This evening Alexandria, Virginia officials tell STATter911.com that Station 206 at 4609 Seminary Road has been closed due to structural concerns following the weekend’s heavy snowfall. More snow is on the way tomorrow. Firefighters and equipment have been moved to other Alexandria fire stations.
Station 206 is about three miles to the east of Fairfax County’s Station 410 in Bailey’s Crossroads. The roof over that fire station caved in at 3:00 this morning. All 18 firefighters inside the firehouse escaped unharmed. Underneath that collapsed roof are an engine company, ladder truck and other fire and EMS vehicles. The crews from Station 410 have been sent to other nearby stations, but are running a paramedic engine and ambulance out of the parking lot when possible (no ladder truck).
The closing of the two firehouses leaves a big gap in coverage along the border between the two jurisdictions. On tops of these problems, just three miles to the south of the Bailey’s Crossroads station, a sagging roof was discovered at Station 408 in Annandale. Firefighters in Annandale were operating out of the adjacent bingo hall. Having fire equipment and ambulances outside, particularly with the possibility of another foot or more of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday is also a problem at the two Fairfax County firehouses.
It is unclear at the moment what long term plans are in the works for providing fire and EMS coverage for the busy area served by these three adjacent fire companies.
The roof problems at Station 206 and Station 408 were discovered after officials ordered inspections of flat roofs at firehouses following the collapse at Station 410.
Station 410 was built in 1974 by the Bailey’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department. A new roof was put on in 1998. Volunteer officials were on the scene working with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department officials assessing the damage.
Also on STATter911 …
- Oh, what a week! Sykesville, MD is the latest of 4 Mid-Atlantic fire stations greatly damaged or destroyed. Fireground audio, pictures, & recap of the destruction. – February 11, 2010
- UPDATE Haiti rescuers become victims of collapse. Fairfax County fire station in Bailey’s Crossroads buckles under snow. Second firehouse in danger. – February 8, 2010
- Fireground audio & video from Fairfax County mayday during apartment fire. One firefighter dropped from balcony & another lost mask. – February 9, 2010
- A Snowy & Late Quick Takes – February 10, 2010
Push that s..t out of the way, get the rigs out of there and keep going.
good to see that our brothers at 410 are all ok. It would be a much worse story had that happened in the afternoon with all the activity going on in that station. everyone be safe out there.
It’s tough seeing this happen at your station. The engine and truck are in bad shape. It’s a real mess. I too am thankful it didn’t happen mid day.
I was there when the station opened in 1974. I was blessed to have served in that house both as a volunteer and a career firefighter. The “Tenhouse” is the best station in the County with the best personnel. They serve one of the busiest areas in the Northern Virgina area. God bless the members of Engine……Ladder and Medic/Ambulance 410.!!! The Best House in Fairfax County!!! God bless all of you!!
Gary Dize
I worked there 16 years and it is the best station in the county