Appalachia Fire Department Company 3

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

Over the weekend, the Appalachia Fire Department conducted a comprehensive three-day rope rescue training and scenario. Most of the training was conducted at the Powell River Trail and George Washington Rock recreational area. The final day of training culminated in a low-angle rope rescue scenario involving a bicyclist who had crashed and fallen down the embankment adjacent to the river. The concluding training exercise utilized a high-angle rope system, where new students learned to operate rope rescue descent control devices. This is just one of many services AFD provides to our community.

05/18/2026

With heavy hearts , we at AFD honor the enduring legacy of Gary "Doc" Kennedy, a devoted AFD Firefighter/EMT and CERT Team Member, whose unwavering dedication has profoundly impacted the Appalachia Community. Doc's passing on Saturday , May 16th, leaves a lasting void, yet his remarkable spirit and countless contributions continue to inspire. Cherished by past and present AFD personnel, Doc embodied the true essence of a great father, loyal friend, and brother firefighter. His selfless service has created a lasting legacy, and his memory will remain a beacon of hope and resilience in the Appalachia Community. Doc we Love ❤️ You and we will truly miss you!!!

05/08/2026

Incident-Structure Fire Piccadilly Road

Appalachia Fire Department responded yesterday evening to a reported outside fire in the 5200 block of Piccadilly Road, which was subsequently upgraded to a working structure fire. The first engine company to arrive on scene reported that the exterior fire had auto-exposed and involved an abandoned house. A second alarm was requested to bring in an additional engine company and automatic aid from Big Stone Gap Fire Department. The fire was rapidly brought under control and contained within minutes of arrival. Due to the condition of the home, extensive overhaul and mop-up work were required to achieve final extinguishment.

05/05/2026

The Appalachia Fire Department has recently obtained new fire equipment through several grants. Just recently, AFD was awarded grants for new fire hose, nozzles, and intake valves. We would like to express our gratitude to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Forestry for the grant opportunity.

04/30/2026

The Appalachia Fire Department has devoted the past two days to collaborative initiatives with Union High School students, focusing on critical life-saving missions. Yesterday, AFD personnel dedicated most of the day to instructing students on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and lifesaving techniques. Today, as part of Operation Prom Promise at Union High School, AFD collaborated with neighboring Big Stone Gap Fire Department, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Wise County Sheriff’s SRO, and Big Stone Gap Rescue to stage a simulated mock vehicle accident, recreating a drunk driving incident involving high school students. Students were brought outside to observe the reenactment as narrators provided information to the students witnessing the staged tragic event as it unfolded. The event resulted in only one survivor. The survivor was transported via ambulance to a makeshift emergency room in the gym. Students were then brought to the gym to witness an emergency room setting where life safety efforts continued for the lone survivor. Students learned that, despite efforts, the lone survivor did not survive in the emergency room. This was to give students the reality of the consequences of drinking and driving. A briefing was held with students after the event from a law enforcement perspective and the true consequences of being impaired or drunk while behind the wheel. Our goal as first responders is also lifesaving prevention, whether fire safety, CPR, or other dramatic staged measures we are all here for the safety of our communities.

04/16/2026

Incident: Hunting Accident.

The Appalachia Fire Department responded early this morning to a hunting accident involving an accidental shooting in the Exeter Community. AFD, in conjunction with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County’s Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, responded to the scene. WCSO officers located the victim prior to AFD’s arrival. AFD collaborated with on-scene agencies to provide ALS medical care. The patient was extricated from the scene and transported to an awaiting med-evac helicopter and air-lifted and flown to a local trauma center.

04/13/2026

Elevated Fire 🔥 Risk Today!!