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AIRPLANE FIRE SIMULATOR COMES TO MANASSAS

June 25, 2008 – Today Manassas Firemen took part in a Fire Tactics on Aircraft training class presented by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Crews practiced extinguishing fires in several different scenarios: Brake and tire fires, engine fires, and cabin fires. Crews also practiced proper stream and foam application techniques in a propane fed burn pit.

BOOM TRUCK TAKES OUT POWER LINES ON EUCLID AVE... OOPS!

June 17, 2008 – At 1139 hours, Wagon 501 was sent out for wires down in the 9000 block of Euclid Avenue. Upgraded to a traffic accident, the Wagon arrived to find quite a mess. Apparently, for whatever reason, the boom on a flat bed truck came loose while the vehicle was traveling down Euclid Avenue, taking out several cars and power lines, snapping the poles in three. The driver had to remain in the vehicle until City Power cut the juice. With no other hazards or injuries, the Wagon went ready at 1206 hours.

SPENDING SUMMER WITH DAD AT THE FIREHOUSE... PRICELESS

June 016, 2008 – It's that time of the year again; for the third year year in a row, Chris Shafer, son of Firefighter Kevin Shafer, has come up to Manassas for the first two weeks of his summer break. Chris, 15, is a Junior Firefighter with the Reservoir Fire Department in Mississippi, where his dad started his firefighting career. The junior program down there was actually started with Chris as the first member by Chief Scott Berry. With little money for the junior program, the Manassas Fire Company procured some old gear that would fit Chris from our friends at the OWL Vol. Fire Dept., so he can participate with his hometown department. Chris is an eager learner and was always willing to lend a helping hand. During his two weeks with us, he ran 124 runs including three working fires. The Department was glad to have him, as always, and looks forward to seeing him in the future. For his birthday, his father bought him a digital camera and Chris took hundreds of pictures and video during his two weeks. As a thank you for all the hard work he put in around the station, we decided to put together a little video for him. Special thanks to Mike Lesnick for putting together the video.

HAZMAT UNIT RESPONDS FOR A CHLORINE SPILL IN THE 14 BOX

June 014, 2008 – At 1609 hours, a Hazmat Taskforce was sounded for a chlorine spill at 12498 McIntire Drive, in Prince William County. First arriving companies reported that two unknown chemicals in tablet form had been mixed together and were reacting. The crew from the Hazmat Unit assisted with research and staffed the back up entry team. The hazard was mitigated and the building ventilated, and the Hazmat returned home at 1813 hours.

FUNERAL PROCESSION GETS OFF TO A BUMPY START

June 13, 2008 – At 1235 hours, the Foam Engine responded to 9609 Center Street, in front of Pierce Funeral Home, for a traffic accident. They arrived to find a minor T-bone crash involving a hearse which was on its way to the cemetery as part of a funeral procession. With no injuries found, the Foam Engine secured a small antifreeze leak and left the scene with the cops at 1242 hours.

RUN-AWAY TEEN CRASHES CAR INTO BUILDING

June 13, 2008 – At 1138 hours, Foam Engine and Tower 501 responded to the 9000 block of Center Street for a car into a building. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle which had struck a building and bounced off. Units evaluated the driver and building. Apparently, the driver, a teenager without a license, "borrowed" the family car and decided to hit the road but instead hit a giant building. The driver suffered minor injuries, as well did the building. Units cleared the scene at 1151 hours.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST MANASSAS FIRE COMPANY MOVIE

June 12, 2008 – Well, we know its been awhile coming. We've received a ton of emails wondering when the next video would be done, sorry we couldn't respond to all of them. Thanks again to Mike Lesnick for all of his hard work and great ideas which allows us to keep putting out these videos. So without any further delay, here it is. Thanks for your patience.

Click on the photo to view the video.

Click here to check out our other videos.

TOWER CALLED DOWN TO THE EAST END FOR A ROWHOUSE FIRE

June 12, 2008 – At 2015 hours, mutual box 17-24 was sounded for smoke coming from the roof at 4654 Charlton Court. Usually the 5th due truck, Tower 501 responded first due. Battalion 505 arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing from the roof of a of a 2 story brick row. Inside the crew from Engine 512 found a small fire in the cockloft and made quick work of it. By the time we got there, Rescue 502 had opened the roof and had most of the work done. Since there was nothing left to do, it was time to cause some mischief. We found our favorite career Lt., Dave Halman, also a Rescue 502 volunteer, up on the roof. We heckled him for a minute about his vent hole and then repositioned the ladder leaving him stranded long enough to get his BP up. We also considered loading the back of the Squad up with our ground ladders since they thought they were a truck company, but decided we had caused enough trouble. It was good to see some faces who we don't get to see so often. With nothing else to do, we braved the 130 degree volcano heat coming out from underneath the engine housing in the back of the Tower and headed home.

BICYCLIST CRASHES THROUGH WINDOW OF TONY'S PIZZERIA

June 12, 2008 – As the Foam Engine and Tower were operating on the county box alarm, more craziness was going on back in the City. At 1742 hours, Engine 501 was sent out for a serious injury at 9108 Mathis Avenue, one of our favorite restaurants, Tony's Pizza. On arrival, they found one of our favorite drifters in need of serious medical attention. However it happened, he ended up riding his bicycle through one of the large plate glass windows in the front of the store, and was suffering from multiple, severe, deep tissue and muscle lacerations. The Engine cut loose to set up the LZ and the patient was flown to a local trauma center. The Engine went ready at 1819 hours.

FOAM ENGINE AND TOWER FIRST IN ON ANOTHER COUNTY BUILDING FIRE

June 12, 2008 – At 1520 hours, mutual box alarm 07-41 was sounded for a building fire to the rear of 10312 Godwin Drive. Battalion 504 arrived first and reported a 45x45 barn type garage fully involved with the exposure getting ready to go. Also reported were several drums of hazardous materials and pressurized fuel containers in the garage. Foam Engine, Tower, and Chief 501 arrived next with 11 men and quickly put 4 lines in service, one on the exposure which had already lost most of its siding, and three on the fire building. With the fire beginning to darken down and the rest of the box alarm beginning to arrive on scene, crews worked together to bring the fire under control without any further damage to the home or injures to members in the high heat.  The entire box alarm cleared the scene at 1839 hours.

All photos and video by Chris Shafer, future MVFC Fireman.

FOAM ENGINE AND TOWER ON AUTO NEXT TO BUILDING WITH EXTENSION

June 11, 2008 – At 1031 hours, Prince William County Fire Communications transmitted a box alarm for a building fire at 12422 Nokesville Road, bringing Foam Engine 501 as the third due engine company and Tower 501 as the first due truck. The Foam Engine arrived second, picking up the first due's line, and pulled a backup line. The Tower opened up, looking for extension while the Foam Engine hit some hot spots and assisted with overhaul. They both went ready at 1148 hours.

FOAM ENGINE FINDS AUTO OFF WITH FUEL SPILL

June 07, 2008 – At 1058 hours, Foam Engine 501 responded for an auto in front of 8989 Centreville Road. They found a station wagon with fire in the engine compartment. Because of a 20 gallon fuel leak, the Hazmat unit was requested for containment. Units went ready at 1203 hours.

FOAM ENGINE GETS THE FIRE IN THE 7 BOX

June 04, 2008 – At 1600 hours, just after a massive storm rolled through the area, Foam Engine and Tower 501 responded on mutual box 07-15 to Mollit Drive for a reported house fire. Tanker 506 arrived first and reported smoke showing. The Foam Engine arrived and had the first line in service off of Tanker 506. Inside they found heavy smoke in the home and fire in the void space between an old roof and an new roof. Tower 501 cut the roof and opened up and the remaining fire was extinguished. Both units went ready at 1939 hours.

MINI CELL CAUSES DESTRUCTION IN THE CITY

June 04, 2008 – At 1530 hours, Foam Engine, Engine, Tower, and Chief 501 went sent out to various addresses in the area of the 8800 block of Wesley Avenue for reports of wires and trees down in the area. Crews found a wide path of destruction including several trees down on cars and homes. The vehicles and occupancies were checked for victims and the hazards were taped off. Although the National Weather Service did not confirm any tornado landings in the area, winds did reach 60 mph. Winds also ripped off part of a roof at Jennie Dean Elementary School. Units cleared at 1559 hours.

WHICH TAROT CARD MEANS YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE

June 03, 2008 – At 1751 hours, Foam Engine 501 responded second due for a building fire at 8826 Wellington Road, on mutual box 11-62. The Foam Engine arrived first and found a small fire on the second floor of a home that belonged to a local psychic and palm reader. The Foam Engine made quick work of the fire and went ready at 1839 hours.

ONE SHOT AND KILLED IN FRONT OF GEORGETOWN SOUTH

May 31, 2008 – At 2100 hours, Wagon 501 responded to 9644 Grant Avenue for a reported shooting. The crew found a Hispanic male suffering from multiple gunshots wounds. After a quick patient assessment, it was determined that the victim's injuries were incompatible with life and he was pronounced dead on the scene. According the the Manassas Journal Messenger, the victim, two brothers, and a cousin were walking to the Georgetown South Shopping Center to get something to eat when they encountered a group of about 10 Hispanic men. The victim recognized the group as the same individuals who had attacked him two weeks prior because of the clothing he was wearing. The victim, his brothers and cousin decided to leave and as they were walking back home, one of the men from the group pulled out a gun and shot at the victim several times, killing him. The shooters were arrested a week later in Connecticut. The Wagon remained on scene for about 25 minutes to assist the cops with lighting.

ENGINE FIRST IN ON COUNTY BUILDING FIRE

May 26, 2008 – At 1551, Wagon 501 responded second due on the mutual box for smoke coming from a house at 8699 Wellington Road. Wagon 501 arrived first to find smoke and fire showing from sides A and B of a one story Vacant. The crew forced through the front door and found fire in basement, in the walls of the first floor, and in the attic. The crew from Wagon 501, backed up by Engine 511, made quick work of the fire. The Wagon went ready at 1723 hours.

FLOODING KEEPS UNITS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY BUSY

May 11, 2008 – Heavy rains and fierce storms kept units throughout the City and County running non stop. The City of Manassas received more than three inches of rain on Sunday and more than five and a half inches since Thursday. Heavy flooding turned most of the area into a giant pond. Crews mainly encountered drivers stranded in high water or civilians trapped in their homes by rising waters.

WAGON AND TOWER REMOVE TWO FROM OVERTURNED CAR

May 10, 2008 – At 0748 hours, Wagon and Tower 501 responded to the intersection of Center Street and Grant Avenue for a personal injury accident with reported entrapment. Both companies arrived to one vehicle on its side with two patients inside. The vehicle was stabilized and both occupants were removed. The Wagon and Tower went ready at 0832 hours.

ENGINE RUNS A TRUCK FIRE IN THE 25 BOX

May 05, 2008 – At 2259 hours, Engine 501 ran second due on the truck fire in the area of Nokesville Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. Wagon 525 arrived and reported a dump truck on fire. Engine 501 arrived shortly thereafter and assisted with extinguishment. They went ready within the hour.

CREWS FIND HEAVY FIRE SHOWING FROM NOKESVILLE HOUSE

May 03, 2008 – At 1948 hours Engine and Chief 501 responded on the mutual box to 11301 Morlay Lane, in the Nokesville section of the county, for a reported house fire. Crews arrived to find what had originally started as a garage fire quickly spreading to the rest of the lightweight constructed home. With heavy fire now showing, Engine 501 arrived and was initially assigned the RIT. They through several ground ladders and stood by until they were ordered to relieve crews inside. The Engine completed opening up and overhaul on second floor. They went ready at 2227 hours. Chief 501 (Ward) had Division C.

Photos courtesy of Lake Jackson VFD, Co. 507.

CREWS FIND SEVERAL RV'S OFF WITH EXPLODING PROPANE TANKS

April 26, 2008 – At 2231 hours, mutual box 11-23 was sounded bringing Engine 501 second due for a truck fire at 10850 Balls Ford Road. While units were responding, Communications advised they had received multiple calls stating that several large recreational vehicles were on fire in the rear of an RV dealership at that box location with explosions. Engine 511 arrived to find two fully involved RVs and multiple RVs exposed. He requested the box be filled out. Engine 501 arrived and completed 511’s split lay. As the crew from Engine 511 stretched a leader line and a high rise bag to begin knocking down the fire, a chemical tank on board one of the RVs exploded. In short time at least one onboard propane tank also vented, creating quite an impressive sight. Engine 501's crew put two lines in service and assisted Engine 511 with extinguishing the heavy fire. Chief 501 arrived and was assigned as the Safety Officer. Engine 501 cleared the scene at 0021 hours.

Photos courtesy of Stonewall Jackson VFD, Co. 511.

CREWS RESPOND FOR AN APARTMENT IN THE PARK

April 22, 2008 – At 2018 hours, mutual box 89-03 was transmitted for an apartment at 9441 Creekview Terrace, bringing Engine 501 second due, Tower and Chief 501. Crews found fire in a third floor apartment. Engine 501 backed up Wagon 509, who made quick work of the fire, while Tower 501 performed a primary and opened up. Chief 501 had division 3. Units cleared the box at 2101 hours.

ENGINE FINDS AN AUTO IN FRONT OF THE HOSPITAL

April 18, 2008 – At 1138 hours, Engine 501 went out for an auto in the 8700 block of Sudley Road. They arrived to find fire in the engine compartment and made quick work of it. They returned to service in about 15 minutes.

ANOTHER DECK FIRE EXTENDS INTO COUNTY HOUSE

April 16, 2008 – At 2240 hours, mutual box 25-07 was transmitted for a house fire at 12120 Tamar Court, bringing Engine 501 as the second due engine company. Wagon 525 arrived to find fire on the rear porch that had climbed up the vinyl siding and into the home. Engine 501 arrived next and established a second water supply. They stretched 200' of 1 1/2" to the second floor where they performed some minor extinguishment, opened up, and checked for extension. The Engine headed home at 0002 hours.

ONE REMOVED FROM OVERTURNED VEHICLE

April 15, 2008 – At 1237 hours, City Fire Communications transmitted a Rescue Local for a personal injury accident with one overturned and possible entrapment in the area of Nokesville Road and the Prince William County Parkway. Engine, Tower, and Chief 501 arrived to find a single vehicle on its side. The driver, suffering minor injuries, had to be removed through the windshield. Crews went ready at 1307 hours.

ENGINE FINDS FIRE SHOWING IN THE 16 BOX

April 14, 2008 – At 1905 hours, Engine and Battalion 501 responded second due on mutual box 16-11 for a house at 10831 Gladney Drive. Engines 516 and 501 found heavy smoke showing on side A and fire showing from the second floor on side C. Both companies swiftly put lines in service and made quick work of the fire. Engine 507 arrived shortly behind the first two companies and performed a primary, which was negative. The crew from Engine 501 assisted with opening up and overhaul, and went ready at 2020 hours.

ENGINE FINDS AN AUTO ON GRANT AVENUE

April 06, 2008 – At 1329 hours, communications sent the Engine out on the Local for an auto in the 9200 block of Grant Avenue. They arrived to find fire in the engine compartment and made quick work of it. The Engine returned to service in about 20 minutes.

THE MANASSAS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY ENDS 30 YEARS OF BINGO

March 29, 2008 – On Saturday March 29^th, the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company hosted its final bingo fundraiser. The fire company had been hosting a weekly bingo session every Saturday for over 3 decades. This had always been the primary fundraiser for the fire company in which the proceeds were used for purchasing equipment, apparatus, and personal protective gear for our members. The proceeds raised by our bingo game enabled our city leaders to direct monies that would have otherwise been necessary for the operation of the fire company to go towards other community services such as the roads, and parks and recreations. 

On a typical Saturday night the membership would show up for its bingo duty at approximately 4pm, and would begin selling bingo games at 5pm. The games would usually last until 10:30pm with the membership cleaning the hall immediately thereafter and maybe were being relieved as early as 11pm. There were certain times in our history when the fire company would be in dyer need of new equipment and would play host to a double bingo session. This required resetting the bingo hall after the first session, reselling the bingo games, and then running the game as a normal evening would run. On those occasions the membership was lucky to be out by 3:30am!!!

Over the years the game matured quite a bit, from the use of cardboard bingo games with plastic dots to cover the numbers that were called.  To today’s bingo that is played on paper books and the even more modern electronic bingo game.  We once used to use a rotating cylinder to pull a wooden ball out and call the number; we now have the more modern bingo caller’s stand with plastic balls and electronic monitors throughout the hall so our players could follow the game with ease.