Fire Suppression

Fire Engine Implementing Ladder at a Building Fire

The Williamsburg Fire Department takes pride in its ability to provide the community with consistent and proficient high-quality firefighting. The Williamsburg Fire Department strives to ensure the community is served competently and compassionately around the clock, regardless of the nature of the emergency. 

State-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and highly trained staff contribute to the department's ability to serve and protect the community. 

The Williamsburg Fire Department is a one-station department capable of initiating a fire response consisting of a Battalion Chief, an Engine, two medic units, and an aerial ladder truck. Additional resources are supported through mutual aid agreements with James City County, York County, and Camp Perry. Depending on the scale of the incident more resources can be dispatched.  

Equipment & Staffing

In order to meet the needs of the community, the department maintains highly-spec'd equipment including:

  • Battalion Response Vehicle
  • Aerial Ladder Truck
  • Two Suppression Engines
  • Rescue/Suppression Squad 
  • Four ALS Medic Units
  • Rehab/Support Apparatus
  • Additional Apparatus

Daily staffing consists of a Battalion Chief, a suppression engine with a Captain, a driver/pump operator, and a minimum of one firefighter. The aerial truck consists of a minimum of two personnel, an aerial operator and a Master/Senior FF. Two ALS medic units are also staffed each day by an EMT and Paramedic. The rehab is staffed by volunteer members as needed for large-scale events. Additionally, if an emergency constitutes the need for technical rescue equipment and resources, the Squad can be dispatched in place of the Engine.


Firefighters putting out a vehicle fire
Firefighter at Brush Fire

Training

The men and women of the Williamsburg Fire Department have endured countless hours of intense training in order to attain the distinguished title of Firefighter. These men and women accomplished the arduous task of graduating from a grueling seventeen-week-long fire academy known as the Hampton Roads Regional Fire Academy (HRRFA) where they acquire certifications exhibiting a wide range of valuable technical skill sets such as:

  • Firefighter I & II
  • Basic Pump Operations
  • Confined Space Operations
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations
  • Basic Aerial Operations
  • Hazardous Material Operations
  • Rope Skills

Following completion of the academy, members frequently participate in training opportunities that are offered by various programs across the state. Additionally, the Williamsburg Fire Department hosts many training opportunities that are available to personnel and other departments. Finally, each shift performs daily training evolutions to keep personnel ready to mitigate any response type. 

Townhomes on fire