Warren County lifts burn ban; Frederick County’s still in effect
In response to the recent rain, Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services has lifted the burn ban.
Residents are still urged to use caution when performing open air burning activities and to burn only lawful materials.
Open air burning is still prohibited in the Blue Mountain and High Knob communities due to a Warren County Ordinance.
The burn ban was originally put into place the morning of November 16th in response to the extreme atmospheric and drought conditions and the additional smoke in the area from wildfires throughout Virginia and West Virginia which impacted air quality.
Frederick County is still under an open air burn ban.
This prohibits all outdoor fires like bonfires and camp fires.
This does not include barbecue grills, smokers, or any device that uses a chimney or stack.
Violations of burning regulations can result in a Class 1 Misdemeanor which carries a penalty of up to $2,500 and up to a year in jail.
Responsible parties can also be held liable for damages and costs of firefighting operations.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Warren and Frederick counties issue open air burning ban
Warren County and Frederick County’s Departments of Fire and Rescue issued an open air burning ban.
The decision was in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code due to the extreme atmospheric and drought conditions impacting Front Royal, Winchester, Frederick and Warren County.
No one within the county or town limits shall kindle or maintain any open burning during this time.
This includes all bonfires, ceremonial fires, camp fires and barrel fires.
The regulation does not include barbecues, grills, smokers, or any device that emits smoke through a chimney or stack.
Some safety tips mentioned to reduce the chances of fire include the proper discarding of cigarettes, avoiding grass with your vehicle so that the exhaust does not contact dry grass or leaves, and trailers using safety chains should check that they are not dragging on the ground which can create a spark.
The releases also recommend moving anything that will burn away from structures, cutting back or removing dry and dead plants around the home, and notifying the electric company if dead trees or limbs endanger electric wires.
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Frederick County employees go above and beyond for animals
Several Frederick County employees went above and beyond the line of duty in the rescue of some stranded animals.
First Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy Morris managed to rescue a Great Horned Owl who found himself trapped in the wastewater treatment chemical vault at Lake Frederick.
Despite the mess Deputy Morris rescued the owl after finding him covered in sewage, suffering from chemical burns and took him immediately to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.
After several baths and repairs to its injuries an update from Blue Ridge Wildlife Center has the animal in much better shape looking to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile Frederick County Professional Firefighters report the rescue of a kitten that had managed to find itself struck in a drainage pipe.
After hearing the cries of the kitten Firefighters and Sheriff’s Deputies located the kitten in a water runoff drainage pipe.
Firefighters still wonder how the kitten got into that situation, but it was recovered and now adopted by crew member rescuer Summer Sypolt who named the kitten Aqua.
Pictures of the Great Horned Owl are found here.
Pictures of Aqua are found by here.
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FCFR fight a fire that displaces six people and injures one
Frederick County Fire and Rescue (FCSR) reported by email a structure fire in the 2000 block of Fairfax Pike just past noon July 21.
A residential trailer was well involved with trailers on either side being threatened when firefighters arrived.
Despite aggressive efforts by firefighters the fire did spread to the trailers on either side.
Three people were evacuated with one female being treated and released for an undisclosed injury at the scene.
A total of six people from two of the trailers were displaced by the fire.
The Red Cross is assisting the six with their recovery from the fire.
Seven fire companies responded to the fire with the last unit leaving just before 4 p.m.
Responding units came out of Stephens City, Middletown, Greenwood, Millwood, Clarke County, Winchester City and Frederick County’s Battalion 10.
Frederick County Fire Marshal’s investigators determined the cause of the fire to be an overloaded electrical system.
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Funeral arrangements announced for Deputy Chief Lauck
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Frederick County Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Chester T. Lauck. Lauck passed away on April 23rd after working on the scene of a wildfire in Gore.
Visitation will be held at Omps Funeral Home on Amherst Street Sunday from noon till 9 pm.
A service will be held at Winchester Church of God on Monday at 11 am with a burial following the service at Shenandoah Memorial Park.
Heavy traffic is expected in the area of the funeral home, church and cemetery.
Papermill Road will be closed from the roundabout to Route 522 from noon to 4 pm on Monday.
Motorists should use Crossover Boulevard as an alternative route.
Be aware of those wishing to show their respects who may be lining the road ways of the processional route.
Full information on the arrangements are available here.
For more on Deputy Chief Lauck’s passing, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
FCFR announces Line-of-Duty Death of Deputy Chief Chester Lauck
Frederick County Fire and Rescue announced the news of the Line-of-Duty Death of Deputy Chief Chester T. Lauck.
Chief Lauck suffered a cardiac event at his home on the early hours of Saturday morning after engaging in firefighting operations on a wildfire on Back Creek Road in Gore.
He passed away at 8:09 am Sunday morning at Winchester Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.
Due to the circumstances surrounding his death, his passing is regarded as a Line-Of-Duty Death with all associated honors and recognition.
Chief Lauck selflessly served the Round Hill community for 14 years in a variety of roles.
He also served as a Patrolman in the Virginia Department of Forestry starting in 1984.
He also held a variety of positions including Captain and Battalion Chief during his 22 year career with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department before retiring in 2007.
Lauck is also a veteran of the National Guard after serving in the 167th Airlift Wing Air National Guard as an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighter.
His body was transported to Omps Funeral Home on Monday around noon with a full display of support from first responders.
Visitation and funeral arrangements are being planned to honor the service and memory of Chief Lauck.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
FCFR respond to house fire in Stephens City
Frederick County Fire and Rescue responded to a call at 741 Grim Road near Stephens City at 10:14 AM on Mar. 24 for a fire in a single family home.
An aggressive interior fire was seen with flames emerging through the roof of the house upon arrival.
Two occupants were there at the time of the incident but no injuries were reported.
The bulk of the blaze was extinguished in 17 minutes and fully out by 12:46 pm.
The area was not serviced by adequate hydrants which required water to be shuttled in.
Damages are estimated at $150,000 and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Fire and Rescue Companies responded from around Frederick County as well as Winchester and Clarke County.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Multiple structure fire in Frederick County
The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a house fire on Zion Church Road near the Warren Frederick County lines.
Warren County Fire and Rescue reports assisting in the fire.
Firefighters arrived to find multiple structures on fire with one building partially collapsed.
The fire which was reported around 4:25 a.m. Nov. 2 appears to have started in a breezeway between a mobile home and a single-family dwelling.
One person was home with no injuries being reported in the incident with firefighters battling to keep the fire from spreading to a third structure.
The firefighting efforts were hampered by water having to be shuttled in by tanker from approximately 4 miles away.
Units from at least 11 locations responded and remained on the scene for as many as 7 hours.
Approximately $35,000 in damage occurred with no injuries reported.
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News Maker Lenny Millholland on free C.R.C.C
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and Frederick County Fire and Rescue (FCFR) are offering a Civilian Response Causality Care (C.R.C.C) course.
The course is about civilian response to emergency situations.
We spoke with Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland about what to expect in our latest news maker.
The good news is brought to you by The Town of Front Royal.
The course is free 4 hours long and will be held at the Spirit and Word Fellowship Church at 1275 Tasker Rd. Stephens City.
Sheriff Millholland explains the course and why it is important.
He also explains that there is limited space for the event.
Registration is required for the Mar. 12 event because of the limited availability.
To register for the event click here or contact the Spirit and Word Fellowship Church at (540) 868-9110.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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FCPRD’s Parks and Pets Extravaganza
Frederick County Parks and Recreation is hosting their 7th annual Parks and Pets Extravaganza today from 10am to 2pm.
Take advantage of the opportunity to bring your furry friend to enjoy a day at the park and take a swim.
The Clearbrook Pool will be open for dock diving and vendors will be on site with everything your pet might need.
There will also be a silent auction to benefit Esther Boyd Animal Shelter.
Frederick County’s Fire and Rescue and the Sheriff’s office will have demonstrations on site.
A car show will also be held starting at 10:30 with awards for different categories.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.