On Saturday July 3rd the resident volunteers took the trip down to Fairfax City to represent Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue at the annual Old-fashioned Firemen's Day competition. The live-ins made us proud by taking first place in the lay a line competition with an impressive time of 36.4 seconds and second place in the battle of the barrel.

Thank you guys for taking the time to represent our fire station, this just goes to show how much pride all of you have in the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

AVFRD volunteers were on hand at several events during the July 4th weekend, helping the community celebrate and stay safe. Fire and EMS crews were on stand-by at the fireworks displays in Lansdowne on July 3 and Ashburn Village on July 4. Earlier on the 4th, Reserve Engine 606 led a parade through Loudoun Valley Estates. The crew stayed to participate in the neighborhood celebration, allowing kids to shoot the fire hose. Other activities included a pie-eating contest, pony rides, and a dunk tank. One youngster got an assist at the dunk tank from Assistant Fire Chief Miguel Quijano. Firefighter Brian Phelan proved to be a good sport, getting dunked three times.

On Saturday, June 19, more than 70 motorcycles and one convertible left Station 6 for a 150-mile ride through the countryside as part of AVFRD's 2nd Annual Motorcycle Poker Run. Participants drew their first card at Station 6 and then set off to draw three more cards before returning to Station 6 for the final draw. While the judges determined the three winning hands, the participants enjoyed a BBQ meal while the DJ played hits from the past, like Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild." Door prize winners were also selected.

This year's stops were Ashburn Fuddruckers, Philomont Volunteer Fire Department in Philomont, and Hill High Country Store in Round Hill. Event sponsors were Vectronix, Pulte Homes and Ashburn Fuddruckers. AVFRD thanks all the participants and sponsors for their support.

Connor Freeman and his family are frequent visitors to AVFRD. They attend many pancake breakfasts and our recent Open House. On Saturday, June 19, the five-year-old stopped by the station unexpectedly, this time bearing a shoe box. It contained half of the proceeds he earned earlier that day at a lemonade stand in Belmont Country Club. Connor presented his donation to AVFRD President Carl Cowan. AVFRD thanks Connor and his family for their support.

On June 14, engines 6, 22 and truck 6 along with chief 6 responded to Tavistock Dr in 1's area for the reported structure fire. Company 1 arrived on scene and reported heavy fire showing. Shortly after the size up units from 6 and 22 arrived on scene and went straight to work. Engine 22 stretched a line to the interior to assist with extinguishment, Truck 6 threw ladders, vented the roof and opened up, Engine 6 stretched a line to side charlie and Chief 6 had division C. All units worked hard to make sure all fire was extinguished and were released after a couple of hours.

Thursday night, crews were alerted to an auto accident on Belmont Ridge Rd. at Rt.7. Due to conflicting reports about the location units from 22 and 6 were due on the run. Engine 22 finally found the wreck about 1 mile down the rd from the dispatched location and upgraded it to an entrapment due to the car being overturned in the woods with occupants still inside. Engine 22 stabilized the vehicle, Truck 6 arrived on scene and performed a roof removal, and EMS crews handled pt. care. Chief 6 had command.

Our friends at Broadlands Community Church hosted the first annual Summer Blast fundraiser to benefit AVFRD on Saturday, June 12. The family-friendly event featured pony rides, games, arts and crafts, and a chance to meet AVFRD firefighters and EMTs while touring the fire engine and ambulance. Kids were also given the opportunity to practice calling 911. One lucky youngster won a fire truck ride to school. AVFRD thanks Broadlands Community Church for organizing the event and for its support.

AVFRD volunteers have recently participated in several events to help communities kick off the summer season. AVFRD engine and ambulance crews were on hand at the Memorial Day weekend fireworks for the Ashburn Farm Summer Kick-Off Party. Earlier that day, an AVFRD engine and ambulance could be found at the Loudoun Valley Estates pool party.

Volunteers are also on stand-by at the Loudoun Summer Music Fest concerts held these spring and summer months.

In addition, AVFRD members continue to educate the public about safety and prevention. On May 22, EMT Barbara Murphy presented at the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition held at Potomac Green - a Del Webb Community. The event focused on ways to reduce the risk of falls and the serious consequences associated with falls.

The weather was perfect, the crowds large and a good time had by all at the AVFRD Spring Open House on Sunday, May 16. We extend a special thanks to Verizon, our primary sponsor for the event. An estimated 2,000 people participated in the various activities. We gave more than 1,000 fire truck rides, by far our most popular activity. The "Road to Safety" encouraged children to visit safety stops focusing on accident prevention and well being. Those that visited 4 of the 6 stops took home an event t-shirt.

Additionally, face painting, moon bounce, and a balloon artist were available. Redskins' player Kedric Golston, #64, also participated by giving sportsmanship talks and trying out the open house activities himself. The air care helicopter paid a visit towards the end of the day, landing in our parking lot for all to see and tour. We here at AVFRD appreciate the support of the Ashburn residential and business communities and enjoyed the opportunity to have you visit our home.

Friday evening just as crews set down for dinner they were alerted for the Structure Fire at 43992 Kings Arms Way in Box 23-03. Engines 23, 6, 22, 11 Trucks 11, 1, 436 Ambulance 23 and Battalion 601 (Byrne) responded on the run. Initial reports were of a gas grill on the deck on fire. Once all units marked enroute dispatch advised that they were now getting multiple calls reporting heavy fire to the rear of the home. Engine 23 arrived and performed a walk around and began an interior attack. Wagon 6 arrived second pulled the back up entered through the front of the home and knocked all fire on the exterior rear which had extended up and into the attic space. Engine 11 arrived and reported to the second floor to help opening up. Once fire was extinguished on the exterior the Wagon 6 repositioned to the second floor to assist with duties. All units operated for about 2 hours before going back in service.