Appalachia Fire Department Company 3

10/16/2026

10/12/2026

This past weekend AFD conducted several training exercises at the Breaks Interstate Park. During the month of October each year the AFD Swiftwater Team travels to the Russell Fork River
to conduct swiftwater rescue training. This year we added another dimension to our training as we added a UTV training course along with swiftwater training. Team members set up base camp in the Breaks Interstate Park where the team has access to the river and the Spearhead Trail System. This year will be one for the books as we battled the remnants of Hurricane Isaias while conducting training.

10/07/2026

A major addition to the Appalachia Fire Department fleet has arrived!

AFD has taken delivery of a Pierce 75’ Enforcer Aerial Ladder. The aerial was purchased on September 9th, 2026 from the Hawleyville Fire Department located in Hawleyville, Connecticut. Due to the current age and changes to our mission we have elected to replace our previous aerial ladder. This will provide our firefighters with enhanced capabilities for rescue missions, fire suppression, elevated rescue operations, ventilation, and reaching upper floors and rooftops.

This new apparatus is more than just a fire truck—it is an investment in the safety of the citizens of Appalachia, Wise County, and the surrounding communities.

We’re proud to add this valuable piece of equipment to the department and look forward to putting it to work protecting our community.

AFD would like to thank our administrative staff and our Board of Directors entrusting our administration to make this valuable purchase for our community.

Pictured: From left to right, Director Blake Skeen, President James Skinner, Director Michelle Childress, Director Taylor Sturgill, not pictured Director Sammy Green, Travis Anderson Liaison and Fire Chief Robert Anderson Jr.

Special thanks to Lifetime Member Travis Anderson for liaison and support on this project.

09/22/2026

AFD sends our thoughts prayers to our brothers and sisters across the state line to KFD and SCEMS. Hoping for a speedy recovery for all involved.

At approximately 10:00 p.m. last night, members of the Kingsport Fire Department were operating on Interstate 26 Westbound at the scene of a motor vehicle accident when a secondary crash occurred behind the original incident.

Kingsport firefighters and personnel from Sullivan County EMS immediately went to the secondary crash to check for injuries and provide assistance. While emergency personnel were loading a patient into an ambulance, a vehicle traveling westbound struck three Kingsport firefighters and one Sullivan County EMS EMT, injuring all four emergency responders.

All four personnel were transported to Johnson City Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. Two have since been treated and released. Two remain hospitalized this morning with injuries that are considered non-life-threatening.

We are extremely thankful that the injuries sustained by our firefighters and our partner from Sullivan County EMS were not more serious. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all four responders, their families, and everyone involved in this incident as they recover.

This incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, tow operators, and highway workers face while operating along our roadways. We ask every driver to slow down, move over, remain alert, and give emergency personnel the space they need to safely perform their duties.

We appreciate the concern and prayers that have already been expressed for our personnel and our partners at Sullivan County EMS. We ask that you continue to keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers.

Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry
Kingsport Fire Department

09/11/2026

We Will Never Forget!!! AFD personnel along with community volunteers placed 343 flags on the fire station lawn in honor of each of the 343 Brothers and Sisters who perished on this tragic day 25 years ago. We also remember those civilians who perished in World Trade Center, The Pentagon and Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania.

09/06/2026

Incident-Motor Vehicle Crash with Fire Exeter Road.

Late this evening AFD responded to a motor vehicle crash with possible injury. During the response the incident was upgraded to the vehicle being on fire with all occupants out of the vehicle and self extricated. Upon arrival the vehicle was well involved in fire. All occupants were accounted for with no injuries. Quick work was made by the first in engine company to quickly bring the fire under control. AFD remained on scene for a short period to assist law enforcement and the wrecker service due to the location of the incident. Virginia State Police are overseeing the investigation.

09/05/2026

Incident-Structure Fire 1600 Block of Roda Road

Appalachia Fire Department responded around noon today along with Automatic-Aid from Big Stone Gap Fire Department to a reported lightning strike to a home within the 1600 block of Roda Road with the home filling full of smoke. The first engine company on scene upgraded the incident to a working structure fire with moderate smoke issuing from the home. The home was searched for any potential fire victims with the fire rapidly brought under control and contained within minutes of arrival. After the fire was extinguished, mop-up and overhaul was completed to ensure no fire extension and final
extinguishment. The home also suffered damage from downed trees from the storm. The American Red Cross is currently assisting the family with immediate needs.

09/02/2026

Over the past weekend AFD conducted swiftwater training on the Nantahala, River located in North Carolina. This training allows our personnel to keep there skills sharp while also allowing new personnel the opportunity to see and learn about the technical rescue side of our operations. Part 2 of our swiftwater training will continue in October on the Russell Fork, River back in Virginia.