SML Fireboats

11/26/2025

https://fb.watch/DCYxWcegO4/?

11/15/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1265530602278437&id=100064645273610

Construction of the new dock at our HQ is coming along but we still need some help! Please click the link below to help virtually "fill the boot" which will get us closer to being able to complete this project. All donations are appreciated!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Y9454TEQBKYRL

11/12/2025

Terrific teamwork last night which helped prevent the spread of this challenging structure fire.

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day to all those that have served or are still currently serving, and a big shout out to each of the Veterans on our department.

11/02/2025

This year is sure flying by! Time to adjust those clocks and test your fire detectors!

10/24/2025

FYI if you own one or know of someone who does...

10/15/2025

Virginia's Fall Fire Season Begins Oct. 15.

Residents urged to use extreme caution if burning outdoors.

Virginia’s fall fire season is officially underway today, bringing an increased risk of wildfires across the state. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, a typical fall fire season in Virginia includes approximately 200 wildfires burning between 1,500-2,500 acres through November.

This annual season runs from October 15 through November 30, a time when dry weather, accumulated fuels like fallen leaves, and human activity—especially outdoor burning—combine to raise the danger of fire.

The DOF says the leading cause of wildfires in the Commonwealth is escaped debris burns—fires that get out of control while residents are burning yard waste like leaves, branches, or brush. In fact, nine out of 10 wildfires are started by people, with escaped debris being the leading cause.

While fall fire season does not come with a statewide burn ban like spring does, officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution. Here are a few key guidelines from the DOF:

- Avoid having outdoor fires on dry, windy days
- Keep burn piles small and in flat areas, far from flammable vegetation
- Keep a rake/shovel and a water source nearby (e.g. hose, bucket of water)
- Have your phone ready to call 911 in case of an emergency
- Stay with your fire until it is completely out (drown, stir, ensure it’s cool, repeat as necessary)
- Completely soak ci******es before disposing of them

For more fire safety tips, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry’s website.

09/21/2025

It is with very saddened, heavy hearts we share this post.
Former Assistant Chief Jason Halm "Hammy" has passed away. Jason was a member for over 11 years. Jason came to us after serving his community in New York for many years. Jason helped in many aspects of the SML Fire Department to make us stronger. As a former Assistant and Deputy Chief, he provided invaluable knowledge and guidance from his years in the volunteer service.
We know we will have a heavenly angel watching over us and riding with us to every call. God has called you to help serve and protect as a member of his department now. Rest easy. We will take it from here. Rest in peace, Gone too soon. EOW 9/20/2025.

09/08/2025

09/06/25 **Boat Fire**

Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area of R6 following reports of a vessel fire. Fireboat 11-4, 11-9, 11-6, and 11-5, were deployed to the scene.
A civilian fishing vessel assisted the five occupants from the boat and transported them to shore, where Medic 14-8 was on standby.
Fireboat 11-4 was first to arrive and found the vessel in open water with no visible signs of fire. It was reported that the fire had been extinguished by the occupants using their onboard fire extinguisher before they evacuated the boat.
After confirming the fire was out, Fireboat 11-4 side-towed the disabled vessel to the shore. There were no injuries reported in the incident. The Department of Wildlife Resources collaborated with fire officials, and the vessel was ultimately released to a Sea Tow.

Thank you those that assisted in this emergency
Saunders Volunteer Fire Company
Huddleston Volunteer Fire Department
Huddleston Volunteer Rescue Squad
Bedford County Department of Fire Rescue
Bedford County Fire Marshal's Office
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

08/19/2025

Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher? Please see below for a quick refresher!

08/16/2025

Co. 11 had a fun time at the SML YMCA’s Frontline Face-off Pickleball Tournament. Many thanks to Andrea Fansler and her terrific staff for organizing the event, which raised money for a first responder scholarship.

08/13/2025

We are thankful to have our new boat (11-9) which allowed us to quickly evacuate a patient off their dock and transport them to a nearby boat ramp to an waiting ambulance. The patient could not be brought up to their house due to the number of steps back up.