Engine 401, the primary response apparatus at the Ashland Volunteer Fire Company, is one of the busiest engine companies in Hanover County. Take a look below to see various statistics about Hanover Fire Station #1, which includes responses from both career and volunteer firefighters.
In 2023, Engine Truck, and FR 401 Responded To
In 2024, Engine Truck, and FR 401 Responded To
(As of September 2024)
Resources To Mitigate Accidents
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of a home fire. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Make sure your family have a well-practiced escape plan with a designated meeting spot outside the home. Keep flammable materials like curtains and towels a safe distance from stoves and fireplaces. Never leave candles or any flame unattended. Regularly clean your dryer vent and remove lint after use. Finally, never leave cooking unattended and, if you can, keep an ABC fire extinguisher inside your home. For more questions related to fires in your home or business, contact AVFC or Hanover Fire-EMS.
If you suspect that your home or business is on fire, or if you see smoke and fire, immediately dial 911. Make sure to leave your home or business and meet family members or those you work with at a designated location. When you speka with the 911 telecommunicator, make sure to have your address ready and do your best to describe a clear picture of what is going on. The telecommunicator will ask you a series of questions to help responding firefighters better understand the emergency.
AVFC and Hanover Fire-EMS respond to a number of emergencies other than fires. The majority of incidents are emergency medical incidents, while others include motor vehicle accidents, technical rescue calls, and other calls for service. If you or someone around you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 and the closest appropriate unit will be assigned.
If you are involved in an accident and you are able, move your vehicle out of the travel lanes onto the shoulder or in a parking lot. Dial 911 if there are injuries or your suspect that someone is injured. If you cannot get out of your vehicle, advise the 911 telecommunicator this when you dial 911.
AVFC members can teach general fire safety at schools, churches, or other organizations per request. This could include a review of equipment carried by firefighters, standard fire safety techniques for children, and learning about the proper use of fire extinguishers or safety equipment. Hanover Fire-EMS can also help schedule hands only CPR and other programs by request. Reach out to Hanover Fire-EMS for more information.
Fire Prevention Programs
The volunteers of AVFC can provide fire prevention programming at the request of community organizations or citizens. AVFC firefighters can present on fire safety and prevention for a number of different age groups, including young children, teenagers, and adults! Firefighters can go over basic fire prevention topics such as installing smoke alarms, having an evacuation plan, and others by request. While reviewing these fire prevention programs, AVFC and career firefighters can also review the capabilities and equipment utilized by firefighters.
Firefighters can install smoke alarms in your home by request. Please call the firehouse and request a smoke alarm installation and the fire department will provide at least one smoke alarm per floor free of charge.
Other Resources:
Hanover Office of the Fire Marshal
AVFC does not enforce provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code or Hanover County Ordinance. Questions related to burning or fire permits should be directed to the Hanover Office of the Fire Marshal. The Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for the investigation of fires, bombings, attempts or threats to commit such offenses, fires, and hazardous materials occurring in Hanover County and the Town of Ashland. The office also conducts plans review to ensure new construction and developments are fire safe.
To contact the fire marshal, please call 804-365-4850 Monday through Friday during normal business hours or email [email protected].