| The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department responded swiftly and effectively to a field fire on Friday after being dispatched for a smoke investigation in the area of Elon Road and Dillard Road.
Chief 2 arrived first in the area and encountered heavy smoke with no immediately visible point of origin. Due to the limited visibility and potential for rapid escalation, Chief 2 quickly upgraded the incident, requesting additional fire department resources.
Amherst EMS 1 located the source of the smoke on Oak Grove Drive, where a field fire was discovered actively burning. Engine 23 and Engine 22 were initially dispatched; however, once it was confirmed to be a field fire, Engine 22 diverted to Station 1 to retrieve Attack 21, better suited for wildland-style operations. Amherst Fire’s Brush 1 also responded to assist.
Upon arrival, Engine 23 deployed a booster line to protect a residence located on the affected property. Attack 21 engaged the left flank of the fire using a “pump and roll” technique, employing its front bumper turret to extinguish fire while in motion. Amherst Brush 1 worked the right flank simultaneously. Tanker 21 was positioned to supply water to the responding apparatus.
The fire extended into the wood line but was quickly suppressed using booster lines. The coordinated actions of all crews prevented the fire from spreading further or causing structural damage. In total, the incident involved approximately four acres of burned field and brush.
The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department expresses its appreciation for the rapid and unified response of Amherst Fire and EMS, Amherst Fire Department, and the Virginia Department of Forestry. Their teamwork and timely actions played a critical role in containing and extinguishing the fire before it threatened nearby structures. |
