Welcome to Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire and Rescue!
We’re very excited about the launch of our new website. Please have a look around!
Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire Department
On Wednesday, February 19th the members of the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) committee met to discuss the next steps in our CRR campaign. These discussions included topic, such as: how to scope our campaign, how to ensure that we are representative of our full community, what are some best practices for communication, and best ways to identify partners, and topics, that may be of interest to community members (e.g. senior safety or youth safety). Thank you to all who were able to attend and provide very candid feedback. If any community partner organization, or group, is interested in learning more about CRR and our campaign, please feel free to reach out to the department.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2020 the Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company held our 2020 Election for Company Officers and Board Members.
Please help us to thank our outgoing 2019 Board Members and Company Officers for their service, as well as, congratulate the following members on their 2020 election:
President: Jeff Liebold
Vice President: Andrew Rose
Treasurer: Steve McInnis
Secretary: John Farrell
Member at Large: Bill Belt
Member at Large: Dick Ferguson
Member at Large: Russell Deane
P&G Committee: Steven Beasley
P&G Committee: Ryan Harvey
Fire Chief: Mike Cianci
Rescue Chief: Rick Hooper
The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia has issued a Flood Watch for our area from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Please maintain awareness of the latest weather alerts as you head out to travel due to the potential for multiple rounds of rainfall through Friday morning. Flooding of poor drainage and low lying areas may occur.
VIRGINIA'S 4 P.M. BURN LAW GOES IN EFFECT FEBRUARY 15 – APRIL 30
HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY:
What is the 4 p.m. Law?
The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on open air burning before 4 o'clock in the afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which can carry the fire to the woods. You are allowed to burn between 4 p.m and midnight as long as you take proper care and precaution and attend your fire at all times.
Why is there a 4 p.m. Law?
The 4 p.m. Law was adopted during the 1940's to reduce the number of wildfires which occurred each spring. During this time of the year, Virginia traditionally has an increased number of fires. During the winter months, winds are usually elevated, the relative humidity is lower and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry, having "cured" without having the tree leaves to shade them.
Why 4 o'clock?
After 4 p.m., winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels are on the increase, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any outdoor open air fire to escape your control.
Can I have a campfire if I put rocks around it?
No. Campfires are considered an open air fire. A recreational fire such as a campfire MAY be approved IF it meets ALL the following. The fire is completely contained within a ring of rocks, cinderblocks, metal ring or similar device and also covered by a ¼” or smaller metal screen. A fire built in a pit with a similar metal screen may also be approved. In all cases the fire must be attended at all times and an extra precaution should be taken by clearing a 20-foot area around the “fire” from all flammable material. Ready access to water, rake and shovel should also be provided for. Fires built in commercially available chiminea’s or fire pits are not considered to be open air fires and therefore legal IF they are complete and in good condition to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding areas. You should check with local authorities and or the VA Dept of Forestry if you have any concerns or questions.
What is the penalty for violating the 4 p.m. law?
Violation of the 4 p.m. law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.
Training together to support our community.
On Wednesday, January 29th members from Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company along with our brethren from County of Orange Fire & EMS trained together to in order to release new drivers for Tanker 29.
Congratulations to all those who passed their practicals and were released today to operate Tanker 29. Thank you for your commitment to the departments and your community.
Lake of the Woods Volunteer Rescue Squad
On Tuesday, February 11, 2020 the Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company held our 2020 Election for Company Officers and Board Members.
Please help us to thank our outgoing 2019 Board Members and Company Officers for their service, as well as, congratulate the following members on their 2020 election:
President: Jeff Liebold
Vice President: Andrew Rose
Treasurer: Steve McInnis
Secretary: John Farrell
Member at Large: Bill Belt
Member at Large: Dick Ferguson
Member at Large: Russell Deane
P&G Committee: Steven Beasley
P&G Committee: Ryan Harvey
Fire Chief: Mike Cianci
Rescue Chief: Rick Hooper
This Friday we celebrate the life of Wyatt Gosnell. Wyatt has filled many critical roles within our company for which we are eternally grateful. Initially he trained to be an ambulance driver only to find out that his heart condition disqualified him from that position. He trained and worked as an EMT until declining health forced him to put all his energy into fundraising for the squad. For the past few years Wyatt took the lead on our the Annual Fund Drive and advertising in the Lake of the Woods directory.
Our sincere condolences to the Gosnell family. Rest in peace Wyatt, we've got it from here.
www.fredericksburg.com/obituaries/gosnell-wyatt-welty/article_76646032-d658-5743-b604-851ba7ada10...
Timeline PhotosToo many lives are lost each year on #Virginia roads, and many of those deaths are preventable.
Last year alone, 826 people were killed in traffic crashes, according to preliminary data. Please #BuckleUp, #AvoidDistractions and #DriveSober every time you get behind the wheel.
Timeline PhotosWhile CDC considers 2019-nCoV a serious situation and is taking preparedness measures, the immediate risk to people in the U.S. is considered low, based on what we know. There are simple daily precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses that everyone should always take.
· Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
· Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Learn more: bit.ly/38zjnYo
Spending time outdoors this winter? Ticks that bite people can come out on warm winter days. Protect yourself: Use insect repellents, do tick checks, and take showers after being outside. bit.ly/Avoid_Ticks
Contact Us
Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Inc.
104 Lakeview Parkway
Locust Grove, VA 22508-2025
Fire Department: 540-972-7510
Rescue Squad: 540-972-7480
Emergency: 911
