Welcome to Station 3

If anyone has news, photos or information on recent incidents from around the County please e-mail me the details (date, time, shift, etc) and it will be considered for inclusion on the website.

May 8 - The newly relocated Local 2800 Union Store is scheduled to open at Station 2 on Monday, May 12th. New stock will be arriving weekly as we build up our inventory. Please feel free to stop by Station 2 and visit the store.

April 19 - At 0537 hours units were dispatched to Box 7602 for the house fire at 5915 North 15th Street. Units arrived with heavy fire showing from an old balloon frame single family home with extension to the "Delta" exposure. A second alarm assignment and master stream devices brought the fire under control.

April 12 - Units responded to the the Salvation Army building in the 500 Block of South Glebe Road for a report of a car into the building. Two occupants of the vehicle were removed through the rear window of the car.

February 2008 - Arlington units responded to this accident involving a pickup truck into a utility pole. The accident occurred in the 5800 Block of Washington Blvd. in the Westover neighborhood. There were no injuries.

December 2007 - Arlington and Fairfax units responded to the Cavalier Club Apartments at 6200 Wilson Blvd. for a natural gas explosion as the result of a suicide attempt. The individual that caused the explosion in his ground floor apartment died of his burns a few days later. Three alarms were sounded to bring the fire under control.

November 16, 2007- Units were dispatched to George Mason Drive and North Park Drive for an accident with injuries. One occupant of a pickup truck was trapped after being struck broadside by an Arlington County Police cruiser. The driver of the truck ran a stop sign. Units on the scene were Engine 102, Rescue 104, Tower 104, Medic 102, Medic 105, EMS 112.

October 10 - Around 2230 hours Communications dispatched the Box Assignment for a reported fire at the Rosslyn Metro Station located at 1850 North Moore Street, in Engine 110's first due. The Rosslyn Station is a transfer station for the Orange and Blue lines and is the last stop in Virginia before crossing under the Potomac River into Washington, DC. At the time of construction in the late 1970's the escalator in the station was, and continues to be, the third longest in the World and the longest in the Metro system. Engine 110 arrived on the scene and, once they descended into the station, confirmed a working fire in a storage room located at the end of the Orange Line platform. They stretched their line from one of the standpipe risers recessed under the platform and began the attack on the fire with assistance from Truck 104. Engine 103 arrived second due and stretched a line to the station siamese connection to supply water to the dry standpipe system. The fire was quickly knocked down and the station ventilation system did a good job removing smoke to the surface via the vent shafts. All train traffic in and out of the station was suspended until the fire was extinguished. Battalion 112 (Chief Insley) had command. Once the fire was knocked down units were quickly released.

Engine 110, 103, 161, 108 Truck 104, 105, Rescue 104, Medic 110, EMS 112, Safety 114, Battalion 112, 111

October 8 - Shortly after 1600 hours Communications dispatched units to the 2400 Block of North Fillmore Street, in 103's first due, for a reported "body in the woods." Units were directed to a remote trail in Windy Run Park where they discovered a badly decomposed male body. According to The Washington Post there was no evidence of a crime and that the ACPD believe the body to be that of a local resident reported missing back in September. Light and Air Unit 103 remained on the scene assisting the PD until 2130 hours.

October 1 - At 0430 hours Engine 103's crew was awaken for a station fill-in. This is not an unusual event however, this fill-in was for Engine 1's quarters on "M" Street just outside of the Georgetown area in Washington, DC. Also dispatched to fill-in DCFD stations were Truck 104 and Engine 105. Engine 103 and Truck 104 filled the quarters of Truck 2 and Engine 1. Units from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Montgomery and Prince Georges County were filling DCFD stations which may be the largest fill-in of DC stations by surrounding jurisdictions in recent memory.

At 0130 hours DCFD units were dispatched for a fire in an occupied 100 X 50 four story condominium in the Adams-Morgan section of the city. The blaze quickly escalated to four-alarms and taxed the resources of the DCFD.

While filling Engine 1's quarters Engine 103 and Truck 104 were dispatched first due on the Box in the 1800 Block of "S" Street NW for a report of smoke in the building. It turned out to be smoke from the Adams-Morgan fire that had drifted across the city. Once we cleared this call at 0700 hours we were released back to Arlington. By the time we left Georgetown the entire area was blanketed by smoke which had also drifted across the Potomac River into Arlington prompting calls for smoke in the area.

September 16 - The members of the ACFD were saddened to learn of the recent passing of retired Captain Joseph Rahner who retired in 1972 and retired Firefighter/Paramedic David Stebbins who retired in the late 80's. Both men passed away last week. Please join us in offering condolences to their families.

September 10 - Today members from C shift Engine 103 and 105 along with Engine 202, 204 and Truck 204 participated in a live fire simulation at Reagan National Airport. The drill was conducted by the MWAA Fire Department (Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority) and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (DFP). Each company rotated through a "pit fire" and interior aircraft fire evolution.

September 9 - Regular viewers of ACFD3.com have not been able to access the site for the last couple of days due to a switchover to a faster server. As usual, when something like this takes place it usually results in problems and this was no exception. We have most of the bugs worked out but you may notice the occasional broken link or missing photo which I am working on. The main issue for the problems was due to the file size of the numerous photos on the website. I have to go back and resize almost 100 photos to keep the size of the website down.

September 2 - Around 1730 hours the extrication assignment was dispatched to the 2400 Block of North Glebe Road for a reported vehicle into a utility pole with entrapment. Engine 108, with Captain Carter, arrived on the scene established command and confirmed one vehicle into a pole with two trapped. Engine 103 arrived on scene and began vehicle stabilization and hazard control. Rescue 104 and Truck 106 worked together to remove the drivers door to access the female driver and a toddler. Medic 102 transported the patient driver with non-life threatening injuries. The accident was a result of the vehicle being struck by a Chevy Suburban and driven forcefully into the utility pole. Fortunately, two children in the Suburban were properly secured in child safety seats along with the child in the sedan which undoubtedly saved them from serious injury.

Engine 108, 103, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 102, 106, Battalion 112 (Capt. Hannon-acting), EMS 112.

August 30 - Around 1530 hours the box assignment was on the road for the reported house fire in the 6200 Block of North 18th Road, in 106's first due area. Engine 106, with Lieutenant Mayer, arrived with heavy fire showing from a two story single family dwelling. Engine 103 was dispatched on the box but was quickly returned to service when the fourth due engine was able to clear an EMS call they were on. The fire was quickly brought under control and held with the box assignment. Battalion 112 (Chief Insley) had command.

August 13 - Shortly before lunch Communications dispatched the extrication assignment to the rear parking lot of 1931 North Cleveland Street, in 103's first due area, for a reported accident with injuries with one person trapped. Engine 103 arrived on the scene and found an 84 year old lady that was backing her car out of a parking space and mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal. Her car accelerated rapidly in reverse making several 360 degree turns, struck a parked car and slammed into the bushes. The lady was not trapped and the balance of the extrication assignment was placed in service. Rescue 104 remained on the scene to help Medic 110 access the patient by cutting away several branches. Fortunately, the driver only suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported by Medic 110.

August 12 - At 2232 hours communications dispatched units to 5601 Lee Highway, in 108's first due, for a reported gasoline tanker accident. Engine 108 arrived to find a fully loaded 8,000 gallon gasoline tanker that had managed to strike a steel light pole while navigating in the parking lot area of a gas station. The tanker suffered a minor breach resulting in approximately 30 gallons of product to leak. The driver and station attendant slowed the gas flow and managed to perform rudimentary diking. Engine 103 arrived third due and took a stand-by position at the hydrant. Engine 108's officer sized up the incident and chose to hold Engine 108 and the Hazmat Team to clean-up. The balance of the assignment was placed in service at 2245 hours.

Engine 108, 106, 103, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 106, Battalion 112, EMS 112, Safety 114, Duty Fire Marshal, Foam 331 (Reagan National Airport) Foam 161 (Fort Myer).

Hazmat Units: Hazmat 101, Hazmat 202 (Alexandria), Engine 101, 109, Rescue 109, Medic 109.

August 11 - Due to the recent Lieutenant promotions the ACFD has made 71 personnel transfers. This is probably the largest amount of transfers to occur at one time in the history of the ACFD. Several of the transfers have affected personnel currently assigned to Station 3 and we will be receiving some new members.

On B shift, newly promoted Lieutenant Becker was transferred to Station 5-C. Firefighter Michael Harris from 6-B will take Lt. Becker's vacancy at 3-B. Firefighter-Paramedic Mark Girard from 4-A will take the Paramedic position at 3-B while Firefighter Paramedic Tim Hanson leaves for 9-B.

On C shift, Firefighter Matt Dreher will leave for his new assignment on Medic 102-C. Firefighter Mark Jaquays from 6-C will take the Paramedic position at 3-C.

A shift was not affected by the transfers. All transfers will take effect on August 19th. Good luck to all the Station 3 members as they leave for their new assignments and welcome to our new members.

August 3 - Following in his late Father's footsteps, Firefighter Allan Becker from B shift has been promoted to Lieutenant. Congratulations Allan and the best of luck in your new assignment. Also on B shift, Firefighter Danny Hallowich has announced he will be leaving the ACFD on August 28th to take a job as a Firefighter in the City of Scranton, PA. which is near his hometown. Good luck with your new job and stay safe. scrantonfire.com

In addition to Lieutenant Becker's promotion there were several others made that will become effective on August 19th.

July 29 - This morning Engine 103's and Engine 101's crews got together at a vacant garden apartment complex for some basic training evolutions. Some of the things trained on included leader line deployment, fire ground hydraulics, pump operations, hose line advancement and potable master stream operations. Everyone had a good time and hopefully new skills were learned and old ones polished.

July 27 - At 0320 hours, while returning from a run, Rescue 104 observed fire showing from the rear of a type III Vietnamese Restaurant at 3012 Wilson Blvd. and requested that the box be fiiled. While waiting for the assignment to arrive the Rescue went to the rear and found a small attached utility shed involved which they promptly knocked down with their water can. Engine 103 arrived as the first due engine and stretched their 200' 1-3/4" line to the interior and extinguished a small amount of fire that had entered the structure. Tower 104 laddered and checked the roof finding no extension. The box alarm was quickly returned once the fire was knocked down. Engine 103 remained on the scene assisting the FM and went ready at 0424.

Engine 103,102,108, 161, Tower 104, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 104, Battalion 112,111, EMS 112, Safety 114, Duty FM.

July 26 - In the largest mass promotions since 1996, 21 Firefighters and Paramedics have been promoted to the newly reinstated rank of Lieutenant. The new Lieutenants included the following:

B. Bennett, T. Burrell, R. Christman, M. Cobb, M. Devine, B. Edwards, M. Gowen, R. Haus, C. Kramaric, J. Kramer, A. Marsh, R. Quinn, D. Santini, N. Schwandt, J. Scott, L. Thompson, J. Tirelli, D. Watkins, T. Wesley, R. White and K. Williams.

Congratulations to all the new officers and good luck in your new assignments.

July 21 - At 0030 hours the tones were sounded for a structure fire "in the area of 11th Place and North Stafford Street" in Engine 102's first due. While enroute Communications advised that another 911 call indicated a townhouse on fire at 1116 North Stafford Street. The large column of smoke and glow in the sky as units approached confirmed a working fire. Engine 102, with Captain Young and crew, laid out from 11th Street and Stafford Street, arriving on side "C" of a five unit row of townhomes with heavy fire rapidly consuming the rear of the second and third units. A second alarm was requested upon arrival at 0034 hours. Engine 103's driver, Firefighter Barb, picked up 102's line at the hydrant and provided water supply. Engine 102's crew stretched the 200' 1-3/4" line to 1116-C while 103's crew, with Captain Higgins, Probationary Firefighter Patterson (detailed from 104) and Firefighter Gorman (from E-108) stretched the 150' 1-3/4" line from Engine 102 and proceeded to 1116-B. After forcing the front door 103's crew was faced with heavy fire consuming the entire first floor and extending to the second floor via the stairs. 103's crew held the stairs while Rescue 104, with Captain Hererra and crew, searched the second and third floors under high heat and smoke conditions. Fortunately the search proved negative. With no fire in the exposure, Engine 102 repositioned their line and knocked down the extremely heavy fire consuming the exterior of the townhomes. Engine 108, with Captain Ryan and crew, arrived and laid a secondary water supply and assisted with extinguishment while Engine 101, with Captain Pachas and crew, had the RIT assignment and assisted with exterior tasks. Tower 104 got a position on side "C" and was able to shoot the roof with their aerial. A couple of second alarm units assisted with overhaul before being released. Luckily, the fire was held to one unit with damage to the exterior of three adjacent units. There were no ACFD or civilian injuries. Battalion 112 (Chief Smith on O-T) had command. Special thanks goes to the American Red Cross and Falls Church VFD Canteen for responding promptly to serve refreshments to the firefighters.

Engine 102, 103, 108, 101 Tower 104, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 102, Battalion 112, 111, EMS 112, Safety 114 and the Duty Fire Marshal.

July 7 - The members of the ACFD were saddened to learn of the passing of Washington, DC Firefighter Technician James McRae, III of Truck Company 12 on July 7th. The following is the official release from DCFD. Please keep the family and co-workers of Firefighter McRae in your thoughts and prayers.

It is with regret to notify the Department of the Line of Duty Death (LODD) of Firefighter Technician James J. McRae III of Truck Company 12, Platoon No. 3, on Saturday, July 7, 2007, while serving as the truck driver. A preliminary investigation revealed that Firefighter McRae experienced shortness of breath. He was immediately assessed and treated by the firefighter paramedic assigned to Engine Company 20. He was subsequently transported to the hospital where he later succumbed.

Further Trust Fund information and funeral details will be released as they come available.

Funeral services for D.C. Fire and EMS, Firefighter Technician James J. McRae III of Truck Company 12, Platoon No. 3, will be held Saturday, July 14^th, at the Washington Convention Center. The viewing will be held from 9-to-11 am in Hall “A” of the convention center; located at 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest. The memorial service will begin at 11am, followed immediately by the internment. Firefighter McRae will be laid to rest at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, at 3401 Bladensburg Road, in Brentwood, Maryland.

Any Fire and EMS or law enforcement Department that is planning to bring apparatus please email a contact name and number and we will provide directions and other essential information. Email us at mcraefuneral@dc.gov

July 7 - The Cherrydale Volunteers generously donated the funds for us to have a heavy-duty four person bench constructed for the front ramp. The bench was built by Probationary Firefighter Will Farrell's Grandfather, "Pappy" Hughes. It makes a nice addition for the relaxation of the crew after a long day.

July 4 - At 1130 hours the extrication assignment was dispatched for an accident with injuries in the 1100 Block of North Glebe Road in Engine 108's first due. Units arrived to find a single vehicle accident with no entrapment and only minor injuries. Engine 103 responded as the Paramedic Engine.

July 2 - The members of the ACFD were saddened to learn of the passing of Retired Lieutenant Dayton Scheffel on June 27. Lt. Scheffel retired from Engine Co. 7 in the 1970's. Lt. Scheffel was the nephew of Arlington County's first Fire Chief, Albert Scheffel. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

June 19 - The members of the ACFD, along with Firefighters from across the Country, join our brothers and sisters in Charleston, South Carolina as they mourn the loss of nine brave members of their Department killed after a roof collapse during a structure fire on June 18th. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the lost Firefighters. Please, keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

When I am called to duty, God,
Where ever flames may rage
Give me the strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late;
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
And hear the weakest shout,
To quickly and efficiently put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property,
And if according to fate - I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
Amen t the

June 19 - Much to the relief of Station 3 members, Jaws, Jr. has returned home. We are not sure where he has been for the last couple of weeks. Despite our attempts to find out where he has been.....or who he has been with, Jaws, Jr. will not talk. Regardless of where he has been, we are just happy to have him home where he belongs.

June 14 - At 0240 hours units were dispatched to 4421 North 36th Street in 108's first due area for a reported house fire. Communications advised smoke coming from the roof after a possible lightning strike. Engine 103, with Captain Ortiz (Detailed from Station 4) Firefighters Barger, Stanislaus and Zuniga arrived to find heavy smoke blanketing the neighborhood. They laid a 4" supply line from 36th Street and Vermont, arriving on side A of a two-story single family dwelling with smoke showing from the eaves. As Engine 103's crew was stretching the 200' 1-3/4" line Captain Ortiz did a "lap" around the house, finding heavy fire showing from the gable vent on side "B". 103's crew entered the home and began hooking the ceiling in the B/C quadrant to access the fire, which was knocked down quickly once it was exposed. Engine 108's driver picked up 103's line at the hydrant and provided water supply while 108's crew stretched the 300' 1-3/4" back-up line. Truck 106 assisted with hooking ceilings and conducted the primary search. Tower 104's crew opened the roof above the fire while Rescue 104 assisted with ventilation. Engine 102 assisted interior crews and Engine 110 had the RIT assignment. Battalion 112 (Chief Bonzano) had command. After extensive overhaul to remove blown-in insulation Engine 103 cleared the scene shortly after 0630. The ACFD Fire Marshals are investigating.

Units on the call: Engine 108, 103, 102, 110, Truck 106, Tower 104, Rescue 104, Battalion 112,111, EMS 112, Mobile Air Unit 108.

June 12 - At 1818 hours a box assignment was sent to "the area of" Arlington Blvd. and Washington Blvd. for a reported apartment fire. Communications was receiving numerous 911 calls reporting fire and smoke coming from an apartment in the vicinity. Rescue Engine 161, stationed only a few blocks away, arrived at 101 North Wayne Street with heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of a three story garden apartment. They laid a supply line from the intersection and stretched a 200' 1-3/4" through side A. Engine 101, with Captain Pachas and crew, arrived second due with the driver picking up the hydrant and the crew stretching an 1-3/4" back-up line. Engine 110 laid a second supply line from 2nd Street and Wayne. Engine 109 arrived and picked up 110's line and took the RIT assigment. With reports of several trapped occupants Battalion 112 (Chief Bonzano) requested a 2nd alarm at 1824 hours. Rescue 104 located two occupants trapped in their apartment above the fire and requested a ground ladder to the third floor window. Tower 104 laddered the apartment and the occupants were safely evacuated. Good job by the Rescue and Tower! Once Engine 101 located the fire in a second floor apartment they made a quick knockdown. The 2nd alarm units were held in staging for a brief period of time and then released as the fire was extinguished.

Unit on call: Rescue Engine 161, Engine 101, 110, 109, Tower 104, Truck 105, Rescue 104, Medic 104, Battalion 112, 111, Safety 114.

2nd alarm: Engine 102, 103, 108, Truck 106, Medic 110, Battalion 161, Light and Air 103, Mobile Air Unit 108

Although all of her classmates were introduced to the World of Fire long ago, this was the first fire for Engine 101's rookie, Cheryl Yamanaka, since graduating from Recruit School in December. We all had our fingers crossed that she wouldn't break anything!

June 6 - At 12:51 hours units were dispatched for the apartment fire at 1577 Colonial Terrace in Engine 110's first due area. Colonial Terrace is a narrow, one way street that has been the scene of numerous fires over the years. Engine 110, with Captain Ortiz and crew, laid a supply line from the intersection and arrived on side A of a three story garden apartment (condo) with heavy smoke showing from a top floor apartment. 110's crew stretched the 200' 1-3/4" line through the front door and up the stairs of the public hallway. They found the door to the fire apartment hot and, with the assistance of Tower 104, forced the door to find pretty good fire conditions inside. Engine 103 driver, Firefighter Zuniga picked up 110's line at the hydrant and provided water supply while Captain Warren, Firefighters Stanislaus and Proby Richards stretched the 300' 1-3/4" to back-up Engine 110. Rescue and Tower 104 searched the fire apartment under adverse conditions due to the volume of storage in the apartment with negative results. Truck 106 and Rescue 104 provided ground ladders and controlled utilities. The fire was extinguished quickly and units released. Battalion 112 (Chief Bonzano) had command.

Engine 110, 103, 161, 101 Tower 104, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 110, Battalion 112, 111, EMS 112, Safety 114.

June 5 - Congratulations to Fire Trainee Richards (A shift), Fire Trainee Farrell (B shift) and Fire Trainee Waterfall (C shift) for successfully passing their Fire Trainee Exams last week. They have now moved to the rank of Probationary Firefighter. Good job, guys!

June 5 - A reward is being offered for the safe return of Jaws, Jr. who was last seen on May 27th at Station 3. Jaws, Jr. had become a regular member around the station and we fear his disappearance may be the result of foul play. As many of you may remember, Jaws, Jr. gained famed with a recent photo essay depicting his daily routine around the fire house. If anyone knows the current whereabouts of Jaws, Jr. please let someone from Station 3 know. If he is returned safely there will be no questions asked.

May 25 - At 1902 hours Engine 103 was on the street for the investigation behind 3612 Lee Highway in the first due. The Engine arrived to find a fire, out on arrival, that involved a propane cooking grille. As a result of the fire the cylinder valve assembly was leaking around the threads and was unable to be tightened. Of course, the cylinder had just been re-filled. Rescue 109 and Hazmat Support 202 from Alexandria were requested to assist in flaring, or controlled burning, of the propane remaining in the cylinder. The flaring operation took just over two hours to complete.

May 22 - At 1845 hours the station tones sounded for the house fire at 5015 Washington Blvd, in 102's first due. Engine 102 arrived on side A with fire showing from the basement of a two story single family dwelling and secured their own water supply. They stretched the 200 1-3/4" line to side "C" and entered through an open garage door to find a well involved fire in the laundry room which was quickly extinguished. Engine 108 arrived second due and laid an additional supply line. They stretched the 300' 1-3/4" line to back-up Engine 102 in the basement. Engine 103, with Captain Brown, Firefighter Becker, Farrell and Hanson, arrived third due and stretched the 150' 1-3/4" to the first floor and found minor extension, which was quickly extinguished. Engine 101 had the RIT assignment. Truck 106, Tower 104 and Rescue 104 performed search and ventilation. Battalion 112 (Chief Blankenship) had command. Engine 103 went ready at 1941 hours.

Units on the call: Engines 102, 108, 103, 101, Tower 104, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 102, Battalion 112, 111, EMS 112, Safety 114, FM 114.

May 20 - At 0711 hours, just after shift change, units were dispatched for the house fire at 5410 North 22nd Road, in 108's first due. Engine 108, with Captain Wirtz, laid out from 22nd Road and North Harrison Street and arrived on side "A" with fire showing from a basement window. Initially, 108's crew stretched the 200' 1-3/4" to the front door but they encountered difficulty forcing the door so they repositioned their line and entered through the back door. While repositioning the line they knocked down fire that was impinging on the gas meter. Once inside they encountered heavy smoke and heat while holding the stairs. Engine 103, with Captain Brown, Firefighter Hallowich, Farrell and Hanson, arrived second due and picked up Engine 108's line at the hydrant. The crew stretched the 300' 1-3/4" line to the rear and forced the basement door. They rapidly extinguished pretty good fire conditions. Engine 102 arrived on the scene and stretched the 150' 1-3/4" line to the first floor and were told to standby. Engine 106 arrived fourth due and laid 1000' of 4" hose and established the secondary water supply while the crew took the RIT assignment. Truck 106 performed exterior work while Tower 104 and Rescue 104 conducted the searches and checked for extension. Battalion 112 (Chief Blankenship) had command. Engine 103 cleared at 0910 hours.

Units on the call: Engine 108, 103, 102, 106 Truck 106, Tower 104, Rescue 104, Medic 102, Battalion 112, 111, EMS 112, Safety 114 and FM 114.

May 18 - Several new items have been added to the Union Store. Click the link on navigation bar to view.

May 15 - At 2241 hours units were dispatched for the apartment fire at 1020 North Quincy Street in Box 7410. Although this address is in 104's first due, Engine 103 is the first due Engine on the box. Engine 103, with Captain Snider (detailed from #9), Firefighters Hallowich, Farrell and Mayer (detailed from #1) arrived on side "A" with smoke showing from a ground floor apartment in quadrant "D". The structure is a 10-story Type I apartment building with 197 units constructed in 1963. Engine 103's crew entered on side "A" and immediately encountered heavy smoke conditions in the hallway. They connected their standpipe pack to a stairwell riser and advanced the 1-3/4" line down the hallway. The door to the fire apartment was slightly ajar which allowed quick access. Once inside, the crews found fire in the kitchen which had been mostly extinguished by the occupant of the apartment (who happened to be the building engineer). The search proved negative and the kitchen was checked for extension. Once ventilation was completed units were released. Engine 103 cleared at 2337 hours. The neighbor of the fire apartment reported hearing a smoke detector sounding and poked her head into the hallway just in time to see the door to the fire apartment quickly open and the building engineer frantically run out followed by a large ball of fire and smoke as he ran down the hallway to get a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries.

Units on the call: Engine 103, 102, 101, 110 Tower 104, Truck 106, Rescue 104, Medic 104, Battalion 112, 111, EMS 112 and Safety Officer.

May 15 - At 1232 hours units were dispatched to Box 7804 for the house fire at 4928 North 18th Street in 108's first due. Engine 108, with Captain Wirtz, laid out from the intersection and arrived on the scene of a two-story single family dwelling with fire showing on side "C". Engine 103 arrived and picked up Engine 108's layout and provided water supply. While Engine 108's crew stretched the 200 1-3/4" line to the rear, Engine 103's crew, with Captain Snider (on O-T) Firefighters Hallowich, Farrell and Troiano forced the door on side "A" and entered with the 300' 1-3/4" from Engine 108. Once inside they checked all levels and found no extension or smoke conditions. Engine 108's crew quickly extinguished fire burning on the vinyl siding of the house which was ignited by smoldering mulch. With no extension to the interior units were quickly released after overhaul. Engine 103 cleared at 1316 hours.

Units on the call: Engine 108, 103, 102, 106, Truck 106, Tower 104, Rescue 104, Medic 102, Battalion 112, EMS 112 and Safety 114.

May 9 - Engine 103 and Medic 104 were dispatched around lunchtime for a tree down on an automobile on Southbound George Washington Pkwy. near Pimmit Run. Engine 103 arrived on the scene with a very large tree across both Southbound lanes....but no vehicle was seen. Bystanders indicated the vehicle that was struck stopped about a half mile down the road. Arriving on the scene Engine 103 found a brand new VW convertible with significant damage. The driver indicated he was driving along when he saw the tree coming down out of the corner of his eye. Fortunately, it appears the vehicle was only hit by a large branch. The driver was shaken up but not injured. Talk about lucky!

May 7 - At 21:19 hours Arlington and Fairfax County units were dispatched to Fire Box 7816 for the house fire at 4514 North 41st Street in 108's first due area. This Box borders with Fairfax County in the far Northern portion of Arlington. Engine 108, with Captain Carter, laid a supply line from 41st Street and Chesterbrook Road arriving on the scene with heavy fire showing from side "A" of a large 1-1/2 story rambler. Engine 103's driver, Firefighter Barb, picked up Engine 108's line at the hydrant and provided water supply. While Engine 108's crew was stretching the 200' 1-3/4" line Engine 103's crew with Captain Higgins, Firefighters Jaquays and Waterfall and Volunteer Firefighter Lowry stretched the 150' 1-3/4" and proceeded to enter with Engine 108's crew. Both crews worked together to knock down heavy fire in the living room and dining room. Truck 106's inside crew hooked ceilings to access fire in the attic while the outside crew prepared to open the roof. Engine 106, with Acting Lieutenant John Hughes, arrived third due and laid a secondary supply line from 41st Street and Cresent Lane. 106's crew stretched the 300' 1-3/4" from Engine 108 and came in from the rear to assist in extinguishment. Engine 102 has the RIT while Rescue 401 conducted a primary search of the home. A speedy response by Dominion-Virginia Power made quick work of a live power line on side "D". EMS 112, Captain Hehr, had command for the initial stages of the incident until relieved by Battalion 402 (Chief Tolson). Engine 103 clearing at 22:54. The fire is currently under investigation. All occupants of the home escaped. This was the first fire that Engine 103's new Thermal Imaging Camera was used on and it was sure nice to have it!

Units on the call: Engine 108, 103, 106, 102 Truck 106, Tower 401, Rescue 401, Medic 401, Battalion 402, and EMS 112. Light and Air 103 was also on scene along with the Red Cross.

May 7 - This historical letter from General Patton (then a Major) was recently discovered and is re-printed here courtesy of Arlington Fire Journal.

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
FORT MYER, VIRGINIA

March 1, 1934

Fire Chief,
Clarendon Fire Department,
Clarendon, Virginia

Dear Sir:

On behalf of the officers and men garrisoned at Fort Myer I desire to thank you and your men for the prompt and effective manner in which you participated in fighting the fire in the Riding Hall at this station on the night of February 28th-March 1st.

Your assistance was invaluable and it is felt, but for your efforts, the fire might and probably would have spread to other buildings, possibly endangering the very existence of Fort Myer.

Again assuring you of our deep appreciation, I am

Most sincerely yours,

G. B. PATTON, Jr.
Major, 3d Cavalary
Commanding

Transcript of letter courtesy of Betty Fought

May 6- B shift tries to get in on some of the action A and C shift have been seeing lately. This fire was in the 900 Block of North Pollard Street.

Firefighter Hallowich attacking the fire while Captain Brown prepares to go defensive.

May 5 - Engine 103 is now equipped with a new Thermal Imaging Camera as part of its inventory. All single engine houses (101, 102, 103, 107, 108 and 110) will be issued thermal imagers which will ensure that at least one TIC is available at each of the ten fire stations throughout the County. Previously, only the Squad, Truck Companies and Battalion Chiefs were carrying the thermal imagers. The TIC's enable Firefighters to locate victims quickly in heavy smoke conditions and greatly assists in locating "hot spots" during fire overhaul. The most significant contribution of the TIC is the increase in Firefighter safety.

In addition to the Thermal Imagers, each Engine, Truck/Tower and Rescue were recently issued Olympus digital cameras. The 7.1 mega pixel cameras will be used to document fire and accident scenes and preserve the history of the ACFD in digital format.

May 4 - At 0219 hours the Engine was on the road to Box 7308 for a reported house fire 4211 North 25th Street in 103's first due. Engine 103, with Capt. Warren, Firefighter Barger, Zuniga and Stanislaus dropped a supply line at 25th and Stuart Streets and arrived with heavy fire showing from side "Baker" of a two-story +basement single family dwelling.

The fire was involving an attached wood deck covered with a tin roof with serious exposure to the house on the "Baker" side. 103's crew stretched the 200' 1-3/4" to attack the deck fire and cover the exposure. Engine 108 arrived second due and ran the 300' 1-3/4" from Engine 103 through the front door and found fire conditions in the kitchen which they promptly extinguished. Engine 102 arrived third due and took the 150' 1-3/4" to the second floor and found minor extension in a bathroom directly above the kitchen. Battalion 112 (Chief Reshetar) had command. Engine 103 cleared at 0526.

Units on the call: Engine 103,108,102,110 Tower 104, Rescue 104, Medic 104, Battalion 112, FM 114, Safety 114.

April 30 - At 2118 hours units were dispatched to Box 7212 for the house fire at 1210 North Taylor Street in Engine 102's first due. Tower 104 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from a single story "bungalow" style house. Engine 103, Firefighter Reeve, picked up Engine 102's split lay at the intersection and provided water supply. While Engine 102 's crew was stretching the 200' 1-3/4" Engine 103's crew with Capt. Higgins, Firefighters Jaquays, Waterfall and Volunteer Firefighter Lowry stretched the 150' 1-3/4" line from Engine 102. Engine 103's officer did a "lap" around the house and confirmed a working basement fire with no exterior entrance to the basement. While 102's crew advanced their line through the front door Engine 103 was alerted to a side entrance that led directly to the basement. 103's crew advised Command that they were entering through this door and fought their way down the interior stairs. Fire Trainee Waterfall had the nozzle and made quick work of what turned out to be a relatively small room and contents fire. Tower and Rescue 104 assisted with search, ventilation, and ladders. Engine 108 laid a second supply line from 13th and Taylor Street and Engine 101 had the RIT assignment. Units operated for an hour before being released. Battalion 112 (Chief Insley) had command.

Units on the call: Engine 102, 103, 108, 101, Tower 104, Rescue 104, Medic 102, FM 114, Battalion 112, EMS 112.

April 30 - Around 1230 this afternoon Engine 103 was dispatched to check for smoke in the area of Lee Highway and North Veitch Street. Upon exiting quarters a very large column of black smoke could be seen in the distance. Arriving at the reported location it was evident that this was not going to be a fire we would fight. DC Fire was working a third alarm fire at the Georgetown Library on Wisconsin Ave. Knowing that Engine 103 was closer to the fire than many DC units it was hard to turn around and go back to the station! Medic 110, with Firefighter Barb from Engine 103, was transferred to fill at Engine 2's quarters for a few hours. We did hear unconfirmed reports of a ladder truck (410??) hiding (staging??) in the bushes near Key Bridge.

April 26 - Shortly after 1900 Engine 103 was dispatched on their 11th run of the day to investigate a smoking light pole at Fort C.F. Smith on North 24th Street. Once on the scene a birds nest was found smoldering inside a light fixture 30 feet above the street. Tower 104 was requested to assist the Engine in accessing and extinguishing the fire. Sadly, two of our feathered friends were lost in the blaze.

April 21 - Members of C shift took advantage of the beautiful Saturday weather to train with the new Elkhart Rapid Attack Monitor (R.A.M.) The RAM was setup using the Storz X 2-1/2" gated wye to accommodate the extension of a handline, in this case a 2-1/2" line. The gated wye is an option to keep in mind, especially if the RAM is setup in the rear of a structure.

April 21 - Rescue 104's former 2000 American LaFrance rig has been sold to the Tri-Valley Fire Department located in the Denali National Park in ALASKA! The rig was re-lettered and placed on a flatbed trailer for the 4,500 mile journey to its new home. This is the farthest North that a former Arlington rig has served. Two of the old Saulsbury pumpers were sent South to Venezuela several years ago.

April 21 - We have been following Firefighter Jesse Reeve around the station for the last couple of days to record what he does each day. Following is a photo essay of a typical day with Fireman Jesse.

April 16 - The members of the ACFD offer our condolences to the family of Technician I Kyle Wilson and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue while they struggle with their loss. Brother Wilson was killed this morning while fighting a house fire.

April 12 - Shortly after 1400 hours Engine 103 and Medic 102 were dispatched to Lee Highway and North Veitch Street for a motor vehicle accident. Engine 103 arrived on scene and found a full size van that t-boned a sedan on the drivers door. Rescue 104 was requested to "pop" the drivers door to remove the BLS patient. Units cleared within 20 minutes.

After Latest Plan Fizzles, Board Settles on New Fire Station Site