Middlebrook Volunteer Fire Department

03/16/2026

03/08/2026

When you spring forward this weekend, take a few extra minutes to check what protects your home.

🔔 Test your smoke alarms
🔋 Replace batteries
🛑 Check carbon monoxide detectors
📟 Check medical alert devices

A quick battery check can make a life-saving difference.

03/06/2026

This road closure/detour has been postponed until next Saturday night, March 14th 2026.

Heads up if you have travel plans along I-81 near Staunton!
Northbound Interstate 81 near Staunton is scheduled to close from 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, through 9 a.m. Sunday, March 8. The closure will allow contractors widening this portion of the interstate to set up for a traffic-pattern shift. Upon completion of this work, northbound I-81 drivers will shift to the left near mile marker 224.3, just past the New Hope Road overpass bridge.

Detour information at https://bit.ly/4rXAiNA

02/13/2026

Virginia’s spring fire season is here, officially Feb. 15 – April 30. During that time, the statewide burn law is in effect, which prohibits outdoor fires between midnight and 4 p.m. 🔥🚫

Don't be fooled by the snow! Most of Virginia is in a drought caused by months of below-average rainfall. Already this year, DOF has responded to 80 wildfires that have burned nearly 800 acres.

The best ways you can prevent wildfires:
🔥 Wait until after the fire season to burn yard debris
🔥 If you must burn, avoid windy days
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended
🔥 Know the state burn law and local restrictions

Get more tips, and learn about the 4 p.m. burning law on DOF’s website: https://ow.ly/3SsV50Yey8q

01/29/2026

Winter Storm Fern on 1/24 and 1/25 has caused widespread damage throughout our community in Augusta County. Augusta County declared a local state of emergency on January 24, 2026. If you have any agricultural damage to farm structures, buildings, or equipment brought on by the storm, please contact the Augusta Extension office at 540-245-5750 or John Benner at [email protected]. We are currently seeking aggregate data for damages (buildings lost, equipment lost, animals lost, and their associated values). Estimates of values are ok as a starting point. Please take photos of the damage and record any losses. Contact your insurance agent for insurance claims and your local first responders for any immediate dangers. For any livestock losses, please also contact the Verona office of the USDA-Farm Service Agency at 540-248-6218. Find the form to submit at https://www.co.augusta.va.us/business/agricultural-development/extension-office-resources

01/24/2026

Listen up, Virginia! Snow, sleet and freezing rain will create treacherous road conditions this weekend. Stay safe by preparing now and avoiding travel once the storm starts.

01/24/2026

If you are in need of a warm coat, gloves, scarf, etc… for yourself, your child or someone you know. There are still several in the “cage” in front of the store. Just open it up and take what you need! We have left them there for this purpose so that you can come anytime and get them. Stay warm & safe everyone! I’m patiently waiting for warm☀️.

01/23/2026

When preparing for a severe winter storm, consider that power may go out for many days. Outages during severe cold can be especially difficult. Stay safe:
- Close & seal windows & doors
- Don’t use a gas stove for heat
- Run generators outside
- Have a plan for medicine/devices

01/23/2026

❄🥶🌨This is NOT fear mongering or hype folks... This is science and facts so please take this information seriously and prepare accordingly🌨🥶❄

The winter storm arriving this weekend in many parts of the Commonwealth will be a level 4 out of 5 winter storm -- per NWS ratings. (see map)

Although snow totals will not rival the all-time greats for most localities, the perilous combination of snow, ice and bitter cold before, during and after the storm means it is likely to have serious and prolonged effects. The prospect of power outages in areas that receive heavy freezing rain (especially south and central Virginia) amid this cold weather could turn into a dangerous, life-threatening situation.

All of the snow and ice will accumulate as it falls and, with freezing temperatures lingering, it may not melt for a week or more. The resulting conglomeration of frozen precipitation will be difficult to remove, meaning it will take much longer than normal for the region to recover.

NOW is the time to start preparing for this event.

Please visit www.vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather for winter weather preparation tips.