WCFR ask that you reconsider burning outdoors after a camper near woods fire

Just days after a burn ban was lifted Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) reports the response to a camper fire near woods.

When firefighters arrived in the 300 block of West Duck Street, they found smoke emanating from a camper next to an outdoor debris fire.

Residents in the area were able to contain the brush fire with a garden hose before it reached a shed and woodline.

Firefighters were able to determine that ash from the burn pile blew onto the roof of the camper igniting dry pine needles laying there.

The burning pine needles caused the plastic roof covering to melt which allowed fire to fall into the camper and burn the interior.

Crews worked both the fire inside the camper as well as the burn pile.

Residents are strongly encouraged to use caution and even reconsider any kind of outdoor burning.

Fires can expand rapidly in even the mildest wind and these dry conditions.

Firefighters encourage residents to always check weather conditions before burning to avoid windy dry days.

Safe zones need to be established before burning, it is recommended at least 25 feet from any debris or vegetation.

Of course, never leave a fire unattended even for a minute and always have a charged source of water nearby.

When in doubt don’t burn and instead use an alternative like composting or local brush collection services.

Frederick County remains under a burn ban and will be until conditions improve enough to resend it.

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WCFR answers the call on National First Responders Day

On National First Responders Day Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue (WCFR) reports answering the call.

Crews responded to a residence in the 100 block of 15th Street at approximately 1 p.m.

On arrival, less than 5 minutes after the call, firefighters found the home showing significant fire from the front of the house.

Three occupants had already escaped the residence and were evaluated but refused transport to the hospital.

Firefighters initiated an interior attack on the fire but due to the intensity had to back out due to safety concerns.

The exterior battle continued, and the fire was declared under control approximately 20 minutes after arrival.

Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately 3 hours for overhaul and ensured the fire was completely extinguished.

The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that combustible materials placed too close to a heating appliance was likely the cause.

Fire officials remind residents that any kind of flammable materials should be no less than 3 feet away from any type of heating equipment.

Always plug a space heater directly into a wall socket, never use an extension cord to prevent fraying of wires.

Place a space heater on a flat stable surface and use a heater with an automatic shut off.

The three displaced occupants in this case are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Units from Front Royal, North Warren, Shenandoah Shores, Rivermont, and Linden assisted Warren County in the fire fight.

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WCFR transport 4 after a crash on Skyline Drive

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) reports the transportation of 4 to the hospital after a crash on Skyline Drive.

Just before 8 a.m. October 20 crews arrived at mile post 8 to find a four-door sedan off the road with significant damage and two people inside.

Two other people were already out of the vehicle with one still confined in the backseat area and the driver trapped under the dash.

Emergency personnel treated the two outside of the vehicle with additional personnel entering the vehicle to treat the additional patients.

It took crews approximately 20 minutes to get the two inside the vehicle out.

The backseat patient and two other victims were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Due to the driver’s sever injuries air care 4 was called in for flight to INOVA Fairfax hospital.

A safe landing zone was created by temporarily shutting down the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.

One of the injured was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital and two others were taken to Winchester Medical Center.

Due to the multiple calls being worked at the time WCFR was temporarily placed on No or Limited units’ available status.

All available volunteers were called in to be ready until approximately 9:30 a.m. when the situation returned to normal.

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WCFR reports that CPR training was critical in saving injured man

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) reports that CPR training was critical in saving the life of an injured man.

On July 17, WCFR crews responded to an electrocution victim in the Windy Hill Road area of Shenandoah Farms.

The victim fell approximately 25 feet from his ladder after being shocked.

Coworkers were able to recognize that the victim was in cardiac arrest and along with bystanders began immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

The resuscitation effort was in progress and the victim’s heart restarted when Emergency Medical Personnel arrived.

Medical Personnel recognized that advanced life support treatment and specialized care was needed due to the severity of the injuries.

AirCare 4 out of Front Royal was required and the patient was flown to MedStar Washington Hospital.

It was surmised that while conducting cable maintenance high humidity in the air allowed the electricity to arc from the powerline to the victim striking him.

If not for the quick actions of the coworkers, the outcome could have been very different for the victim according to fire officials.

When seconds count proper CPR certification means the difference between life and death.

Fire and Rescue Departments regularly provide CPR training along with the American Red Cross.

Warren County Fire and Rescue offers monthly certification courses with signup available here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WCFR review all the rescue efforts preformed over the Easter weekend

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) review all the activities they were involved in during a very busy Easter weekend.

First on April 19 at approximately 4:30 p.m. crews responded to an injured hiker in the Veach Gap Trail area of Fort Valley.

Crews were finally able to reach the patient and make voice contact after an approximate 3 hours into very hard to reach terrain.

First Responders requested assistance from Virginia Emergency Operations to extract the patient safely.

The patient was successfully taken to a waiting ambulance just before 5 a.m. April 20.

At approximately 10:50 a.m. April 20 WCFR personnel and Shenandoah County units were called to the Buzzard’s Rock area for a fallen hiker.

The male patient was free climbing and fell approximately 60 feet causing damage to his leg.

Crews hiked the 2 miles to reach the victim and render aid.

Due to the  terrain Maryland State Police Aviation Command airlifted the patient out and to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.

That operation took approximately 4 hours to complete on Easter Sunday.

It was at approximately 12:30 p.m. Easter Sunday when Warren County Emergency Communications took the call of a woman having fallen from her water vessel.

That incident occurred near the Karo Boat Landing in the Limeton area.

Bystanders reported seeing a woman having been thrown from what appeared to be a kayak but not resurface.

Some bystanders were able to locate the victim underwater but were kept at bay due to the strong current.

Warren County Sheriff’s deputies managed to reach the victim who they found was trapped by rocks under the water.

Swift water rescue crews worked to recover the victim who was declared deceased.

Emergency personnel and first responders employer outdoor enthusiasts to always wear proper gear.

Two of April 20’s incidents resulted in the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue services to be placed on a no or limited units available status.

That status prompted an notification for all available volunteers to man their stations due to the lack of resources.

The situation returned to normal by approximately 3 when units cleared their respective incidents.

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News Makers Lieutenants Wilbanks and Miller on WCFR 10 a day challenge

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) begins their annual 10 a day challenge to protect your family on April 13.

We spoke to Lieutenants Wilbanks and Miller about what that means in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

Experience Warren County Where History, Nature, and Family Come Together.

Lisa Wilbanks explains the upcoming May 1st Firewise Seminar that you need to register for.

She goes on to tell us about the 10 a day challenge and how it is providing free smoke detects in homes across the county.

Lieutenant Aaron Miller tells us about the tough man competition that Warren County Firefighters are involved in.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Warren County Authorities investigate suspicious fire and damage

Warren County Authorities report the investigation of what appears to be a suspicious fire and damage at Morgan’s Ford Low Water Bridge.

The fire was reported just before 2:30 a.m. March 16 at the Morgan’s Ford River Access Area.

A Warren County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was first on scene to find a portable outdoor toilet on fire.

The fire was beginning to spread to and damage an adjacent trash can and sign.

Fire fighters were able to extinguish the fire before additional damage was caused.

This appears to be an international act of vandalism, and the investigation continues by both the Warren County’s Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office.

Anyone with any information in this incident is encouraged to call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 540-636-3830.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCFR launches new employee health and wellness program

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) is launching a new Health and Wellness initiative to boost responder fitness.

Partnering with Katie Gilbert of Tactical and Performance, LLC, a licensed physical therapist and certified trainer, the program aims to reduce injury risk and improve performance.

Gilbert is working with staff on healthier lifestyles and incorporating new workout options, from strength training to cardio and stretching.

She’s also evaluating fire stations’ fitness equipment to recommend improvements.

This initiative supports WCFR’s mission to foster wellness and enhance service to the community.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCFR report of significant fire incident

Warren County Fire and Rescue report a fire incident destroyed a camper and injured the occupant.

On Sunday, December 15, just after 11:30 pm, a significant fire broke out in a camper trailer located on KOA Drive in Warren County.

The fire completely consumed the camper and caused damage to a nearby passenger vehicle and another camper.

The sole occupant of the camper was able to escape the blaze.

The occupant received treatment on the scene for burn related injuries before being transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and care.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCFR battle a chimney fire and have important safety reminds

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) reports that personnel had to respond to a chimney fire December 7 around 10 a.m.

On arrival firefighters found a single-family dwelling in the Waterlick area with fire extending into the wall and roof assembly.

The fire obviously began in the chimney and was quickly spreading.

Firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire quickly with no injuries occurring in the firefight.

Firefighters across the region would like to remind fireplace and chimney users to be cautious and use a handful of tips to prevent fires.

Inspect your chimney at least once a year.

You should have your chimney inspected more often if you use the fireplace to heat your home.

Chimney caps are recommended to prevent debris from igniting your roof.

Less creosote will build up if you use seasoned hardwood and avoid slow burning fires.

Properly sized firewood will also reduce creosote buildup and improve efficiency.

A chimney liner should be installed to help contain the heat and keep it from spreading to vulnerable parts of the home.

Never leave a fire unattended and always keep flammable materials away from the chimney.

Smoke detectors should already be installed throughout your home.

Educating your family on chimney and fire safety will help to protect your home.

Firefighters everywhere can and will offer advice and tips on fire and heating your home safely.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.