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Watch a recent departure of the Nightingale Air Ambulance that was called for a motor vehicle collision.
GVFRS routinely uses Nightingale and LifeEvac Air Ambulances for serious injuries or illnesses and utilizes landing zones throughout our district.
Recent News and Events
Yesterday, the GVFRS Fire Prevention Team hosted 46 home schooled children and 20+/- parents at Station 1 for a fire Read more
On Friday October 7th, Gloucester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Junior Members will be holding our Annual Blood Drive in memory Read more
Where were you on 9/11? It’s a rhetorical question. You don’t have to answer and we really don’t want you Read more
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
Fire and EMS Monthly Call Volumes
Give Back to Your Community
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.
Our Stations
Station 1 – Main Street
6595 Main Street
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-2148
Station 4 – Harcum
7598 Dutton Road
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-3674
Station 6 – Sassafrass
7070 Ark Road
Gloucester, VA 23061
804-693-0724
HERE'S SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BOATING SAFETY FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROGRAMS:![]()
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We want to promote safe boating which means making sure you are aware of what’s going on around or in your boat. Be aware of stressors while boating. Wind, sun, glare, noise, and motion from the water are all boating stress factors. Being exposed to these factors have been proven through research to cause “Boater’s Hypnosis”, a type of fatigue that slows operator reaction time comparable to that exhibited by an intoxicated person.![]()
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Make sure to wear a life jacket when on the water to mitigate drowning and make sure that kids have proper safety gear on to keep them enjoying the fun. It is estimated nearly 80%of all drowning victims would’ve survived had they been wearing a life jacket. Even strong swimmers may drown, with that being said no one is truly safe in the water.![]()
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Drinking and drug usage and boating is just the same as drinking and driving. Alcohol is a depressant, alcohol/drugs can suppress the bodies gag reflex so when drowning you can’t spit the water out as easily as you can when not intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs can affect your memory, problem solving, judgement, behavior, insight and much more. When it comes to alcohol the law for operating a motorboat is nearly the same as for a motor vehicle. The Presumptive level for being under the influence of alcohol is 0.08 BAC. No person is allowed to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol, narcotic drugs or other self-administered intoxicants or drugs.![]()
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Virginia has a Zero-Tolerance Law for anyone under the age of 21. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to operate a boat after consuming alcohol. A conviction of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) could bring as much as one year in jail and/or a 2,500 fine. All convictions are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.![]()
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Taking a boating safety class is the best way to learn the safe and legal rules of operating a vessel on the water. Call 1-804-367-1125 or visit Department of Wildlife Resources:![]()
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dwr.virginia.gov/boating/education/boating-class-oui/
For the last number of years, Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc. and Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Inc. have taken on additional responsibilities serving the boating community in the Mobjack Bay and its tributaries. This is due, in part, to the declining number of U.S. Coast Guard personnel assigned to stations serving our area due to their own staffing shortages. Both GVFRS and AVFRS have M.I.R.T. (Marine Incident Response Teams) whose members train with: the U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Police, Virginia Conservation Police, Virginia State Police and other surrounding fire and rescue agencies. Unlike those law enforcement agencies mentioned herein, we solely concentrate and engage in Search and Rescue Operations - not law enforcement when those on the water find themselves in peril. All that said, many times, boater mishaps and tragedies can be attributed to operator error resulting from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While we are of the opinion that water activities themselves provide adequate enjoyment alone, here is some important information every boat operator should know from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources should you choose to have alcohol aboard: ![]()
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Boat Safe Without the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol!
dwr.virginia.gov
Water activities and intoxicants do not mix. It does not matter whether you are swimming, boating, water skiing, or fishing.
WE WANT YOU TO STAY SAFE USING ONLY LEGAL FIREWORKS THIS 4TH OF JULY!![]()
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In 2023, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were eight fatalities and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Of the eight reported fatalities, one was in Virginia.![]()
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“Misuse of fireworks can be deadly,” said Billy Hux, State Fire Marshal. “Opt for safety this holiday by enjoying fireworks at a professionally organized show.”![]()
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In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.![]()
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Many localities prohibit the sale, possession or use of all fireworks. The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises Virginians to check local ordinances as well as the Statewide Fire Prevention Code prior to purchasing and utilizing fireworks.![]()
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Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in state law can be legally sold, possessed, or used within the commonwealth. A list of permissible fireworks can be viewed on the VDFP website ![]()
www.vafire.com/ to see information posted by the Virginia State Fire Marshal.![]()
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The sale, possession and/or use of any fireworks not classified as permissible is prohibited. Violations can be prosecuted as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500 and/or up to one year in jail. Any illegal fireworks can be confiscated, and you can be summoned by a Fire Marshal or Law Enforcement Officer.![]()
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If you do plan to use your own fireworks instead of opting to attend the numerous fireworks shows in our area, please follow these important safety procedures:![]()
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-Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.![]()
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device. ![]()
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water before discarding.![]()
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.![]()
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.![]()
- Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks. ![]()
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FIREWORKS USED IMPROPERLY CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS, LOSS OF FINGERS AND PERHAPS YOUR LIFE!
HERE'S SOME GOOD INFORMATION ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE EVENT OF FIRE!![]()
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Animal advocate: How to protect your pets in the event of a fire
www.firerescue1.com
Learn how to train and engage with pets during an emergency
IF YOU BOUGHT A "MY CHARGE" CHARGER FROM COSTCO, READ THE ATTACED ARTICLE TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THE RECALLED ITEMS AS 2 HOUSE FIRES HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THEM!![]()
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Over half a million chargers sold at Costco recalled for fire hazard
www.consumeraffairs.com
myCharge is recalling 567,000 Power Hub all-in-one portable chargers because they can overheat and cause fires or burn injuries. The devices were sold excl