WCFR report the death of one in residential fire
Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) report the death of one in a November 24 fire.
Warren County Assistant Fire Chief Gerry Maiatico confirmed by phone the loss of life in a devastating fire.
On Friday morning November 24 Fire Personnel reported to the residential structure fire at 240 Blue Ridge Avenue.
On arrival Firefighters found the home fully involved and were told by neighbors there was a person inside.
The fire was so intense it took time to suppress it to enable first responders to enter.
Once inside the remains of a human were found.
Those remains have been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine cause of death and confirm the identity of the victim.
The Front Royal Police Department and Loudoun County Fire Marshalâs Office are assisting in the investigation.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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.
Warren and Frederick counties issue open air burning ban
Warren County and Frederick Countyâs 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.
News Makers Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico on their friendly Camping for Hunger competition
Scott Bradley speaks with Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico about their friend competition between Warren County Government and Warren County Fire and Rescue for Camping for Hunger.
There is still time to make a donation for Camping for Hunger by going to one of the many drop off locations throughout town, including at the Warren County Government Offices and the fire station, as well as our main location at the Royal Plaza.
For Todd and Gerry’s News Maker, click here.
News Makers Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico on their friendly Camping for Hunger competition
Scott Bradley speaks with Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico about their friend competition between Warren County Government and Warren County Fire and Rescue for Camping for Hunger.
There is still time to make a donation for Camping for Hunger by going to one of the many drop off locations throughout town, including at the Warren County Government Offices and the fire station, as well as our main location at the Royal Plaza.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Makers Todd and Lisa on holiday decoration safety
Mishaps and property damage are unfortunately often a part of the holiday season.
To try and prevent tragedies we talk with Warren County Director of Technology Todd Jones and Lisa Wilbanks of Warren County Fire and Rescue in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Todd has some rather startling statistics on the number of fires and deaths caused by holiday decorations.
Lisa offers some tips on preventing that from happening in your home.
Both Todd and Lisa also remind us of the offer of free smoke detectors from the Warren County Fire and Rescue and how to get one.
Click here for Todd and Lisa’s news maker.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
WCFR offer basic storm spotter training
Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) announced that they are partnering with the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) to provide free Skywarn basic storm spotter training.
After training weather spotters help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the NWS.
The practice can help reduce injuries and possibly even deaths along with preventing damage from serve weather.
The session will be at the Warren County Public Safety Building Community Room December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The location is 200 Skyline Vista Drive Front Royal.
Registration is suggested and can be made here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
WCFR reminds residents to dispose ashes properly
Warren County Fire and Rescue personnel recently responded to two significant fires caused by improperly discarded fireplace and wood stove ashes.
One of the major causes of home fires is the improper disposal of fireplace ash.
Warren County Fire Chief James Bonzano reminds citizens to treat all ashes as if they are hot, and wait at least 24 hours before removing the ash.
You should never add live embers to an ash bucket or anything combustible.
Place a lid over the ash bucket to reduce oxygen from reaching live embers and keep ash buckets in a well-ventilated location as live embers can produce carbon monoxide.
Pour water over ashes in the bucket in an outdoor location and allow the bucket to sit for at least three days before disposing of the ashes.
Railroad crossing work at Bentonville Rd.
Warren County Fire and Rescue warns of railroad work being conducted today Mon. Mar. 7 through Fri. Mar. 11.
The WCFR Administrators as well as the office of Emergency Management have made appropriate response adjustments should services be needed.
However the the railroad crossing at Bentonville Rd. will be closed for repairs through the period.
Authorities will be in contact with Norfolk Southern Railroad throughout the process to make arrangements or provide updates as necessary.
WCFR report an injured firefighter and displaced residents
Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) report responding to a Sunday afternoon fire on Feb. 27.
The fire was reported on Vista Fork Road off of Strasburg Road at Approximately 1:15 p.m..
The fire started in the buildings addition and spread to the main part of the house rendering it uninhabitable.
The residents were able to evacuated safely and were assisted by the American Red Cross.
Investigators determined the cause to be improperly discarded smoking materials.
One firefighter who suffered minor burns was treated at the scene then evaluated at the hospital with no other injuries being reported.