Monelison Volunteer Fire Department

06/21/2026

Supporting The 41st Batteau Festival

On Saturday, June 20th, the Amherst County Swift Water Team, made up of members from Monelison Fire, Amherst Fire, Amherst Fire & EMS, along with the Lynchburg Fire Department, conducted water operations. Crews launched from Riveredge Park in Amherst County early in the morning to prepare for the start of the 41st Batteau Festival. Their presence provided safety on the water, supported the event, and offered opportunities to greet festival participants.

The James River Batteau Festival is an eight-day event that highlights authentic replicas of the historic merchant boats that played a significant role in Virginia’s early economic growth. The festival begins on Lynchburg’s waterfront and follows a 200-year-old route, stopping daily in historic towns and communities along the river. Each evening features cultural celebrations, including music, storytelling, dance, and traditional Virginia social gatherings.

Photography Credits: Firefighter Luther

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/143/Supporting-The-41st-Batteau-Festival-

06/19/2026

Hiker Extraction On Blue Ridge Parkway

At approximately 11:15 a.m., Amherst County Dispatch received an SOS signal from a satellite device reporting that an individual was experiencing weakness. Attempts to contact the person were unsuccessful. Amherst Fire & EMS, along with Pedlar Fire, were dispatched to the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Punchbowl Overlook. Recognizing the challenging terrain and the nature of the incident, additional units were requested to provide more manpower. Monelison Fire, Amherst Fire, Amherst Sheriff’s Office, and Glasgow Fire responded to assist.

Emergency crews began searching for the individual along the Appalachian Foot Trail. At approximately 1:02 p.m., after traveling about 3.5 miles, teams made contact with the patient. A request was made for a Virginia State Police helicopter to assist in lifting the patient out, but area storms prevented aerial support. Responders placed the patient in a stokes basket and began carrying them back to the waiting medic unit.

At around 3:02 p.m., all crews had exited the woods, and care was transferred to the medic team. The successful outcome of this incident highlights the effective teamwork among multiple agencies and the coordinated efforts managed by dispatch.

Photography Credits: Firefighter Luther of MVFD

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/142/Hiker-Extraction-On-Blue-Ridge-Parkway

06/16/2026

🔥 MVFD SMOKIN’ HOT RAFFLE! 🔥

Who’s ready to take their backyard BBQ game to the next level?

The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is raffling off a Pit Boss Lexington Onyx Edition Pellet Smoker and a 20lb bag of pellets. Smoker features 8-in-1 cooking versatility:

✅ Smoke
✅ Bake
✅ Roast
✅ Braise
✅ Barbecue
✅ Grill
✅ Char-Grill
✅ Sear

This versatile smoker delivers authentic wood-fired flavor for everything from ribs and brisket to burgers, pizza, and desserts!

🎟️ Only 80 Chances Available!
💲 $7 Per Chance
🏆 Winner receives the Pit Boss Lexington Onyx Edition Smoker & bog of hardwood pellets

Once all 80 chances are sold, we’ll go live and spin for a winner!

Every ticket purchased helps support the dedicated volunteers of MVFD as we continue serving and protecting our community.

🚒 Get your chances before they’re gone!
👇 Click here to purchase 👇
https://mvfdfundraiser.selly.store/product/8efb6e17

06/11/2026

06/07/2026

🩸Amherst County Fire/EMS Blood Drive🩸

We're partnering with Inova to sponsor a community blood drive! Please use the QR code in the flyer or visit the website to sign up for your spot!

06/04/2026

149 Odins Bow to Wildwood Drive will be closed for an extended period due to several downed power lines in the area. Emergency crews are currently on scene, and AEP is en route to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs.

Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

05/29/2026

County Swiftwater Training On The James

Members of the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department, Amherst Fire Department, and Amherst County Fire & EMS recently completed a Swiftwater Certification Course and joined the Amherst County Swiftwater Team for a training session. Following recent heavy rainfall, the James River provided suitable conditions for the event.

The training was held at Monacan Park, where the team began with boat operations before focusing on victim retrieval exercises. The session was an important opportunity for the Amherst County Swiftwater Team to strengthen their skills and preparedness for water rescue situations.

Pictures by: Monelison Fire Member Mark Luther

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/141/County-Swiftwater-Training-On-The-James

05/27/2026

Amherst County Agencies Attend Swiftwater Training

Over the past two days, several members from Amherst County emergency response agencies attended the USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician course. This training is designed for rescue professionals aiming to become technicians in swiftwater and flood rescue operations.

The course took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Monelison firefighter Jeff Hilty commented, "Great time with great people, and I even got to meet some incredible new people. Thank you to all the instructors."

Across Amherst County, responders are continually training and expanding their skills to provide the highest level of service to visitors, businesses, and residents. This recent training is another example of teamwork and the successful collaboration of multiple agencies working toward a shared goal.

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/140/Amherst-County-Attends-Swiftwater-Training

05/18/2026

Busy 3 Days For Monelison Fire

The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department responded to an unusually high number of emergency calls over the past three days. The activity began on Friday, May 15 at 10:41 am with a motor vehicle accident and continued through the weekend, concluding Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 pm. In total, personnel handled 15 calls, including motor vehicle accidents, lift assistance, a structure fire, and several fire investigations.

During this busy period, several members of the department also completed an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course while continuing to respond to emergency calls.

This level of response was made possible through strong collaboration and teamwork among county agencies, including Amherst Fire, Pedlar Fire, Amherst Fire & EMS, Amherst County Dispatchers, and the Sheriff's Office. All agencies involved contributed to the department's ability to manage and cover these incidents effectively.

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/139/Multiple-Calls-Over-3-Days