You can reduce your chance of starting or having a cooking/kitchen fire by following a few simple safety tips.

• Always remain in the kitchen when cooking: Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires according to the NFPA.
• Keep the kitchen counter free from clutter: Many kitchen materials are flammable such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, and excess food packaging.
• Unplug or turn off your appliances when not in use: You should also clean off leftover dust, food crumbs, and grease after use.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove — that way no one can bump them or pull them over.
• Keep a lid or baking sheet nearby: Use it to cover a pan if it catches on fire.

If a Fire Starts:

• Turn off the heat and, if it is an oven fire, keep the door closed. Do not try to move the pot to avoid spilling the oil on yourself or other people.
• Extinguish the fire. You should cover the pan with a metal lid or baking pan. If that doesn’t work, use a Class B dry chemical extinguisher, Don’t use water.
• Get out. If you cannot extinguish a fire within 8–10 seconds, immediately leave the house. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 and do not go back inside.

The post Thanksgiving Kitchen/Cooking Safety first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Did you know?

You should store lithium-ion batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) or above 105 degrees F (40 degrees C). 

Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot cars. This is a fire risk. Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged. Use only batteries that are designed for the device and use only charging cords that come with the device. 

Charging devices should be plugged directly into an outlet and not into extension cords or multiplug adapters. 

Battery Disposal

Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in the trash or mixed recycle bins. Recycle them at your local battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions. 

Place tape over battery ends and terminals to help prevent accidental discharges and potential fires. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

The post Lithium-Ion Battery Safety first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Rescue Chief Fields was transported on our retired 1992 Seagrave Wagon 5 from Pierce Funeral Home, with a fire department escorted precession passing under an American Flag in front of Nokesville Station 25, then pausing in front of Nokesville Station 5, and ending at his final resting place in Fauquier County. Nokesville Volunteers ended the day at a Celebration of Life luncheon at our Community Hall at Nokesville Station 5.

RC Fields joined the Nokesville Volunteer Department in January of 2002, where he was a prominent active running member who rose through the ranks up to the rank of Rescue Chief. Eleven years after retiring in July of 2010, RC Fields returned to the NVFD in July of 2021 as an active running member for a short period of time before returning to his Life Member status in April of 2023.

He’s remembered by his outstanding sense of humor and perfectly timed jokes, unwavering dedication and service to our organization and surrounding communities, inspiring leadership qualities, and an unforgettable smile that could light up the night sky. RC Fields truly set a standard for excellence and compassion at NVFD that continues to shape how we work and support each other and continue to uphold.

Nokesville Volunteers mourns the loss of RC Fields with his family and celebrates the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

Nokesville VFD would like to thank the following organizations for their support during the services, Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue, Prince William County Sheriffs Department, City of Manassas Fire & Rescue, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Department, Joint Honor Guard from PWC Department of Fire & Rescue and City of Manassas Park Fire & Rescue, and Pierce Funeral Home.

The post Celebration of Life for Former Rescue Chief Michael Fields first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Also, further congratulations to Firefighter Nelson on graduating as the Top Recruit in his class! The Top Recruit Award is given to the individual who has academically excelled beyond their peers in class with the overall highest grade point average on written exams.

Interested in volunteering? Nokesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue is accepting applications for motivated individuals looking to serve the community as operational Firefighters and EMTs. Join an organization rich in history and tradition today by clicking the “Join US! Button at the top of this page.

The post Firefighter Graduation – June 2025 first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. July (15%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%).

Follow these simple tips to ensure safe grilling:

Be Prepared

• Keep your grill clean so leftover grease and fat won’t catch on fire. Roughly 1 of every 5 grill fires, grills have not been cleaned.
• Have a spray bottle with water or a fire extinguisher nearby in the case of a fire
• Use outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and grills at least ten feet away from your home to prevent the siding, decking, and deck railings from catching on fire. Do not place under building eaves and overhanging branches.
• Inspect your gas grill for leaks before each use.

Usage

• Use propane, charcoal and wood pellet grills outdoors only. Indoor use can cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning
• Use Long Utensils: Employ long-handled grilling utensils to prevent burns from hot surfaces and splatters.
• Stay with the grill the entire time you’re cooking, or the grill is producing heat
• Avoid grilling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill when it’s hot.

Storage

• Keep decorations like patio furniture cushions and hanging baskets away from the grill. Avoid loose, flowing clothing that could catch fire. Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Place cooled coals in a metal container with a lid and away from your home.
• Store propane tanks outside, in a well-ventilated area, and upright with the valves fully closed.
• Keep starter fluid away from heat sources and children.
• Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony. Never cover the grill until cool.

The post Summer Grilling Safety Tips first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Nokesville Canteen Unit 525 is the only unit in Prince William County of its kind. Canteen 525 does not only respond to calls with Prince William County, but also to the Washington Metropolitan Area, as needed, on large scale and long-term calls.

Nokesville is proud to offer this unique service to our fellow first responders, regionally, so they can continue to serve the community, and maintain energy and nutrition on long-term calls.

The post Nokesville Canteen Response to Major Fire first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Some career staff from our stations also joined us. We were also joined by a VIPs including, Tom Gordy, Brentsville District Supervisor, Tom LaBelle, PWC Fire & Rescue System Chief, Kim Stewart, PWC Fire & Rescue System Deputy Chief, Dale Trammell, Buckhall VFD Chief, Luke McBride, Buckhall VFD President, Wayne Haight, OWL VFD Chief, Jerry Deem, Yorkshire VFD Chief, David Glinski, Dumfries/Triangle VFD President, and Richard Rubino, Stonehouse VFD Vice President.

Thank you to the members of the Nokesville Event’s Committee for planning yet another, successful and enjoyable banquet.

The following members were recognized for years of service and awards:

Awards

Junior Member of the Year – William Ragland

Red Hat Member of the Year – Christian Crespo

Business Member of the Year – Tom Shrewsbury

EMS Member of the Year – Tyler Sanitra

Firefighter of the Year – Joey Clerkin

Officer of the Year – Captain Kevin Dove

Member of the Year – Josh Embrey

Chief’s Award – Lieutenant Andrew Gideon

PWCFRS Career Member of the Year for Station 5 – Lieutenant Robi McParland

PWCFRS Career Member of the Year for Station 25 – Technician Cody Jewell

The post Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Why Does Closing the Door Matter?

A fire needs oxygen to burn, and an open door provides a clear pathway for flames and toxic smoke to spread rapidly. In fact, temperatures in a room with an open door can quickly reach 1,000 degrees during a fire. However, if the door is closed, the temperature in the room will not increase as rapidly—this could be a life-changing difference.

The Deadliest Time for Home Fires

Nearly half of all home fires occur between 11 PM and 7 AM—while people are sleeping. If a fire starts, a closed door acts as a barrier, reducing the speed at which fire and smoke enter your room.

This can:

• Limit oxygen supply to the fire, slowing its growth.
• Keep smoke and toxic gases out, improving your chances of survival.
• Buy you extra time to escape or wait for firefighters to arrive.

Fire Safety Experts Recommend:

Have a fire escape plan. Practice it regularly with all household members.

Install and maintain smoke alarms. Install a smoke alarm on each level of the structure, place them inside and outside of sleeping areas. The proper placement of smoke alarms ensures that you can hear the alarm and are able to get out in a safe, timely manner.

Fires spread fast, make it a habit to Close Before You Doze!

The post Close Door vs. Open During a Fire first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

The post Congratulations to Firefighter William Ragland first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.

Additionally, Nokesville Volunteers staffed the Canteen Unit for about three hours to assist fire crews and the Fire Marshals Office during a long overhaul and investigation at a structure fire. These volunteers dropped whatever they were doing to provide food and drinks to crews on scene.

The post Volunteers Braved the Snow Storm to Serve their Community first appeared on Nokesville VFDRS.