Rockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was held May 1–3 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Over the years, many of our personnel have attended and served as Family Escorts for the families of fallen firefighters. Serving on the Honor Guard is more than a task — it is a deeply meaningful responsibility. It reflects the highest traditions of the fire service: honor, duty, and unwavering respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. When we stand for a fallen firefighter and their family, we remind them that they are not alone, that their loved ones’ service mattered, and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Captain Jeff Werner (Retired RCFR) and his brother, Battalion Chief Larry Werner (Retired HFD), served as the es**rts for the family of Steve Weikle of the Boiling Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighter Joel Will served as the es**rt for the family of Fallen Firefighter Jeremy Compton of Christiansburg. Together, they represented our area and our department with exceptional honor, respect, and care for the families they were entrusted to support.

05/29/2026

Here in the Shenandoah Valley we are blessed to have many swimming options that do not involve concrete and diving boards. With that being said, here are a few safety reminders:
• Whenever possible swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Remember to never swim alone - you should always have a buddy!
• Do not jump or dive into the water if you do not know what is beneath the surface - every year people are paralyzed or killed by taking this leap of faith.
• Alcohol and water do not mix! Swimming while impaired may prevent you from recognizing your own limitations or hidden hazards.
• Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and if you do have to be outside wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

05/29/2026

Celebrating Our Seniors! Mia Ryan, daughter of FF Eric Ryan and his wife, Emily, recently graduated from the College of William and Mary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Public Policy and a minor in Public Health. She is hoping to work in local or state government.

05/28/2026

Wildfire risk may not be an extreme concern today after the bountiful rain we have had this past week, but it is still critical to make sure any outdoor fire you light is fully extinguished before you walk away. Beyond just being the right thing to do, you can be held legally and financially responsible for any damages that occur if you fail to do so!

05/27/2026

May is Electrical Safety Month!
In 2020 – 2024 local fire departments responded to an estimated annual average 46,652 home structure fires where either an electrical failure or malfunction was reported as a factor contributing to ignition or the equipment reported to be involved in ignition was classified as electrical distribution, lighting or power transfer equipment.
Home structure fires involving an electrical failure or malfunction or electrical equipment involved in ignition cause an estimated annual average 527 civilian deaths, 1,580 civilian injuries, and an estimated $2.4 billion in direct property damage each year in 2020 – 2024.
Home electrical fires accounted for approximately 13% of all home structure fires and 18% of all home structure fires deaths each year. The direct property damage caused by these fires accounted for approximately 15% of all home structure fires.
Home electrical fires most often occurred in a kitchen or cooking area (15% of the total), bedroom (12%), or attic or ceiling (9%).
Source: NFPA Research

In addition to the safety tips we offer throughout the year, here are some things that you need to be on the lookout for:
Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
Discolored or warm wall outlets.
A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
Flickering or dimming lights.
Sparks from an outlet.
Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have any of these issues, as they are an indication of a problem that needs to be addressed before you have a fire!

05/26/2026

Have you checked out our website recently? There you will find information about burn permits, how to recognize heart attacks and strokes, how to get a free smoke alarm, public education programs, how to volunteer, and SO MUCH MORE! You can even leave us feedback about your experiences with our personnel.
https://www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/234/Fire-Rescue

05/25/2026

The sun and heat will return the end of the week (we promise!) Please remember it is NEVER safe to live those we love behind!

05/23/2026

It is summer lawn party season, a wonderful time to get out and enjoy some sunshine while also supporting your local volunteer organizations! Volunteer Fire and Rescue agencies depend on fundraisers like these to maintain equipment and purchase supplies, so not only will you be enjoying some delicious food but you could also be helping save someone's life!

05/22/2026

Summer swimming season starts soon! Before you let the kids jump into those crystal clear pool waters or the local swimming hole please remember these safety tips:
- Adults need to stay with children when they are in or around water. Do not read, use a cell phone or leave children to go someplace else.
- For preschoolers, an adult should be close enough to touch the child.
- Teach children to always ask permission to go near water
- If you lose sight of your child (for example, while they are playing near the water) always check the water first