| At approximately 10:00 a.m. today, an Amherst County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant observed a column of smoke while on routine patrol. The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched for a smoke investigation. Within minutes, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire, prompting a full county response to Brightwells Mill Road.
Monelison Fire Department units—including Engine 21, Engine 23, Tanker 21, and Chief 2—responded alongside Amherst Fire and EMS, Amherst Fire Department, and Pedlar Fire Department. Upon arrival, the first firefighter reported an active structure fire with flames visible from the roof on the Bravo and Charlie corners.
Fire officials confirmed with the homeowner that no occupants were inside the residence. Engine 21 was the first arriving engine and deployed its deck gun for a quick knockdown before transitioning to two handlines for a defensive attack due to the fire’s initial size. Once conditions improved, crews shifted to an offensive attack, entering the structure from the Alpha and Charlie sides.
Three tankers supported operations by shuttling water to Engine 21 throughout the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Amherst County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Monelison Volunteer Fire Department extends its gratitude to all neighboring agencies for their assistance during this incident. |
