Virginia Department of Fire Programs

This weekend, it's going to be HOT and HAZY as temperatures rise and wildfires continue to burn in Canada. Chief Safety Officer, David Jolly, encourages those conducting outside training to make the adjustments as needed to reduce the likelihood of heat related emergencies.

Have you submitted your application for the 2026 Fire Incident Reporting Grant? All applications must be postmarked by 8/31. As a reminder, the grant supports local jurisdictions in accurately documenting emergency incidents through NERIS. Submit here: bit.ly/48Wpzv6

#VDPF Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Sarah Kenny and IT Manager Robert Steele are in San Diego this week for the annual Esri User Conference, the world’s largest geographic information system (GIS) technology conference. #EsriUC2026

#ALERT! The 2026 Tri-City Regional Fire and EMS School is happening August 22-23 at Dinwiddie High School! Sharpen your skills and knowledge with topics for every type of first responder. Register here: bit.ly/4wCloxQ

ALERT! The Virginia State Firefighters Association Conference & Expo is happening in Wytheville on August 6-8. Interested? Register here: bit.ly/4h6rEcI

Seats are filling fast for 2026 Virginia State Weekend at the NFA happening August 28-30, 2026. Registration closes July 18. NOTE: NFA Incident Safety Officer Course Code and Title Change. This course is now 2500 Applications of Operational Safety (AOS). bit.ly/4eAE3UP

New Course Alert! National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training Program offered at Moneta Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, July 26. Register here: bit.ly/3R7uvaW

Nominations for the Governor's Fire Service Awards are open. Each category includes a volunteer and career recipient. Awards are presented annually at the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference. Nominations remain open through December 1. bit.ly/4vSMGQG

The Use of Force/Control Tactics refresher course is for Fire Marshals with Law Enforcement Powers. The course will be hands on providing current tactics and techniques, along with a brief classroom session in the morning.

The Safety Division conducted two Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Train-the-Trainer courses. More than 30 new instructors were trained, representing all of the roadway responders and how the 4-hour program is designed to be presented.

Have you signed up for the Division 3 Rescue Week Trench Technician course yet? It’s happening in Lynchburg, Virginia on August 3-5! Interested? Apply on Cornerstone! Contact Division Chief Chad Riddleberger with any questions. Chadwick.riddleberger@vdfp.virginia.gov

Happy 4th of July! As you celebrate, it is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year. bit.ly/3RKhMIl

Listen to Sparky this 4th of July and leave it to the pros. 🎆 Learn more about firework safety here: vdfp.virginia.gov/news/news-rele… . . . . #VirginiaDepartmentofFirePrograms #VirginiaFire #VirginiaFirefighters #Virginia #VDFP #FourthofJuly #FireworkSafety #Fireworks

We know it's the 4th of July, and yes, we know you want to see the fireworks. But, the reality is... firework injuries can happen quickly! So, this holiday... leave it to the pros! More tips: bit.ly/3RKhMIl

Check out these pictures from our Division 7 Rescue Week Tower Rescue at Prince William. Our 32-Hour Rope Technician Rescuer Course provides hands-on & classroom training designed to prepare rescuers for the challenges of operating in both vertical and horizontal environments.

Changes are coming to the #VDFP Podcast! We're shifting to once a month! Our mission remains unchanged—delivering timely information, training updates, and insightful conversations to support Virginia’s fire and emergency services community. bit.ly/4i2pqcS

Registration for Virginia State Weekend at the NFA (8/28-30) has been extended to July 18! Students must register in Cornerstone: bit.ly/4eAE3UP

#VDFP Executive Director Brad Creasy presented the agency’s Recognition of Anniversary to the Sterling Vol. Fire Department in Loudoun County. Congratulations, Sterling on 60 years of service!

Last week, VDFP hosted the NFA Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention course. This course focuses on how identification, intake, screening, disposition, and follow-up are used to mitigate youth firesetting behavior.

We provided a MEGA Passenger Vehicle Awareness, Operations, and Technician Program. 🔥 43 Students 🔥 9 Adjunct Instructors 🔥 24 Vehicles 🔥 16 hours of training Thanks to Abingdon Fire Chief Tim Estes, VDFP Division Chief Chad Stanley, and Abingdon Collision and Towing.