‘It’s surreal’: Fire at Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad destroys three trucks

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad is recovering after a fire broke out inside the station late Thursday night, destroying three fire trucks.

The call came in around 10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, and crews quickly responded, containing the fire before it spread further. Firefighters worked through the night to put out the flames and secure the scene.

The damage at Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad's building that was caused by a fire on the night of Thursday, Feb. 27.

Fortunately, no one was inside the building when the fire started. According to Hanover Fire and EMS Captain John Cundiff, the damage was limited to the station’s garage, where the fire trucks were housed.

“It was pretty surreal getting that notification that the station was on fire,” Cundiff said. “Then arriving on scene and seeing the hard work and dedication of our men and women, making sure we did what we could to preserve the property we could.”

Despite the loss of three fire trucks, Hanover Fire officials assured residents that emergency response services would not be impacted. Crews will operate out of another county fire station while repairs are made and replacement trucks are brought in.

Throughout the day, firefighters remained on-site, clearing debris and reinforcing the building. Officials said the fire was first reported by a passerby, and when crews arrived, flames were already nearing the roof. Quick action by responders prevented further damage to the station.

"But the compassion last night, with Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad showing up and our team members embracing them and making sure they were taken care of is what Hanover Fire and EMS is," Cundiff said.

The Hanover Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.