Bristol Virginia Fire Department

05/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Preliminary Media Release – Vehicle Crash Investigation

BRISTOL, VA – May 29, 2026 - At approximately 2:06 p.m., officers with the Bristol Virginia Police Department, Bristol Virginia Fire Department and Bristol Lifesaving Crew responded to a reported single-vehicle crash at 1171 Commonwealth Avenue.

Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling southbound on 381 when it veered across the roadway, crossed the center median, and entered the northbound lanes near the intersection at Commonwealth Avenue. The vehicle then continued through a parking lot before striking a building located at 1171 Commonwealth Avenue. Following the collision, the vehicle caught fire.

Several good Samaritans assisted in removing the driver and a child passenger from the vehicle prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

The adult male driver was transported by Virginia State Police Med-Flight to a regional hospital for treatment. The child passenger was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel and was later released to family members.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the condition of the driver is unknown at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident is asked to contact the Bristol Virginia Police Department at (276) 645-7400.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

05/22/2026

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Ray for his succesfull completion of Hazardous Materials Technician course!

05/07/2026

Our condolences to Joe's Family, and the Bristol Life Saving Crew

A devoted life member of the Bristol Life Saving Crew and a friend to all, he gave so many years of his life serving as a dedicated crew member. He was always there—showing up not just with donuts, but with kindness, laughter, and a heart for every first responder he met. Those small acts meant more than words can ever express. His presence brought comfort, his generosity brought smiles, and his impact will be felt for years to come. He will never be forgotten, Joe Minor will be deeply, deeply missed.

05/06/2026

Today Fire Chief Farley, along with Police Chief Ashbrook and City Manager Tamrya Spradlin, recognized Dispatcher Kitty Galliher for her outstanding service on April 23rd. Her dedication to the Bristol Virginia Police and Fire Departments does not go unnoticed. She has served the city for 37 years to date. Thanks to her, and all dispatchers, who truly are the First Responders!

04/28/2026

Congratulations Chief Carrier!

It was an incredible honor Monday for Bristol Tennessee city leaders, co-workers, community members, friends, and family to join Fire Chief Mike Carrier as he celebrated his retirement from the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department after 38 years of distinguished service.

Chief Carrier’s long record of service began during his teenage years as a volunteer for the Bluff City Volunteer Fire Department and Sullivan County Rescue Squad. In 1988, at the invitation of BTFD Chief Phil Vinson, he closed the family-owned business started by his grandfather, took a job with the BTFD, and officially launched a career “doing what I love.” He worked his way up the ranks in the years that followed – seeking guidance from more senior members and offering assistance to those less experience – always focused on training, teaching, and learning. He became Fire Chief in 2018 and said his goal for the department was to “leave it better than I found it.”

In addition to the many fires he responded to over the years – most notably the John Sevier Fire in Johnson City that killed 16 on Christmas Eve 1989, the Christmas Day Fire at Bristol’s Exide Plant in 1997, and the Thanksgiving Day fire at Bristol’s Cortrim plant in 2007 – he delivered lifesaving aid to hundreds of Bristol residents as a certified paramedic. He led the BTFD during the COVID pandemic and, in its aftermath, played a key role in building a new state-of-the-art station to serve the eastern end of Bristol despite skyrocketing prices and supply shortfalls. He led the charge for new equipment – everything from massive fire engines to medical supplies for City ambulances – and fought for competitive wages to keep the best and brightest in Bristol. Those accomplishments were possible, he said, because city management and elected leaders shared his strong commitment to safety for department personnel and the entire community.

Additionally, Chief Carrier has shared his professional expertise with a long list of state and regional agencies while also sharing his strong Christian faith as pastor of Bluff City Baptist Church. A committed family man, he counts his wife of nearly 49 years, their two children, and six grandchildren as his greatest blessings.

Thank you, Chief, for becoming a treasured friend and accomplished leader. The entire Bristol community is truly grateful for your many, many years of selfless service to ensure the safety and well-being of others. Indeed, you have left it better than you found it! We wish you many years of continued health and happiness as you enter this next chapter of life. Godspeed, Friend!

04/28/2026

Our "Push-In" Ceremony for Engine 3 was a success! We were honored to have several guests attend including the City Manager, Former and Current City Mayors, and our Former Fire Chief Armstrong with us (pictured below.) Thank you to all who were able to join us. Look for the history of the Push-in Ceremony in the comments!

04/27/2026

Our Fire Pup having a lot of fun during the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Children's Day Event!

04/23/2026

At 5:18 a.m. this morning, crews were dispatched by Virginia’s Central Dispatch to a reported structure fire at 314 Park St.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the right side and rear of the building. Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack and discovered that both the first and second floors were involved in the fire.
The fire has since been extinguished, and crews remain on scene conducting overhaul and cleanup operations while an investigation is underway.
There were no reported civilian casualties or firefighter injuries. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.

D. Stacey Farley
Fire Chief - Emergency Management Coordinator