Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel are taught to care about the communities they serve and nearby areas. Because it is important to the county that every resident feel safe, fire and rescue teams can be dispatched to nearby incidents that are not technically in their coverage area, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue public information officer, Lt. Raul Castillo, adding this is called “crossover.” Because of this, more than one engine will respond to a major house fire or medical incident dispatch.
Due to the fact that 70-percent of emergency calls are medic-related, Station Four firefigters respond to a handfull of fire emergencies a year.
Below is a list of fires from 2003 and 2004 the firefighters responded to.
House Fire:
Wednesday, March 12, 2003, 1:40 a.m.: Units responded to a house fire.
First arriving units reported fire showing from the front of the house. The fire caused extensive damage to the first floor, second floor, and the attic area of the home. Approximately 40 department personnel responded to the house fire and firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. The occupants were not at home when the fire broke out and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilian personnel.
Damage is estimated at $175,000.
Unattended Candle:
Tuesday, June 3, 2003, 3:40 p.m.: Units responded to a house fire.
First arriving units reported heavy smoke and fire visible from the front of the structure. Firefighters brought the fire under control in 10 minutes. The home was not occupied at the time of the fire. One civilian was treated and transported to Reston Hospital for smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents, three adults and three children.
Damages are estimated at $25,000.
Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, caused by unattended candle/incense left in the bedroom.
Two-Alarm House Fire
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003, 10:50 p.m.: Units responded to a house fire.
First arriving units reported a two-story single-family home with fire showing from the side of the structure. Due to the intensity of the fire, a second alarm was dispatched, bringing approximately 50 emergency personnel to the scene.
Firefighters began an aggressive attack and extinguished the fire in approximately 45 minutes. There were no reported injuries. Two adults and three children have been displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Damage is estimated at $200,000.
According to fire investigators, the cause of the fire was accidental. Failure of the metal zero clearance fireplace assembly caused the fire.
House Fire
Wednesday, March 3, 2004 2:15 a.m.: Units responded to a house fire. First arriving units reported smoke and heavy fire visible from the first floor, second floor, and roof. The two-story home was vacant. The fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. There were no reported injuries.
Damage is estimated at $475,000.
House Fire
Thursday, April 15, 2004, 6:10 p.m.: Units responded to a house fire.
First arriving units reported heavy fire visible from one side of the structure. The fire was brought under control in approximately 25 minutes. The fire originated in the living room and extended into the attic and garage. There were no reported injuries. Two adults have been displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.
Damage is estimated at $150,000.
Two-Alarm Reston House Fire
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, 2 p.m.: Units responded to a house fire in Reston.
First arriving units reported heavy smoke visible through the roof. An additional alarm was dispatched bringing over 50 emergency personnel to the scene. Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack and brought the fire under control in approximately 80 minutes.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries, one required transportation to Reston Hospital. Two adults have been displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Damage is estimated at $500,000.
Commercial Fire
Monday, October 4, 2004, 8:20 p.m.: Units responded to a commercial building fire at a four-story building under construction.
First arriving units reported smoke visible from the front of the structure. The fire had multiple points of origin and was confined to the first level.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes. There were no reported injuries.
Damage is estimated at $50,000.