VBFD

WORKING FIRE: 1300 CAROLYN DRIVE - LINLIER On 3/20/2026 at 05:47:40, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire. When crews arrived at 05:53:03, heavy smoke was visible from a detached two-story structure (pool house) located in the backyard behind the residence. The residence was not Crews; quickly had water on the fire at 06:00:39, marked under control at 06:14:29, and marked out at 08:22:36. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets and no displacement. The fire was accidental and considered to be electrical, caused by an external extension cord.

WORKING FIRE: 5500 BLK LARRY AVE – On 03/19/2026 at 01:19:07 VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire in the 5500 BLK of Larry Avenue. When crews arrived at 01:24:55 heavy smoke was found from a detached garage. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 01:29:30, marked under control at 01:33:22 and marked out at 01:40:27. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. The origin of the fire was the detached garage, and it was determined to be accidental, and cause was electrical in nature due to overloaded extension cords.

WORKING INCIDENT: 200 BLK TOWN CENTER DRIVE – ARMADA HOFFLER PARKING GARAGE On March 18, 2026, at 15:21:18, VBFD units were dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire in the 200 block of Town Center. Units arrived on scene at 15:24:23 and ascended to the second floor, where they encountered heavy smoke conditions. Crews located a single vehicle on fire, with the building’s sprinkler system already activated and effectively containing the fire to that vehicle. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire using handlines and conducted ventilation to clear smoke from the structure. Crews had water on the fire at 15:32:01. The fire was marked under control at 15:33:50, and marked out at 15:37:08. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

🎉🐾 It’s PAW-ty time! 🐾🎉 Sparky The Fire Dog turns 75! 🔥🎂 Help us celebrate everyone’s favorite fire safety pup, Sparky! VBFD fire dogs Ember and Ari joined the fun along with new puppy friend, Hattie! 🐶🐶🐶 Take a moment to protect what matters most - your family and your furry friends. 🐶❤️ Sparky’s Safety Tips: 1️⃣ Have working smoke alarms - test them monthly! 2️⃣ Smoke alarms only last about 10 years - gift yourself a new one if yours no longer works, and always check the manufacturer’s guidelines! 3️⃣ Make a fire escape plan - and be sure to include your pets! 🐕🐈 4️⃣ Practice your plan with your family and share it with visitors so everyone knows what to do! 5️⃣ If you use real flames for birthday candles, keep them away from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended! 🕯️ A little planning and prevention can make every celebration safe. Stay safe and keep the PAW-ty going! 🥳🐾🔥 Thanks to Station 3, C shift for being party of the fun and check out sparky.org for free Sparky birthday activities!🎉 #SparkysBirthday #FireSafety #FirePrevention #PetSafety #PawtyTime #NFPA

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – SANDBRIDGE ROAD CLOSURE All lanes of SandBridge Road are currently closed from the 300 block to the 500 block, spanning from St. Simon’s Episcopal Church to Surf & Adventure. VBPD has both sides of the roadway blocked while Dominion Energy crews work.

Hard to think of a better way to spend the day than training alongside man’s best friend. 🐾 Last week FEMA Canine Handlers and Search Team Managers from across the country were out sharpening their skills, strengthening the bond between handler and dog, and preparing for the moments when someone may be counting on them to be found. These incredible teams train tirelessly so they’re ready when it matters most—and together, they help save lives. #SearchAndRescue #K9Team #MansBestFriend #TrainingForTheMission @fema #vatf2 #virginiataskforcetwo

Correction: One adult displaced.

WORKING FIRE: 1800 BLK FOXHOUND LANE On 03/14/2026 at 18:03:01, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 1800 block of Foxhound Lane. When units arrived at 18:07:17, flames were seen from the garage of the two-story residential structure. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 18:13:58, marked it under control at 18:26:31, and marked it out at 20:52:52. One adult was rescued by firefighters and then turned over to EMS for treatment. The patient was then transported to an area hospital. Two adults were displaced. Two dogs were rescued and treated with oxygen, but unfortunately one died. The fire was determined to be accidental. The fire is still under investigation.

This week, FEMA Canine Handlers and Search Team Managers from across the country are training at the Harry E. Diezel Virginia Beach Fire Training Center as part of the FEMA Canine Search Specialist Course. Attendance in this course is a required component of their job performance standards. During this exercise, handlers and their canines are performing an obedience drill designed to test the team’s ability to maintain control and focus in a highly distracting environment. The drill evaluates how well the canine responds to commands despite numerous distractions, including nearby people, loud noises such as sirens, and the presence of other working canines. @virginiataskforce2 @fema #canine #handlers #disasters #searchandrescue #searchandrecovery #drill #training #doghandlers

WORKING INCIDENT: 5700 BLK NORTHAMPTON BLVD On 03/14/2026 at 03:45:00, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the 5700 BLK of Northampton Blvd. When crews arrived at 03:51:00, they located a tractor trailer on fire threatening another trailer. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 03:55:00 and the fire was quickly brought under control at 14:04:01 and marked out at 04:10:00. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WORKING FIRE: 5100 BLK SHARON DRIVE – INDIAN LAKES On 03/14/2025 at 01:29:32 VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire in the 5100 BLK of Sharon Drive. When crews arrived at the single-story home at 01:36:13, heavy smoke and flames were observed from the front of the structure. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 01:42:20, marked under control at 02:02:01, and marked out at 02:25:21. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. Three adults, one child, two dogs and one cat were displaced. Red Cross was contacted to assist the family with temporary assistance. The cause was determined to be accidental but still under investigation.

WORKING FIRE: 100 BLK YAQUI STREET - POCAHONTAS VILLAGE On 03/12/2026 at 13:54:28, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 100 BLK of Yaqui Street in the Pocahontas Village section of the city. When crews arrived at 13:56:54, light smoke was observed from the roof ridgeline of the single-story residential structure. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 14:01:02, and marked under control at 14:11:19, and marked out at 15:29:04. No one was home at the time of the incident. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. One adult was displaced. The fire was determined to be accidental and caused by an unattended space heater.

This week, FEMA Canine Handlers and Search Team Managers from across the country are training at the Harry E. Diezel Virginia Beach Fire Training Center as part of the FEMA Canine Search Specialist Course. Attendance in this course is a required component of their job performance standards. During this exercise, handlers and their canines are performing an obedience drill designed to test the team’s ability to maintain control and focus in a highly distracting environment. The drill evaluates how well the canine responds to commands despite numerous distractions, including nearby people, loud noises such as sirens, and the presence of other working canines. @virginiataskforce2 @fema #canine #handlers #disasters #searchandrescue #searchandrecovery #drill #training

LODD Anniversary of Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski. Today is the 17th anniversary of the Line of Duty Death for Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski. Chief Pokorski joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department in 1973 after three years as a volunteer fireman. Following 34 years of dedicated service, Paul retired from the Virginia Beach Fire Department in (2007) and was employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a site safety director. Paul's lifelong passion for Virginia and Southern history led him to dedicate 20 years of his life as an active living historian and community educator on the War Between the States and the maritime history of the Virginia Capes through the 3rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry and the Moody Crewe organizations. After more than 37 years of loyal public service, unfortunately, due to the long-term exposure of carcinogens while performing his firefighting duties, Chief Pokorski contracted acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lost his fight against it on March 12, 2009. Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski Jr. was just 54 years old. May we never forget the supreme sacrifices that our brothers made for our citizens, Fire Department, and City of Virginia Beach.

LODD Anniversary of Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski. Today is the 16th anniversary of the Line of Duty Death for Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski. Chief Pokorski joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department in 1973 after three years as a volunteer fireman. Following 34 years of dedicated service, Paul retired from the Virginia Beach Fire Department in (2007) and was employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a site safety director. Paul's lifelong passion for Virginia and Southern history led him to dedicate 20 years of his life as an active living historian and community educator on the War Between the States and the maritime history of the Virginia Capes through the 3rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry and the Moody Crewe organizations. After more than 37 years of loyal public service, unfortunately, due to the long-term exposure of carcinogens while performing his firefighting duties, Chief Pokorski contracted acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lost his fight against it on March 12, 2009. Retired District Chief Paul Pokorski Jr was just 54 years old. May we never forget the supreme sacrifices that our brothers made for our citizens, Fire Department, and City of Virginia Beach.

Today, members of VBFD joined the crew at Company 13 Blackwater to celebrate MFF Bob Ryan as he worked his final shift after 25 years of dedicated service to our community. 🚒 Thank you, Bob, for your commitment, hard work, and the countless lives you’ve impacted throughout your career. Wishing you a well-earned and happy retirement! L to R: MFF David Cleveland, MFF Brian Gilmore, MFF Jeff Henley, Capt. Rick Irving, MFF Josh Stanton, MFF Bob Ryan, Fire Chief K. Pravetz and Assistant Chief P. Pureza.

WORKING FIRE: 300 RIVERTON POINT – LAKEVILLE ESTATES On 3/10/2026 at 05:09:08, VBFD and EMS units were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 300 BLK of Riverton Point. When crews arrived at 05:14:55, they discovered heavy smoke and flames from an electric vehicles that was parked in the garage of a two-story residential structure. Crews quickly removed the vehicle from the garage and had water on the fire at 05:22:00, marked under control at 05/22/34 and fire marked out at 05:31:31. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. No displacement of occupants. Origin of the fire was the garage. Currently under investigation.

As part of last week’s Read Across America campaign, VBFD Assistant Chief Joshua Goyet participated by reading to a kindergarten class as Alanton Elementary School. Among the greatest gifts we can give a child are our time and the love of reading—first by reading to them, and then by guiding them to read for themselves. #ittakesavillage #readingisfundamental #firefighter #firstresponder #books #reading #readacrossamerica @vbschools @vbgrowsmart #loveofbooks #lovetoread

Thank you for supporting our volunteer support technicians who volunteer their time to support our VBFD firefighters when responding to calls for service. #volunteer #firefighters #firstresponders