Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department - AVFRD

04/26/2025

Hear from AVFRD's SGT Bosserman, one of our awesome paramedics, about what motivates him to serve you as a volunteer!

03/27/2025

As Ashburn continues to grow up and out, it's more important than ever to have a fire escape plan for where you live, work, and visit. Here's a great resource for building your escape plan as a family!

If you live in an apartment or building with many levels, it’s super important to have a fire escape plan so you know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Download the "Guide to Fire Safety in the City" kit with safety tips for families! https://bit.ly/4iwMkZC

03/26/2025

Despite today’s cool temperatures, units have already responded to multiple mulch fires in the County. With local schools and community groups delivering mulch to you, and spring gardening season getting into full swing, knowing how to prevent mulch fires is key to protecting your property.

Organic mulch can decompose and generate heat, potentially leading to ignition if the heat cannot dissipate. Mulch fires can also be started by discarded ci******es, matches, or embers from grills or fire pits. Mulch that is close to the home carries the risk of igniting siding or other building materials, allowing the fire to spread up and into your home.

To reduce the risk of mulch fires at your home or business, please consider the following:

- Maintain Adequate Distance: Keep mulch away from buildings, decks, grills, and other structures. A minimum distance of 18 inches is recommended.
- Use Non-Combustible Mulch Near Structures: Consider using rocks, gravel, or sand within a 5-foot zone around structures.
- Avoid Thick Layers: Apply mulch in a thin layer (2-4 inches) to prevent heat buildup. Mulch piled too deeply (more than 6 inches) can trap heat, increasing the risk of spontaneous combustion.
- Fine or Shredded Mulch: Finely textured mulch can pack together, reducing airflow and potentially raising the heating potential.
- Keep Mulch Moist: Regularly water mulch, especially during dry periods. Dry mulch is more flammable and prone to ignition.
- Remove Debris: Regularly remove dead plants, leaves, and other debris from mulch beds.
- Be Careful with Fire: Never discard ci******es or other burning materials in mulch.

03/08/2025

Just here to celebrate.

02/28/2025

https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1600854

Old Ox Brewery in Loudoun will host its annual Chili fundraiser to support the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

02/25/2025

Tonight is the night for our February volunteer interest meeting. Get through the process now so you can join our next recruit school in May. Check the website for details and send a DM with any additional questions.

02/20/2025

Want to learn what it takes to volunteer with us? Join us on Tuesday, February 25th for an in-person or online information session where we talk about the free training you’ll receive to become a firefighter, EMT, or administrative volunteer. Sign up at our website, link in bio. DM us with any questions. Can’t wait to see you there!!!

02/17/2025

Everyone is invited to come out to Ashburn Fire’s biggest fundraiser of the year at on Saturday March 1st. There will be beer, a chili cook off and a truck pull competition, all to benefit our local fire and EMS at AVFRD. Come join us for a good time. 🍻🚒🍻

01/12/2025

🚒💪 Think You Have What It Takes? 💪🚒

Join us for the AVFRD Fire Truck Pull and put your strength to the ultimate test! Gather your team, flex those muscles, and see if you can conquer the challenge of pulling a massive fire truck 🚨🔥

📅 Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
📍 Location: Old Ox Brewery
⏰ Time: First pull at 11:30am

👥 Teams Welcome: Friends, coworkers, families—everyone can join the fun!
🏆 Prizes, bragging rights, and a chance to help support your local heroes.

🔥 Don’t miss this epic event—it’s fun, it’s exciting, and it’s for a great cause!

Sign up your team today and show us your strength!

01/11/2025

Congratulations are in order for our hard working firefighters. Firefighter Hakim Aburomi exchanged his rookie shield for a black shield. Firefighters Kavin Thirukonda and Sid Devarakonda traded their red probationary hats to black hats. All of these are indicators of different levels of knowledge, training, and accomplishments.

01/06/2025

Clear Snow 3 Feet Away from Fire Hydrant. Here’s Why
When shoveling snow this winter, remember to clear a 3-foot radius around fire hydrants. Here’s why it’s essential:

Quick Access for Firefighters:
In emergencies, every second counts. A clear area around the hydrant allows firefighters to locate and connect hoses quickly, saving precious time.

Improved Visibility:
Snow-covered hydrants can be hard to spot, especially during heavy snowfalls or at night. Keeping them visible ensures faster response times.

Preventing Delays:
Clearing snow ensures that firefighters won’t have to spend critical moments digging out a hydrant before they can begin fighting a fire.

Public Safety:
Accessible hydrants protect your property and community by ensuring the fire department can act swiftly in an emergency.

Take a moment to shovel around hydrants near your property. It’s a small step that could make a big difference!

01/05/2025

Shoveling Snow: Protect Your Heart This Winter

Snow shoveling is a common winter task, but it can also be surprisingly dangerous, especially for those with heart conditions or risk factors like high blood pressure or a sedentary lifestyle. The combination of cold weather and intense physical effort can put significant strain on the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Why Is Snow Shoveling Risky?
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, raising blood pressure and making the heart work harder. Coupled with the heavy lifting and pushing involved in shoveling, this can quickly overburden the cardiovascular system, even in seemingly healthy individuals.

Know the Warning Signs
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arms while shoveling, stop immediately and call 911.

Stay Safe While Shoveling
- Warm up: Stretch before heading outside.
- Take it slow: Pace yourself and take breaks every 10–15 minutes.
- Push, don’t lift: Whenever possible, push the snow rather than lifting it.
- Dress warmly: Protect yourself from the cold, which adds stress to the heart.

Alternatives to Shoveling
If you’re at risk, consider hiring a snow removal service or asking for help. Using a snow blower can also reduce physical strain.

Your health is more important than a clear driveway. Take precautions this winter and protect your heart!

01/03/2025

Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (AVFRD) recipient of the 2024 William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) has named the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (AVFRD) as the recipient of the William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award.

This annual award is sponsored by VFIS and recognizes one fire department for their exceptional implementation of an injury, illness, or vehicle safety prevention program within their community. This year’s winners developed and carried out a seatbelt safety program that has helped to educate school-aged children in the Ashburn, Virginia area on the importance of wearing their seatbelts.

To support this vital safety message, the AVFRD purchased a Seat Belt Convincer device and used it in their demonstrations. The purchase was completely funded by donations from a local retirement community, Lansdowne Woods.
The public’s response to the AVFRD program has been overwhelmingly positive. By allowing members of the community to talk directly with uniformed firefighters and simultaneously giving them the chance to experience a simulated 5mph crash firsthand, the AVFRD has made a significant impact on the way children and parents view seatbelt safety.

“The best way to prevent injury and illness is to prevent emergency incidents from ever occurring,” said Chief Rich Cowger, VCOS Chair. “Chief Walsh and the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department go right to the source of injuries and illness by providing a Seatbelt Convincer harm prevention program. The Seatbelt Convincer class proved to school system students that seatbelts not only save lives but also prevent potential on-scene injuries and traumatic stress.”

Parents have used their and their kids’ experience with the Seat Belt Convincer to engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of wearing a seatbelt when inside a moving vehicle. By experiencing how jarring even a slow-speed crash can be for vehicle occupants, participants gain a deeper understanding of this importance and are more likely to take seatbelt use seriously in the future.

The AVFRD plans to continue the Seat Belt Convincer program for years to come and hopes to reach all of the over 81,000 students in the Loudon County school system.

Along with their partners at VFIS, the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section considers the AVFRD a perfect example of effective outreach in action. The William F. Jenaway Illness & Injury Prevention Award will be presented to the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in-person at the 2024 Symposium in the Sun in Clearwater, Florida. VFIS will cover all the winning department’s travel, lodging, and registration costs as part of the award.

About VCOS:
Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOSThe IAFC's Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) represents the efforts of fire chiefs across the U.S. and Canada addressing the needs of volunteer and combination emergency response agencies. Their efforts are focused on specific areas of organizational management that present challenges to creating and sustaining viable emergency response programs.

About VFIS:
VFISVFIS is proud to have pioneered specialized insurance protections for America's emergency service organizations over fifty years ago. And we're just as proud of our continued dedication to respond to the unique needs of fire departments, EMS agencies, communication centers and other emergency service organizations through our holistic protections, responder training and safety-forward solutions.

Source: https://www.iafc.org/about-iafc/press-releases/press-release/vcos-announces-winner-of-the-2024-william-f.-jenaway-illness-injury-prevention-award