Come to a Volunteer Information Session!
Follow the link below, or click in the section above, to find out how to fill out an Information Request Form
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company is always looking for new members to help staff our fire trucks and/or perform administrative functions around the station. No experience necessary and all training is FREE.
The SVFC relies on the the community for financial support. Our biggest fund raiser is our annual mailing in the fall, but we always welcome your financial support at any time. We also hold other fund raising events throughout the year. Find out about those in the Community Events section at the bottom of the page.
For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.
Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.
November 11th, 6:11 am
On this day the SVFC would like to thank all veterans (and their families) for their service and sacrifice. Many veterans continue to serve in other areas, like the fire service and law enforcement. We're especially thankful for those who have chosen to serve with the SVFC, and honored to work with you and your brothers and sisters every day. (Also, we'd like to wish the U.S. Marine Corps a happy 244th birthday.)
November 10th, 6:37 am
Congratulations to Chief Andrews of the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad on this well deserved award!
Congrats Byron
Congrats
November 8th, 4:02 pm
Great reminder of the importance of fire sprinklers and how they can save lives and property.Fire Officials Tout Automatic Fire Sprinklers and Offer Safety Tips After Fire at Local Business
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 6th, Fire and Rescue units from the Metropolitan Washington Dulles Airport Authority and Fairfax County were dispatched to investigate a report of a fire alarm sounding in a commercial building in the 44,000 block of Mercure Circle in Sterling. After additional 9-1-1 callers advised smoke and active fire, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center dispatched a full structure fire assignment bringing additional units from Loudoun’s Kincora, Dulles South, and Moorefield stations along with additional units from Fairfax County.
Upon arrival, firefighters found significant smoke conditions and one occupant who had safely self-evacuated the structure. As crews investigated they discovered that the automatic fire sprinklers had effectively operated and contained the fire to a small area where firefighters finished extinguishing the fire. There were no injuries to emergency personnel or civilians.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined the fire was accidental, due to the spontaneous combustion of improperly disposed oily rags, and estimated the total damages at $25,000. Fortunately, the fire activated the building’s fire alarm and automatic sprinkler system which extinguished the majority of the fire prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. “If the sprinkler heads had not been in place and operated as designed, this fire could have been significantly more severe,” said System Chief Keith Johnson. “This incident is a prime example of the positive impact of a fire protection alarm and automatic sprinkler system.
This incident demonstrates the importance of automatic fire sprinklers as well as the safety hazards posed by oil-based products and other highly volatile products commonly used for projects. These potentially dangerous products include paints, stains, teak oil, linseed oil, varnishes, polyurethane, and paint thinners. When oil and stain soaked rags are not disposed of properly they can become a fire hazard due to their ability to spontaneously combust. To properly and safely dispose of oil or gas soaked rags:
🚨 Spread rags in a single layer, flat on the ground/driveway or hang them in a safe area away from combustibles, so heat dissipates while the material cures.
🚨 An oily rag has cured when it becomes hard and brittle. The time it takes to cure can vary considerably depending on humidity, temperature, and the finish.
🚨 Place dried rags in an airtight metal container with tight-fitting lid, and cover with water and an oil breakdown detergent. This will prevent the oils from oxidizing, keeping the rags from heating up and igniting. The metal can with water is a temporary solution until the rags may be properly removed from the site. Don’t add any other combustible material (stuff that can catch fire).
Loudoun County Volunteer Fire-Rescue
Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
November 1st, 6:11 am
Fall Back on Sunday Morning
With the end of Daylight Saving Time just around the corner (clocks "fall back" at 2am on Sunday, Nov 3rd), will you remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO detectors when you change your clocks?
On average, families have less than three minutes from the time the first smoke alarm sounds to escape a fire. Working smoke alarms provide the early warning and critical extra seconds needed to escape and cut the risk of dying in home fire structures in half.
Change and test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and remind your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. This simple act takes just a moment, but it is the best defense your family has against the devastating effects of a home fire.
Remember to check the expiration date on your smoke detectors. The life expectancy of smoke detectors is 8 to 10 years. If they are more than 8 years old, it's time to replace them.
In addition, smoke alarms should be tested once a month and if an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Loudoun has free smoke alarms, installation, and assistance available to residents via www.loudoun.gov/819/Smoke-Alarms
Smoke Alarms | Loudoun County, VA - Official Website
www.loudoun.gov
Learn about the Loudoun County Smoke Alarm Program.October 31st, 7:39 pm
The SVFC is sad to announce the passing of Chief John Seiber.
Chief Sieber was devoted to his community, serving many years with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, including being the 2nd person to hold the rank of Fire Chief. He coached football and baseball with the Lower Loudoun Little League. Chief Sieber also spent many years as one of the voices of WAGE radio announcing local high school and college sporting events.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 1st, 6-8pm at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Ave, Warrenton, VA 20186. A service will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30am at Park Valley Church, 4500 Waverly Farm Dr., Haymarket, VA 20169. A private burial for family will be held at a later time. (Details linked below)
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Sterling Volunteer Fire Company
46700 Middlefield Drive
Sterling, VA 20164
John Andrew Sieber Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information
www.moserfuneralhome.com
Share Memories & Support the Family.So sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace.
We are so sorry for your loss.
October 30th, 6:33 am
The SVFC is prepared to do our part to help carry the Washington Nationals to victory! #GoNats
October 28th, 7:32 pm
Big thank you to Loudoun First Responders Foundation for bringing gift baskets to Station 18/25 to honor first responders on National First Responders Day. Thank you!
Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Thank you for your service! Enjoy the gift basket 🙂
October 28th, 3:32 pm
Today is National First Responders Day. First Responders (Police, Firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics) put their lives on the line everyday for people they don’t even know. They are more than good neighbors – they are our brothers, sisters, husbands, wives and friends. While everyone else is running away, they’re running towards the danger. It is probably always a good thing to say thank you to any first responders you meet during your day, but please also give thought to WHAT first responders actually experience. The article below discusses one of the very serious challenges facing first responders today and every day.
#NationalFirstRespondersDay
Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
Loudoun County Volunteer Fire-Rescue
First responders struggle with PTSD caused by the emergencies, deaths, tragedies they face every day
www.washingtonpost.com
“We rush into burning fires or deal with the worst injuries — that’s our job. . . . But we’re also human, and sometimes our brains can’t compute the horrible things we see.”In sprite of the cons of this job, you all do it anyway...and we are grateful. Thank you for all you do.
