Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue

06/14/2026

Our team had a great time at the Hometown Heroes & Helpers event today at Falling Creek Park! We enjoyed showcasing our equipment and rescue vehicles while answering questions about the important role the Bedford County Department of Rescue plays in serving our community.

A big thank you to Bedford County Parks & Recreation for organizing such a meaningful event and bringing together so many community partners and families!

06/10/2026

✨ Fire Agency Spotlight: Big Island Vol. Fire Company Inc. ✨

Established in 1951, Big Island Volunteer Fire Company has proudly served the communities of northern Bedford County and southwest Amherst County for more than seven decades.

The department's first fire apparatus was a 1938 Orion Chevrolet Fire Truck purchased from the Bedford Fire Department after delays in the delivery of an American LaFrance fire truck acquired from the Edinburg Fire Department. Today, that historic apparatus has been restored and continues to serve as a symbol of the department's heritage, appearing in parades and community events.

The Big Island Volunteer Fire Company responds to approximately 150 calls annually. While the call volume may be smaller than some departments in the region, the incidents are highly diverse. The department provides fire suppression, rescue services, and mutual aid assistance throughout Bedford, Amherst, and Rockbridge counties. Responses range from structure fires at private residences and industrial facilities to wildland fires and search-and-rescue missions in the challenging terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To effectively serve its rural response area, the department utilizes specialized equipment, including a swiftwater rescue boat for emergencies on the James River, as well as UTVs and ATVs for trail and wilderness rescues.

The department is also preparing to receive a new Pierce fire engine this month. The new apparatus will replace the current engine purchased from the Kentland Fire Department, an apparatus that notably served at the Pentagon following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

With a proud history of service and a commitment to protecting the community, the Big Island Volunteer Fire Company continues to play a vital role in emergency response throughout the region.

👉 Ready to volunteer? Visit www.bedfordcountyva.gov/volunteer and select “Big Island” under Fire Divisions on the application.

06/09/2026

We're hiring for a Fire & EMS Training Captain. Learn more and apply at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/jobs.

NOW HIRING: Fire & EMS Training Captain 🚑 🚒

Join the Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue team! This position is responsible for the daily administration, oversight, and coordination of training programs for both volunteer and career Fire & EMS personnel, as well as public education and outreach initiatives.

👉 Learn more and apply at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/jobs.

06/09/2026

Come out to Falling Creek Park this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Hometown Heroes & Helpers.... an interactive festival that spotlights all of the incredible community organizations that keep the Bedford region safe and healthy.

The fun includes touch-a-truck activities, live demos, kids activities, and more.

Some members of our team will be there - come say hi!

06/04/2026

✨ Fire Agency Spotlight: Forest Fire Department ✨

Since 1958, the Forest Volunteer Fire Company has proudly served the Forest community, growing alongside the area it protects.

What began as a small volunteer department serving a largely farming community has evolved into a highly trained organization responding to more than 100 calls each month. In the early days, dedicated volunteers received training from the Lynchburg Fire Department, purchased their own protective equipment, and even built their own fire apparatus.

Today, the department is made up of 54 dedicated volunteers who serve as firefighters and emergency medical providers. Their commitment to training, professionalism, and excellence helps ensure the community receives the highest level of service when emergencies arise.

To further strengthen their skills and readiness, the Forest Volunteer Fire Company recently developed three specialized training programs that are offered multiple times each year to members and neighboring departments. These programs help first responders sharpen critical skills that can make all the difference when every second counts.

The department's continued success would not be possible without the tremendous support of the Forest community, whose partnership helps the organization adapt and meet the area's growing needs.

👉 Ready to volunteer? Visit www.bedfordcountyva.gov/volunteer and select “Forest Fire Department” under Fire Divisions on the application.

06/01/2026

✨ Fire Agency Spotlight: Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Volunteer Fire Dept ✨

Since 1959, the Stewartsville Chamblissburg Volunteer Fire Department (Company 13) has proudly served the residents of southwestern Bedford County. As a 100% volunteer-staffed organization, Company 13 operates from two stations and is supported by more than 50 dedicated members who respond to approximately 550-600 calls each year.

Throughout its history, the department has been committed to innovation and community service. Company 13 introduced the region’s first fully enclosed six-person custom cab fire engine and played a key role in establishing the area's first Swift Water Rescue Team. Today, the department maintains a modern fleet of nine apparatus, including two Pierce Arrow XT engines, a heavy rescue unit equipped for specialty RIT and HTR operations, a 2,500-gallon tanker, and several wildland and support vehicles.

The department’s membership reflects the strength of the community it serves, with volunteers ranging from 16-year-old junior members to active retirees. Beyond emergency response, Company 13 fosters a strong family atmosphere through member dinners, picnics, and annual awards ceremonies that celebrate the dedication and service of its volunteers.

For more than six decades, the Stewartsville Chamblissburg Volunteer Fire Department has remained committed to protecting lives, serving the community, and carrying forward a proud tradition of volunteerism.

👉 Ready to volunteer and join Company 13? Visit www.bedfordcountyva.gov/volunteer and select “Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Volunteer Fire Dept” under Fire Divisions on the application.

05/31/2026

Please read and share these important reminders about outdoor burning for Town of Bedford and Bedford County residents.

🔥 OPEN BURNING INFORMATION UPDATE 🔥

The Bedford Fire Department would like to remind residents of the current requirements regarding open burning within the Town of Bedford and surrounding areas.

🏠 TOWN OF BEDFORD RESIDENTS

In accordance with Town Code, open burning within Town limits requires approval from the Fire Chief or designee prior to burning.

To request approval, contact the Bedford Fire Department at:
📞 540-586-3433

🌲 BEDFORD COUNTY RESIDENTS (Outside Town Limits)

Fire Chief approval is not required. Prior to burning, residents should notify Bedford County Emergency Communications by calling:

📞 540-586-7827

Please provide:
• Name
• Burn Address
• Phone Number

📅 STATE LAW UPDATE

Virginia’s seasonal 4:00 PM Burn Law ended on April 30.

While conditions have improved, all burning should continue to be conducted safely and responsibly.

Please:
✅ Attend fires at all times
✅ Keep water or extinguishment equipment nearby
✅ Monitor weather conditions
✅ Never leave a fire unattended

Thank you for helping keep Bedford safe.

05/29/2026

We are looking forward to this! 🎉

Join us for Hometown Heroes & Helpers! 🚓🚒🚑

Bedford County Parks & Recreation invites the community to a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating the first responders, public service professionals, community organizations, and local businesses that help keep Bedford County safe, healthy, and connected.

📍 Falling Creek Park (1257 County Farm Rd., Bedford)
📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy a full day of fun, including:
- Touch-a-truck experiences with emergency and service vehicles
- Live demonstrations from local public safety agencies and organizations
- Opportunities to meet local heroes and helpers
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment
- Educational exhibits and community resources

We hope to see you there! For additional event information, visit the Facebook event page: Hometown Heroes & Helpers

05/29/2026

✨ Fire Agency Spotlight: Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue ✨

Founded in 1975, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue proudly celebrated 50 years of service last year. Staffed by 45 dedicated volunteers, the department responds to approximately 400 emergency calls each year involving incidents on or near the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake.

As the nation’s only fully volunteer marine-based fire department, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire Rescue plays a unique and vital role in protecting our community and visitors. Their fleet of nine fireboats is strategically positioned around the lake to ensure rapid response coverage across more than 20,600 acres of water and 520 miles of shoreline.

Most impressively, they have never missed a call for service.

Thank you to the volunteers of Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue for your commitment, professionalism, and decades of dedicated service to our region!

Interested in getting involved? Email SML Marine Fire Rescue at [email protected] or call them at 540-721-5585.

Ready to volunteer? Visit www.bedfordcountyva.gov/volunteer and select “Smith Mountain Lake Marine” under Fire Divisions on the application.