1a, & C3 to service. All Bedford County resources were returned to service after the briefing with the federal fire crew at approx. 1700 hours.
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