Philippi Vol. Fire Department

07/22/2026

Over the past 18 hours, members of the Philippi Volunteer Fire Department have been responding continuously to weather-related emergencies throughout our community.

Our firefighters and rescue personnel have worked around the clock, alongside our mutual aid partners, to assist residents impacted by flash flooding, downed trees, flooded roadways, and other storm-related incidents.

During this event, our crews have completed multiple water rescues, safely removing residents who became trapped in their homes as rapidly rising floodwaters threatened their safety.

We want to remind everyone that if you encounter a flooded roadway, TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep away a vehicle, and conditions can change rapidly.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by all of our members who have spent countless hours serving the citizens of Barbour County during this severe weather event.

A sincere thank you to all of our mutual aid departments, Barbour County 911, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel who have worked tirelessly alongside us.

Please continue to monitor the weather, use caution while traveling, and stay safe. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

07/19/2026

Busy Evening of Storm Response for Philippi VFD

Yesterday at 3:46 PM, Philippi Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched with automatic mutual aid from Belington VFD and Junior VFD for a water rescue on Cherokee Road in the Arden area of Barbour County.

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding, washing out roads and bridges and trapping several residents as creeks and streams quickly rose. Multiple units from Philippi, Belington, and Junior responded with UTVs, and boats. Nutter Fort VFD also provided station coverage while crews operated in the Arden area.

As reports of additional trapped residents came in, Grafton Fire Department’s boat was requested but was canceled after water levels began to recede.

Although rescue boats ultimately were not needed, three residents were safely evacuated from their homes using UTVs after roadways and bridges became impassable. Crews remained on scene until approximately 9:08 PM. We appreciate the assistance of Belington VFD, Junior VFD, Nutter Fort VFD, Barbour County Ambulance Authority, Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, and Grafton Fire Department. Chief 4 held command of the incident.

While crews were still committed to the flooding response, at 6:21 PM we were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Morral Hollow Road. NFFD Engine 71, along with PVFD Engine 42 and PC 47, responded immediately. Upon arrival, crews found that a controlled burn had briefly spread but had been extinguished by the homeowner before firefighters arrived. No structures were involved.

Then, at 6:43 PM, as units were returning to the station, another call came in for a reported brush fire with exposures on Upper Pleasant Creek Road. Engine 71, Engine 43, and PC 47 responded, with mutual aid requested from Grafton and Flemington. Crews arrived to find a tree on a power line with no active fire or immediate hazards, and all units were returned to service.

It was certainly an eventful evening across Barbour County. We want to thank all of our neighboring departments and emergency responders for their teamwork and quick response throughout these incidents.

As a reminder, never drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away, and conditions can change rapidly.

06/22/2026

PVFD responded PC 47 with 4 personnel who assisted with this incident.

06/07/2026

Don’t forget to stop down by Main Street in Philippi today for the Blue and Gray car Show!

06/03/2026

The Philippi Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Barbour County Commission for providing an XIM-100 EV Immobilizer to each of the county’s volunteer fire departments.

As electric vehicles become increasingly common on our roadways, having specialized equipment is essential for responder and patient safety. The XIM-100 allows emergency personnel to quickly and effectively immobilize a vehicle’s electrical system, helping reduce hazards during rescue and recovery operations involving electric vehicles.

This investment enhances our ability to serve and protect the citizens of Barbour County while ensuring a safer working environment for first responders.

We would like to offer a special thank you to Commissioner Jedd Schola for his leadership in making this initiative a reality, as well as the entire Barbour County Commission for their continued support of emergency services.

06/02/2026

🚗 Next Up: The Blue and Gray Car Show! 🚗

Join us this coming Sunday for the 37th Annual The Blue and Gray Car Show in downtown Philippi!

Whether you’re bringing your classic car, muscle car, truck, or just coming to admire some incredible vehicles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stroll through downtown, check out some sweet rides, and help us celebrate one of The Blue and Gray’s longtime traditions.

We look forward to seeing you in downtown Philippi! 🚘✨

05/25/2026

On Thursday, May 22 at 2137 hrs, our department was dispatched, along with automatic mutual aid from Nutter Fort VFD, Bridgeport FD, and Flemington VFD, for a structure fire on Brushy Fork Road.

Engine 42 and Engine 43 responded shortly after dispatch alongside Nutter Fort Tanker 7, Bridgeport Engine 511, and Flemington Tanker 30. While units were en route, law enforcement arrived on scene and reported a fully involved structure fire with no exposures threatened.

Engine 42 arrived on scene and quickly deployed two 1¾-inch preconnects along with the deck gun, bringing the fire under control within approximately 20 minutes. Engine 43 and Engine 511 supplied tank water to Engine 42, while Tanker 7 and Tanker 30 established a water shuttle operation from a nearby hydrant.

Crews operated on scene for approximately two hours before returning to service. Belington Engine 33 was dispatched to stand by at our station for station coverage. BCAA responded as a standby EMS unit, along with WVSP and BCSD.

Chief 4 held command throughout the incident.

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

Friday evening the Philippi Vol Fire Dept spent several hours washing the historical covered bridge. This has become an annual spring event just before Blue and Gray.

04/11/2026

Today at 1220, our department was alerted to a structure fire on Sand Run Road, along with automatic mutual aid from Belington VFD, Junior VFD, and Nutterfort VFD. Engine 42, Engine 43, and PC 47 responded shortly after dispatch and arrived on scene to find a fully involved structure. Tragically, one fatality was confirmed, and a second patient was located outside the residence with burn injuries.

Crews quickly went to work utilizing the deck gun and multiple handlines from Engine 42, bringing the fire under control in approximately 40 minutes. The injured patient was transported to a nearby landing zone and flown by HealthNet for further treatment. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this incident.

Additional units on scene included Belington Engines 33 35, and Brush 38 (Handled LZ at PBHS), Junior Tanker 24, Nutterfort Tanker 7 and Brush 74, along with Barbour County Ambulance Authority, Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, Philippi Police Department, and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office. Chief 4 held command throughout the incident.