VBFD

VBPD is seeking the community's assistance regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 10, 2026, in the 2800 block of Shore Drive. Learn More: nextdoor.com/p/KjDGYg2GzmRN…

Teach your children fire prevention safety tips when they are young, so as they grow up, they remain safe and can teach their children as well. #fireprevention #savinglives #firefighters #firstresponders

TWO DAYS AWAY! Join the American Red Cross and @FM99WNOR for the Rock 'n' Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive this Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18, 2026 at various locations throughout Hampton Roads! Go to RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code: FM99

📣Join VBFD for a FREE virtual education session for individuals with diverse abilities, their families, and caregivers! For people with disabilities and their families, safety is always important—but it's especially critical during emergencies. This free virtual educational opportunity will provide practical tips, resources, and tools to help you create a safety plan with confidence. Join Virginia Beach Fire Department Life Safety Specialists Carolyn Cox and Nicole Jones, along with other expert presenters, for this informative session hosted by the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) Regional Councils at DBHDS. Topics include: 🔥Fire safety 🩺Personal and medical emergencies Finding the right equipment for your safety needs 🗓️Thursday, July 16, 2026 ⏰6:00–8:15 p.m. 🆓Free Virtual Event ✏️Register here: events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/.../f84373eb-5…... #VBFD #CommunityRiskReduction #FireSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #Inclusion #LifeSafetyEducation

On July 14, NAS Oceana will conduct a large-scale emergency response exercise. This regularly scheduled training is designed to further prepare NAS Oceana and our community partners to respond to mishaps and security incidents. #NASOceana #NavyReadiness #CityofVirginiaBeach

Today, VBFD Master Firefighter Matthew A. Schwaner was formally recognized and presented with a Resolution from the Virginia House of Delegates, passed in 2026, commending him for his outstanding contributions to the City of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Resolution was introduced and presented to him by Virginia State Delegate Alex Askew. Congratulations, Matt! We are exceedingly proud of your distinguished service, unwavering dedication, and the exceptional professionalism you exemplify each day. Your commitment to the Virginia Beach Fire Department and the citizens we serve is a reflection of the highest traditions of the fire service. @askewfordelegate #firefighter #firstresponder #FFOY #leader #mentor #resolution

WORKING FIRE: 3788 GREY DOVE LANE – SALEM LAKES On 07/09/2026 at 16:29:01, VBFD, EMS, and VBPD were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 3700 BLK of Grey Dove Lane in the Salem Lakes subdivision. When units arrived at 16:35:12, smoke and flames were observed from the eves of the second floor of the two-story residential structure. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 16:40:29, marked under control at 16:44:00 and the fire was marked out at 16:50:02. Two adults and one child were displaced. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. The origin and cause of the fire was the second floor bathroom fan.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: YOU'RE INVITED VBFD and VA-TF2 will be hosting the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center, 927 S Birdneck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA.

This is what can happen when lithium-ion batteries are improperly placed in recycling containers or when smoking materials, fireworks, and ashes from grills, fire pits, or fireplaces are discarded before they are completely extinguished. The heat has been brutal for firefighters and anyone that works outdoors. These simple acts of carelessness can quickly lead to fires, putting firefighters and waste and recycling employees at unnecessary risk. Please dispose of these items properly. A few extra moments of caution can prevent a dangerous fire and help protect those who work every day to keep our community safe. Please review these items NOT accepted in the recycling carts • Rechargeable batteries (Lithium Ion, Ni-Cd) • Rechargeable devices • Propane tanks & fuel canisters • Plastic bags and plastic film • Household garbage • Hazardous waste • Polystyrene (Styrofoam) • Appliances • Electronics • Automotive parts • Ceramics, sheet glass/mirrors, ovenware Items not accepted in the curbside waste collection program can be taken the City’s Landfill and Resource Recovery Center. More information is available on the Landfill and Resource Recovery Center at bit.ly/3SVfhX1

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating MFF Luke Parks on his promotion to captain. His promotion is effective July 23, 2026. Congratulations, Luke. Thank you for your continued dedication and service to the VBFD and the Virginia Beach community. #promotion #captain #firefighter #firstresponder #career #leader #mentor

How Virginia Beach Celebrated America’s Birthday What a busy and memorable Fourth of July holiday weekend we had here in Virginia Beach! Our beaches were filled with visitors, families, and friends enjoying the sun, surf, and sand while finding relief from the summer heat. Across the city, parks were alive with celebrations as thousands gathered to enjoy neighborhood parades, community events, and watch the spectacular bursts of color and thunderous booms of the annual fireworks display at Mt. Trashmore. As we continue celebrating America's 250th birthday, we also take time to honor our veterans and the brave men and women of our armed forces who have defended our nation's freedoms—especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated professionals who serve our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To our military members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers, EMS personnel, healthcare professionals, and everyone who worked throughout the holiday weekend to keep our community safe—thank you for your unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and selfless service. Your dedication allows countless families and visitors to celebrate safely and create lasting memories. From all of us at the Virginia Beach Fire Department, thank you to everyone who helped make this Independence Day weekend safe, enjoyable, and memorable. We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating 250 years of freedom, unity, and the enduring American spirit with your family and friends. @VBPD @VBRescueEMS @vbeccs @VBSO @nas_oceana @JEBLCF @VisitVABeach @CityofVaBeach

WORKING INCIDENT: 600 BLK WHITEHURST LANDING DRIVE – On 07/04/2026 at 22:33:43, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a brush fire in the 600 BLK of Whitehurst Landing Drive. Due to the dry conditions the fire spread quickly. Upon arrival at 22:41:49, crews found an approximately 100-foot by 100-foot brush fire burning in a marsh, creating significant access challenges. Crews had water on the fire at 22:50:00, the fire marked under control at 01:15:00 and marked out at 01:27:24. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The origin and cause are under investigation.

Thank you to the members of our community who invited VBFD crews to join your Fourth of July celebrations. We truly appreciated your warm hospitality and the opportunity to spend time with families, answer questions, and connect with the community we are proud to serve. Thank you for making us part of your holiday celebration! Crews from Engine 15 A-Shift joined the 83rd St / 84th St neighborhood July 4th gathering for some corn hole. The crews provided Engine tours with the kids, and enjoyed a low-country shrimp boil. 😋 L - R: FF B. O'Shea, FF L. Karlov, Captain G. Pascke, and MFF T. Miller. Not to be outdone, Engine 16-A joined members of the Chesopian Colony neighborhood for their annual July 4 parade and festivities. Thank you for the warm welcome and the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day alongside such a great community! L-R: FF Jaden Williams, MFF Mike Vick, Uncle Sam, FF Justin Morreim, and Captain Justin Weinrich

The crew of VBFD Engine 20-B wanted to give a big SHOUTOUT to say “THANK YOU!” to their friends from a nearby Wawa for stopping by the station today to deliver some much-appreciated hoagies. 😋 Captain William “Eric” Ashley, FF Cameron Hunt, FF John Bochicchio, and MFF James “Jim” Nabors along with thoughtful staff from Wawa. #community #firefighters #firstresponders #goodneighbors #donation #hoagies @Wawa

Please join Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating FF Tristen Dodd – E10B , FF Alex Cidlevicz – E1B, FF Daniel Buettner – E22B, FF Jackson Marlowe – E18B, FF Scott Taylor – E3A, and FF William Harrell – E7B (not in photo) for completing the Advanced EMT Academy 6 course! We are proud of you and your dedication to continue to grow your skills to support the VBFD and serve the Virginia Beach community. #savinglives #firefighters #firstresponders #AEMT #medics #training

🎉 Congratulations on Your Retirement, Master Firefighter Amy Hundley! Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating MFF Amy Hundley on her retirement after 20 years of dedicated public service. July 1st marks the first day of her retirement, closing out an incredible career that began in July of 2005 at 11A. Thank you, Amy, for your dedication and service to the VBFD and the Virginia Beach community. The VBFD wishes you a happy and healthy retirement as you start this new chapter. #firefighter #firstresponder #retirement #publicservice #masterfirefighter

With over 61 square miles of waterways and 38 miles of shoreline, Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD) plays a critical role in ensuring safety on and around the water. To respond effectively to water-related emergencies, our crews must be highly trained and prepared for a wide range of rescue scenarios. That’s why continuous training is essential. This past Sunday, Company 3-B Shift participated in a Rapid Dive drill — just one example of how we stay mission-ready to protect our community, no matter the conditions. 💪🚒🌊 #VBFD #WaterRescue #rapiddivedrill #FirstResponders #TrainingMatters #oceanrescue #firefighters #rescueswimmers

🎉 Congratulations on Your Retirement, Captain Daniel Mugan! 🚒 Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating Captain Daniel Mugan on his retirement after 19 years of dedicated public service. July 1st marks the first day of his retirement, closing out an incredible career that began in February 2007 at E21A. Thank you, Dan, for your dedication and service to the VBFD and the Virginia Beach community. The VBFD wishes you a happy and healthy retirement as you start this new chapter. #firefighter #firstresponder #retirement #publicservice #captain

🎉 Congratulations on Your Retirement, Master Firefighter Christopher Springs! 🚒 Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating MFF Christopher Springs on his retirement after 20 years of dedicated public service. July 1st marks the first day of his retirement, closing out an incredible career that began in May of 2006 at E21A. Thank you, Chris, for your dedication and service to the VBFD and the Virginia Beach community. The VBFD wishes you a happy and healthy retirement as you start this new chapter. #firefighter #firstresponder #retirement #publicservice #masterfirefighter

Use the Waze app for up-to-date traffic conditions and help navigating to the Oceanfront for the Fourth of July Stars & Stripes Celebration on Saturday, July 4. For more event info: VirginiaBeach.gov/EventInfo