OWL VFD Staffs Around the Clock During Storm

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department has a history of going above and beyond during natural disasters and extreme weather conditions. This week was no exception. OWL VFD added additional staffing and units to assist career and volunteer shifts during the weather events this week. Monday during the major snow event during the day and through the night OWL volunteers staffed a snowplow and a sander with a plow. We assisted in getting fire trucks and ambulances through to calls and unstuck also unclogging a few roads that were blocking emergency traffic, for example, Old Bridge Road west of Colby where the entire road was blocked, OWL plowed it through and get numerous cars unstuck to clear passage. OWL also Monday evening staffed an engine, an ambulance, a brush truck, and a command officer. The brush truck assisted in removing trees blocking fire trucks and getting to residents who lived down long narrow roads with trees and utility lines blocking conventional units. We maintained the staffing through the night.

Early Tuesday OWL was contacted about helping with the critical situation on 95 and responded with our ATA to assist in getting to patients where regular ambulances could not. OWL also provided additional EMS supplies and water and snacks for many stranded motorists. OWL handed out about one pallet of water and several cases of snacks.

We will continue to work hard to add additional units, assist other departments and career staff and serve our community in their time of need.

During storms, OWL VFD reminds you to stay home when you can and to prepare your vehicle in case you are traveling during inclement weather by:

⚠️ Fill your gas tank as often as you can.
⚠️ Pack food and water (don’t forget food for pets too).
⚠️ Have warm clothing and blankets.

Stay safe!