Sterling Volunteer Fire Company

At approximately 6:58 PM on Sunday, August 26th, Wagon and TowerLadder 611 were dispatched, along with units from Ashburn, Arcola, Leesburg, and Loudoun County Fire & Rescue, for a townhouse fire on Laburnum Square, in Ashburn. TL611 was on scene as 1st Truck and took a position in front of the townhouse. Due to the narrow street, W611 staged at the nearest intersection. As they prepared to enter the building TL611′s crew was informed that there was the possibility that the resident was still inside. Also at that time there were EA activations (emergency call for help) from two radios assigned to Wagon 6 from Ashburn. The tower crew went immediately to the second floor and began searching in very low visibility conditions. Venting as they went, they called the primary search of the second floor “All Clear” a few minutes later. During this time it was confirmed that the resident was not in the structure and that the EA activations from Wagon 6 were denied (the crew didn’t need help).

W611 assisted the initial fire attack crew in the basement and then began a thorough overhaul which revealed some fire extension into the duct chase above the room where the fire originated.

Captain 18 also responded and was assigned command of Adam Division.

One of the cats belonging to the resident was found by the Tower crew on the first floor which was, unfortunately, deceased.

After gaining entry to the neighboring townhouse they secured the numerous animals found inside and began ventilating the structure to remove the buildup of carbon monoxide. W611 and TL611 then worked to assist the Fire Marshall and continue the overhaul operations in the room where the fire started.

Each unit from 11 was released approximately two hours into the incident. Aside from the cat, there was no loss of life.

Text by LT Ken Mikeman

Everyone needs a break every now and then. It’s no different for one of the many volunteer fire organizations in Loudoun County. As the time neared for Leesburg fire’s annual picnic, they needed to look no further than a few miles to the east for staffing. At the evening shift change, the paid staff were relieved by Sterling volunteers, giving our brothers in Leesburg the night off to recuperate from the day’s activities. Sterling members responded to two calls while staffing Engine and Truck 1, including responding into Ashburn for a box alarm. Special thanks to AC Buchanan and the rest of the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company for your hospitality. See you on a 6 box soon!