Virginia Beach Fire Department

Virginia Beach Fire Department Welcome to the official page of the city of Virginia Beach Fire Department.

CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT'S SOCIAL MEDIA TERMS OF USE (REV. 12/07/2020)

Purpose of City of Virginia Beach Fire Department Page: To provide local citizens with information about government programs, events and services. To provide a platform for local citizens to share thoughts, opinions and suggestions about topics affecting the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department. CRITERIA FOR PO

STING ON THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT'S SOCIAL MEDIA:

By posting on the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department’s page, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following Terms of Use. Followers of the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department are encouraged to post information about issues affecting the city and its residents. We encourage discussion and varying viewpoints; however, the Virginia Beach Fire Department Government page will not feature any of the following and reserves the right to delete posts/pictures/videos that include such items.

• Solicitations or advertisements of any kind that are not officially sponsored or
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In summary, please feel free to post your thoughts and opinions, whether positive, negative or indifferent, but please do it respectfully and without malice. If you use hateful, obscene or insulting language or launch personal attacks, we will delete your post. The City of Virginia Beach Fire Department reserves the right to block users who repeatedly violate our terms of use.

06/23/2026

WORKING FIRE: 5400 BLK COACH DRIVE – CARRIAGE HOUSE APARTMENTS
On 06/22/2026 at 17:44:35 VBFD and EMS were dispatched to a report of a commercial multi-family structure fire in the 5400 block Coach Drive. When crews arrived at 17:48:50, heavy smoke and flames were observed from the second story of the townhouse. Crews quickly had water on the fire at 18:01:52, marked under control at 18:09:20, and marked out at 18:18:56. A total of six adults and one cat were displaced. There were no injuries to civilians, firefighters, or pets. Red Cross was contacted to assist with temporary housing. The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of smoking material.

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating Captain Adam Ritsch on his recent graduation from the Virginia Chie...
06/21/2026

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz in congratulating Captain Adam Ritsch on his recent graduation from the Virginia Chief Officer Academy (VCOA), held at the University of Richmond’s Canon Memorial Chapel.

Sponsored by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, the Virginia Chief Officer Academy is a rigorous six-day residential leadership program designed to prepare aspiring and newly promoted company officers for increased leadership responsibilities. The academy features instruction from experienced fire service leaders who mentor participants and provide guidance on the path to executive leadership.

Congratulations Adam. We are very proud of you and your accomplishments!

WORKING FIRE: 200 BLK WHITEHURST ROAD – CURRITUCK, NCOn 06/19/2026 at 09:13:32, VBFD and EMS were dispatched to a report...
06/19/2026

WORKING FIRE: 200 BLK WHITEHURST ROAD – CURRITUCK, NC
On 06/19/2026 at 09:13:32, VBFD and EMS were dispatched to a report of a single family residential fire in the 200 Block of Whitehurst Road in Currituck, NC along with units from Chesapeake, VA, and Currituck, NC. When units arrived at 09:28:11, they discovered a two-story structure (barn) fully involved and initiated fire attack in the defensive mode. Crews had the fire under control at 09:50:56 and marked out at 11:13:14. There were no injuries to civilians or pets. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. Currituck County Sherriff’s Office is conducting the investigation regarding the origin and cause of the fire.

Last evening, Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department proudly celebrated the promotion ...
06/18/2026

Last evening, Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department proudly celebrated the promotion of seven members during a ceremony attended by their families, colleagues, and friends. The event recognized each member’s dedication, commitment to service, and professional achievement as they advanced to the next rank in their careers.

Please join us in congratulating the following members on this well-deserved accomplishment:

Photo L – R:
Cleon Jones – Captain – February 6, 2025
Stephen Stamos – Captain – December 11, 2025
Adam Hodge – Captain – July 4, 2025
Daniel Fernandez – Captain – May 28, 2026
Andrew White – Captain - January 4, 2024
Michael Carter – Assistant Chief – November 13, 2025
Michael Brashear – Deputy Chief – October 16, 2025
Fire Chief Ken Pravetz

06/18/2026

WORKING FIRE: 2300 BLK ROOKERY WAY – AERIES ON THE Bay
On June 17, 2026, at 20:39:14, VBFD, EMS, and VBPD were dispatched to a reported multi-family structure fire in the 2300 block of Rookery Way.

Units arrived on scene at 20:43:46 and observed heavy smoke and flames were showing from two three-story townhouse units. Fire crews quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack, placing water on the fire at 20:47:00. The incident was declared under control at 21:51:00, and marked out at 00:01:00 on June 18, 2026.

A total of four townhouse units were affected. Seven adults (three males and four females), three dogs, and one cat were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with temporary housing and support services.

One civilian was evaluated by EMS for a minor injury, and one firefighter was evaluated for heat exhaustion. No other injuries were reported among civilians, firefighters, or pets.

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.

06/17/2026

🐾 It’s Sparky, your favorite fire safety dog! 🐾

To celebrate National Mascot Day, Sparky is sharing a few important fire safety tips to help keep your family safe:

🚨 Test your smoke alarms monthly

🏠 Make a Home Escape Plan and practice it twice a year

🚪 Get Out, Stay Out! If the smoke alarm sounds, go outside immediately and stay outside

🔋 Be smart with lithium-ion battery devices-use approved chargers and follow manufacturer safety guidelines

🍳 Practice kitchen safety-stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep an eye on what you fry

Stay safe and celebrate with Sparky today! FMI Visit: Sparky.org ❤️🚒🐶

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and Deputy Chief Amy Valdez in congratulating Master Firefighter Miles Stith for his ...
06/17/2026

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and Deputy Chief Amy Valdez in congratulating Master Firefighter Miles Stith for his 20 years of public service in the VBFD. Thank you Miles for your continued service and dedication to the VBFD and keeping the citizens of Virginia Beach safe.

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and Deputy Chief Amy Valdez in congratulating Fire Inspector Don Moss (VBFD Ret.) on ...
06/17/2026

Please join Fire Chief Ken Pravetz and Deputy Chief Amy Valdez in congratulating Fire Inspector Don Moss (VBFD Ret.) on an incredible 42 years of continuous public service.

Don dedicated 32 years to serving the Virginia Beach Fire Department as a firefighter. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to the community by joining the Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Inspector, a role he has proudly served in for the past 10 years.

Thank you, Don, for your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service to the Virginia Beach Fire Department and the citizens of Virginia Beach. Your commitment to protecting and serving our community is truly appreciated and serves as an inspiration to us all. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone! We look forward to continuing to work with you and your continued service.

Earlier this week, crews from Battalion 2 A-Shift participated in a multi-unit training exercise focused on water rescue...
06/17/2026

Earlier this week, crews from Battalion 2 A-Shift participated in a multi-unit training exercise focused on water rescue operations in the Chesapeake Bay. The drill included beach-based water entry techniques, victim approach and rescue procedures, paddleboard rescues, jet ski operations, and fireboat operations. Regular, hands-on training like this helps ensure our personnel remain proficient, prepared, and ready to respond effectively to a wide range of marine emergencies and rescue incidents.

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4817 Columbus Street
Virginia Beach, VA
23462

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