On August 8, a residential fire ended in a total loss. It was an instance where every second counts, but help was too many minutes away, according to Stafford Professional Fire Fighters Local 4012.
At about 1:45 a.m., Stafford County 2nd Battalion units were dispatched to the 100 block of Indian Point Road in Company 5’s first‑due area. However, the career‑staffed Tanker 1505 and Medic 1505 were at Company 2 at the time.
They had relocated there “due to the ongoing untenable living conditions at the Brooke Volunteer Fire Department,” IAFF Local 4012 stated.
The union claimed that being at Company 2 added about 10 additional minutes of travel time compared to if Tanker 1505 had been at Company 5.
“By the time Engine 1502 arrived, heavy fire had already extended throughout the home, and conditions required defensive operations. Instead of firefighters being able to immediately enter the structure to search for occupants and attack the fire from the interior, crews were forced to fight the fire from the exterior,” IAFF Local 4012 stated.
With the residence totally devastated, the union said, “This is exactly why the ongoing conditions at Company 5 cannot continue… The residents of Brooke deserve better. Our firefighters deserve better.”
Brooke Responds
The Brooke Volunteer Fire Safety Association followed with a lengthy statement.
Brooke Fire and Rescue station recently suffered storm damage and experienced water‑quality issues with the well.
“In partnership with Stafford County Fire & Rescue, we made the decision to relocate the career personnel to the next closest station at Stafford Courthouse.”
However, BVFSA said that on Aug. 8, repairs to the roof damage were inspected and deemed safe, water‑quality issues were fixed, and the bathrooms had been remodeled, with a women’s shower added.
“We are awaiting word from County leadership when our career partners and apparatus will return to the station.”
Community Meeting & Change
On short notice, Supervisor Maya Guy called a “Brooke VFD Safety Concerns Community Meeting” on Monday evening, August 10.
By the following afternoon, Brooke Volunteer Fire & Rescue posted this:
Announcing the Return
On Tuesday evening, the union issued the following statement:
Following our recent posts and continued efforts regarding the lack of staffing at Company 5 – Brooke, we are pleased to report that career members are now back in quarters at Company 5.
IAFF Local 4012
Career personnel are currently cross-staffing Medic 1505 and Tanker 1505, restoring a career presence in Brooke’s first-due area and helping reduce the response delays our community recently experienced.
We appreciate everyone who shared our concerns, spoke up, and helped bring attention to this issue. This is a positive step forward for both our members and the citizens of Stafford County.
We will continue advocating for the staffing, resources, and working conditions necessary to provide our community with the level of service it deserves.
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