OWL VFD Staff Additional Apparatus in Flood Response

• Press release from OWL VFD

put their personal lives aside to pull together to protect the community.

Eastern Prince William County received flooding of historic proportion causing OWL VFD volunteers to staff all special services units and two extra chiefs.  “All together over 15 off duty volunteer first responders reported to our stations,” said Chief McAllister. OWL VFD was joined by several other jurisdictions as well as career departments in the rescue efforts. “This is further proof that the combination, career and volunteer, fire and rescue system works and works well here in Prince William County.”

OWL VFD assisted numerous people to safety and facilitated evacuations.  Residents were rescued from rising water with boats and by hand.  Several areas in Woodbridge had to be evacuated, including Holly Acres, Marumsco Mobile Home Park, and several Condo units near Breezy Ridge Way.  Thursday’s flooding damaged roads, homes, businesses, personal property and caused a temporary shutdown of Rt1, the town of Occoquan, and forced the evacuation of over 150 residents of Woodbridge.

“OWL VFD is committed to community safety. These men and women, and all our volunteers, exemplify the spirit of OWL VFD. We strive to provide the very best fire suppression, emergency medical, technical rescue, and water rescue services to the citizens and visitors of Woodbridge, Virginia and Prince William County. 

OWL VFD has historically strategically planned for disaster events, keeping up on the latest training, equipment and education available.  OWL VFD invests thousands of hours in professional training and certification courses. Our care and dedication to Fire and Rescue is reflected in our efforts of staying up to date and ready for the task.

OWL VFD is one the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the United States with over 300 members. OWL VFD provides fire suppression, EMS care, and rescue services to 80,000 residents in our 27 square mile area through the operation of three fire stations. OWL volunteer Firefighters and EMTs work the 6 pm to 6 am shift, five days a week, plus 24/7 holidays and weekends.