Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue is proud to announce the graduation of four members of the department from the Virginia Fire Officers’ Academy in Richmond.

Captains Brandon King and Mike Roth both graduated from the Chief Officer class, while FTO Wayne King and Capt. Michael Svec from Cave Spring Volunteer Fire Dept. graduated from the Officer class.

Special recognition to Lt. Chris Poff, who served as the Operations Chief with the academy, and Lt. Kaleb Schatz, who served on staff with the Logistics section.

Excellent work to these individuals!

June 21–27 is .

Knowing what to do during a thunderstorm can help keep you and your family safe.

During a storm:
• Seek shelter immediately in a building or hard-topped vehicle.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Avoid using electronic equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid showering, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes.

Get more lightning safety tips at https://nfpa.social/4dQJEEq

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT: Severe Storm & Flood Threat Today ⚠️
Conditions will shift dramatically this afternoon as a weather disturbance tracks across the area ahead of a cold front. Intense heat combined with deep moisture will bring a distinct threat for both severe weather and localized flooding. Storms will primarily fire up and move across the mountains during the afternoon hours. By late afternoon and moving into the evening, the activity will push east of the Blue Ridge. The entire area is under a Slight Risk, with damaging wind gusts serving as the primary severe weather threat. Flash flooding is a strong secondary threat. While the area will average about 0.5 inches of rain overall, highly efficient, slow-moving storms could drop localized totals of 2 to 4 inches in a very short period.

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded to the 200 block of Gunn Ave. in the Vinton area for reports of a residential structure fire at 4:56 A.M.

Upon arrival, first responding units from Vinton found a residential structure with heavy fire
coming from the front side of the structure and upgraded the incident to a working
fire.

Crews were able to control the fire in approximately 10 minutes. One resident was transported by ambulance to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Unfortunately, multiple cats were found to be deceased due to the incident. Two people, one cat, and one dog will be displaced due to the fire and are receiving aid from the American Red Cross.

The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently on scene to investigate and provide a damage estimate.

**Picture used for reference.

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded to the 3200 block of Cedarmeade Drive in the Mount Pleasant area for reports of a residential structure fire at 12:41 P.M.

First responding units from nearby Company 6 (Mount Pleasant) reported the immediate smell of smoke in the air at the station.

Upon arrival, crews found a residential structure with the rear side engulfed in flames and upgraded the incident to a working fire.

Crews were able to control the fire in approximately 30 minutes.

There were no injuries reported. Two people and one dog will be displaced due to the fire and are receiving aid from the American Red Cross.

The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently on scene to investigate and provide a
damage estimate.

Academy 41 hiked McAfee’s K**b last week and received their turnout coat nameplates at the top!

They are only just under two weeks until they graduate.

Training and keeping equipment up to date are always a priority in our department.

Yesterday, a group of firefighters attended a Mass Casualty and Rescue Task Force training, hosted by the Virginia Tech-Carilion EMS Fellows at the Carilion SIM Lab. Our Medical Director, Dr. Inman, and one of our medical fellows, Dr. Combs, co-led this collaborative training that involved agencies across the region.

Today, all three shifts at Station 5 in Hollins attended a training session hosted by Stryker and learned about the new Lifepak 35 monitor housed in the new Medic 5.

Training hard to serve you well!

From June 1-November 30, hurricane season is in effect. Even though Roanoke County is located inland, flooding from hurricanes and major storms can still occur and affect our area. It's important to stay informed and prepared, should these events occur.

Never swim, drive, or walk through flood waters. Find higher ground as soon as possible.
If possible, disconnect electrical appliances before evacuating to avoid shock.
Create an emergency kit.
Stay informed via cell phone, an NOAA weather radio, or news broadcast.

Emergency kits should contain the following:
- Critical documents
- Non-perishable food and water
- Medical supplies
- Emergency funds
- Protective gear and clothing
- Hygiene and sanitation items
- Tools and safety items
- Comfort and priceless items

Keep in mind supplies for pets and babies as well.

Source: Virginia Department of Emergency Management