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Recent News and Events
Need to get tested for COVID-19? Please review this information from the Virginia Department of Health. Read more
The architect has generated a set of concept drawings based on the design so far. The concept includes: 6 drive-through Read more
GVFRS would like to alert the public of an apparent fund drive that is being mailed to our local residents, Read more
We would like to introduce you to Richard and Heather Brown. This father-daughter duo runs out of station 4 in Read more
GVFRS would like to thank the Virginia Rebellion’s baseball players for their donations of the Krispy Kreme donuts. Thank you Read more
The demolition of the old hotel and furniture buildings has been completed. The concrete slabs have been left in place Read more
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Become a GVFRS Firefighter or Medic
GVFRS is always looking for new members. Training provided free of charge.
Station 1 Long Range Planning
GVFRS has outgrown our Main Street Station, Station 1, which can no longer properly support the needed equipment and personnel. GVFRS has been working for nearly two years to develop options to meet the needs of the department and the community for at least the next 50 years.
You can track our progress on our Long Range Planning pages.
Upcoming Events
Fire & EMS Call Volumes
July 2020 Activity
254+
Medical Calls
58+
Fire Calls
1,483+
Volunteer Hours
Our Stations
Station 1 – Main Street
6595 Main Street
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-2148
Station 4 – Harcum
7070 Ark Road
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-0724
Station 6 – Sassafrass
7070 Ark Road
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-0724
Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to the following calls between Sunday November 21, 2021 through Saturday November 27, 2021: ![]()
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Total Calls - 82;![]()
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Medical - 66![]()
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Motor Vehicle Accident - 7![]()
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Fire/Alarm - 4![]()
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Fire/Brush - 1![]()
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Fire/Other - 1![]()
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Fire/Structure - 1![]()
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Public Assist - 2![]()
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#gvfrs
Please help us congratulate Matt, James, Forrest, and Vas for receiving Riverside Regional Medical Center’s October Heartsaver Award. The crew collected a 12 Lead EKG on scene and, recognizing the potential seriousness of the results, transmitted the ECG to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital Emergency Department. The crew then collaborated with the ED physician at Walter Reed to confirm their findings and arranged for a helicopter to transport the patient from the scene to RRMC for treatment. The quick and decisive actions of the crew resulted in the patient receiving definitive treatment in a very short period of time.![]()
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All of our EMT’s are trained to perform this important test as well as administer appropriate medications. Any patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of a possible heart attack will be evaluated with a 12 Lead ECG.![]()
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Our EMS vehicles carry the LifePak 15 cardiac monitors which are capable of collecting and analyzing 12 Lead ECGs in the field. The 12 Leads are often collected inside the patient’s home prior to moving the patient. The crew can then transmit the 12 Lead ECG directly to the receiving hospital for evaluation by a physician. In some cases, the Cardiologist on call may receive a copy of the ECG on their mobile device before the patient is even in the back of our ambulance. Based on the ECG collected in the patient’s home, surgical crews can start preparing and be waiting for the patient to arrive, greatly reducing the amount of time needed to provide definitive care.![]()
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Interested in becoming a part of our team? Visit www.gvfrs.org/join/ for information.
GVFRS was dispatched to a structure at 19:23 off Nelson Road, first arriving units reported a 20' x 20' detached garage with flames showing. Abingdon Fire also responded as mutual aid. #gvfrs
We are glad to announce that Santa run starts tomorrow, 8am to 5pm. Keep an eye out for ol Saint Nick. He plans on starting at Aberdeen Creek area and covering as much of hickory fork road as time allows. #gvfrs
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CHIMNEY FIRES!![]()
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Hey folks, now that cold weather is upon us, many of you will be using your fireplaces and woodstoves. Each year there are 20,000 residential blazes caused by chimney fires. As such, we have now entered what we call "chimney fire season". It is very important for you to be able to quickly recognize if you have a chimney fire. I came across the following information today, 11/23/21 published in the on-line newsletter, FireRescue1 by Lexipol that I receive and read daily. The author of the article is Rachael Engle, who is the senior associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. This information is so good that I have copied and pasted it here for the benefit of the citizens we serve here in Gloucester County, VA:![]()
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"HOW TO RECOGNIZE A CHIMNEY FIRE IN PROGRESS![]()
It can be difficult to determine when a chimney fire begins, but there are several things you may notice:![]()
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- A loud roaring noise coming from the chimney![]()
- Ash and debris coming out of the top of the chimney![]()
- Black smoke coming from the chimney![]()
- Popping and cracking noises in the chimney![]()
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HOW TO STOP A CHIMNEY FIRE![]()
You now recognize the signs of a chimney fire in your home. What should you do?![]()
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1. Close the doors. IF it is safe to do so, close any doors to your fireplace to help reduce the oxygen intake.![]()
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2. Get out of the house. If you suspect a chimney fire, leave your home, and call the fire department.![]()
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You may be tempted to spray the outside of your chimney down with a hose, but be warned that putting cold water on a hot chimney could crack the masonry. ![]()
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Once the fire is out, you may also be tempted to overlook a minor fire as no big deal, but it's important to have your chimney inspected following even the smallest of fires to ensure no structural damage occurred during the incident. "![]()
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IF YOU REMOTELY SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE, IMMEDIATELY GET EVERYONE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE AND CALL 911! We would rather respond and determine there is no problem, than for you to wait and then call us only for us to learn that the fire has gained a "head start" that we cannot get in front of because it spread into the hidden wood structural components of your home!![]()
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Of course, if you use your fireplace and/or woodstove, it is best for you to take steps to prevent a chimney fire from ever happening at your home. ![]()
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"HOW TO PREVENT A CHIMNEY FIRE![]()
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are more than 20,000 residential blazes that stem from chimney fires each year, which, the NFPA has shown, are often caused by a lack of maintenance.![]()
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1. Get your chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season. This is not a chore people often think about, but per FEMA, “clean chimneys don’t catch fire.” An annual cleaning and inspection by a certified chimney sweep will help keep your chimney in safe working condition.![]()
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2. Prevent the buildup of creosote. As wood burns in the fireplace, the byproduct of the fire (smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog and other minerals) flow up into the chimney, where condensation occurs, which creates a sticky residue called creosote, which sticks to the chimney walls and could cause a fire. Prevent buildup by:![]()
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- Keeping fireplace doors open;![]()
- Keeping the damper open wide; and![]()
- Using seasoned wood.![]()
- Creosote-fueled fires are considered extremely extremely dangerous as they burn hotter, longer and are hard to extinguish.![]()
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3. Cover the fireplace. A fireplace screen helps prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and catching the carpet or nearby furniture on fire.![]()
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4. Do not sleep or leave the house with the fire burning. An unattended fire is asking for trouble, so be sure to wait until the embers have fully gone out in the fireplace before heading to bed for the night.![]()
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5. Safely dispose of ashes. Ashes from a recently burned fire should be placed in a metal container with a lid and placed at least three feet from the perimeter of your home."![]()
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We hope you'll take the above steps to prevent a chimney fire! ![]()
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In closing, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL 911 IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE!!!