Citizens Fire Company

05/30/2026

The fire service is built on tradition!!!

21 years ago, Principal Christopher Walters was the victim of a vicious water balloon attack at the hands of some rouge Wright Denny Intermediate School staff/students, so he did the most logical thing possible… he contacted Citizens Fire Company and asked us to help him get revenge in the best, most fun, way we could… so we came out and SOAKED everyone on the playground!

Every year since, the staff, students, parents, and yes, all the firefighters, look forward to the last day of school, when we bring the ladder truck, engine, brush truck, tanker (anything that will spray water) and provide the best last day school tradition in the county! Let’s face it, after a long school year, they’ve all earned it!

Our small town has certainly seen a substantial amount of change in 21 years, but this is one event that has withstood the test of time!

Thank you Principal Walters for inviting us all those years ago; we expect to continue the tradition for years to come!

Our friends from Independent Fire Company, Inc. even joined in on the fun this year!

If you were a student at Wright Denny in 2005, or any year afterwards, and are reading this post today, let us know in the comments!

05/09/2026

We are hanging out at Washington High School at the Mothers Day event. Come by and see us.

04/30/2026

Chief Cepelka was a lifetime member of Citizens Fire Company. More than that, he was a leader, mentor, and someone who helped lay the foundation for the service we provide today.

A dedicated servant to the community, Chief Cepelka served in numerous leadership roles, and helped shape not only our organization, but the people within it. His influence can be seen in the traditions we carry forward, the standards we uphold, and the pride we take in serving our community. His vision and commitment ensured success for generations to come!

Chief Cepelka was someone who took the time to teach, guide, and invest in others. His knowledge, leadership, and command presence left a lasting mark that will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest condolences to Jay’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His legacy will continue to live on in every call answered, every lesson passed down, and every member who follows in his footsteps.

View Joseph "Jay" Vincent Cepelka's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

***** Press release from WV DOH *****

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2026



New Traffic Pattern on US 340, in Jefferson County, Planned for Monday, April 6, 2026



BURLINGTON, WV – There will be a new traffic pattern on US 340, Berryville Pike, in Jefferson County, beginning on Monday, April 6, 2026. Traffic will be shifted onto the completed northbound lane from Smith Road to the end of the project in West Virginia. Access to Old US 340 will be available via Ryan’s Glenn Road and Rippon Commons. The exact schedule is weather dependent.

03/05/2026

Great reminder from Sparky The Fire Dog. Please test your smoke alarms/detectors and charge your batteries if needed. Also, don’t forget to “spring forward” this weekend and adjust your clocks.

With many newer smoke alarms featuring 10-year batteries, the messaging around smoke alarms and batteries has evolved.

As begins this Sunday, remember to adjust your clocks and check your smoke alarm batteries—only if needed. Don't forget to test your alarms monthly.

Learn more at nfpa.org/smokealarms.

02/28/2026

The start of West Virginia’s annual spring fire season on Sunday, March 1, marks the return of burning restrictions.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) reminds residents to confine outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to West Virginia State Code Chapter 20-3-5. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.

Read More: https://bit.ly/3OMyZlF

02/17/2026

2026 Pancake Day is in full swing! Be sure to stop in before 7pm tonight to enjoy some delicious food with friends and family, while meeting a few new people along the way!!

Tag us in your photos and videos!

02/05/2026

We are excited to announce free hazmat train-the-trainer courses will be offered on March 14th and March 15th at Citizens Fire Company! Provided by the National Volunteer Fire Council and U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Association, these courses cover scenario based hazmat training and teaching basic decon. Register by scanning the QR code in the graphic below, or by visiting the following link, https://nvfc.wufoo.com/forms/p1v0nnch10jy46m/

Learn more about the new training program at www.nvfc.org/hazmat/!

01/20/2026

Firefighter Terry Ott served as a Lieutentant, Chief Driver, and Life Member of Citizens Fire Company. Terry is remembered for his eagerness to help those around him, and his enthusiastic personality. The members of Citizens Fire Company extend our sincere condolences to Terry's family, friends, and all that knew him. Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters at the Blue Ridge Mountatin Volunteer Fire Company.

It is with deep regret that the Blue Ridge Mountain Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of Chief Engineer Terry Ott. Terry passed away this morning surrounded by his immediate family and his fire company family.

We extend a special thank you to Dale Gottschalk for his assistance this morning, as well as to the Bakerton Fire Department for their support during this difficult time.

Services for Chief Engineer Ott will be announced at a later date. Please keep Terry’s family and the members of the Blue Ridge Mountain Volunteer Fire Company in your thoughts and prayers.

01/09/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s officially time for our favorite post of the year! PANCAKE DAY!!! We hope everyone can join us in February!!