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Web Changes...
This is where we'll announce the most recent
additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed,
take a look here first.
As busy as it can get around a fire station, we
have finally been able to bring to you our brand new web address and web site.
Please, tell your friends and fellow firefighters how to find us. All of us hope you
appreciate the effort to develop an interesting and informative web site. The goal
was not only to show fire picture after fire picture, we want you to see what we do.
Why we do it. And, what we hope to accomplish through it all. After all is said and
done, our wish is that when you leave our site you are more knowledgeable about the
success of the CLVFD and aware of the dedication and sacrifice our members have put forth
to be the best we can be for you, our friends, neighbors, surrounding fire communities,
and our local residents and public community. In the end you are what is most
important to us. Thank You for taking time out of your life to visit us. We
truly appreciate it.

- MUTUAL
AID PROVIDED FOR HOUSE FIRE
- Columbia Lakes
Volunteer Fire Department and
Old Ocean Volunteer Fire Department provided Mutual Aid for West
Columbia Volunteer Fire Department as they battled a
fully engulfed house fire on County Road 300 Friday afternoon. Firefighters
of the West Columbia VFD, Old Ocean VFD and Columbia Lakes VFD work
relentlessly to save as much property as possible. West Columbia
firefighters ventilated the roof as fellow members and members of the Old
Ocean VFD attacked the upstairs flames and the rear extension (original home
structure) of the structure where the flames originated. Chief - Stan
Wiggins and Lieutenant - Jaymi Wiggins made entry into the structure to
contain and control the blaze located on the opposite side, rear of the home
after Old Ocean FD Chief Craig Peterson breached the structure utilizing an
ax on a secured entry door. After the team extinguished the immediate
fire progression, Lieutenant - Jaymi Wiggins took control of the nozzle
along with assistance from members of responding departments to complete the
task. The fire crew extinguished the remaining flames and proceeded to other
areas of need. Chief-Jimmy Chafin of the West Columbia VFD directed the
attacks as the Incident Commander. Old Ocean VFD Fire Chief - Craig
Peterson exhibited excellent command of Fire Operations and Water Supply as
water tenders consistently provided the much needed extinguishing agent.
Chief Chafin directed the "Offensive Attack" until the fire was contained
and extinguished. Firefighters from each department worked viciously as they
focused on containing the fire progression. Central EMS responders Ryan
Upton and Ben Martinez were poised to deliver any medical attention needed
during the event. Auxiliary members of the West Columbia VFD and Columbia
Lakes VFD member Joe Kovar provided the much needed rehab services to keep
firefighters well hydrated and cooled down. No firefighters were injured
during the incident and the fire attack remained offensive until the flames
were extinguished. The cooperation and teamwork between all departments and
operations were seamless. Great leadership by Chief - Chafin and Chief -
Peterson produced a working crew that meshed together as one to accomplish
an effective attack. Yet another demonstration of the dedication so
many individuals put forth to obtain the knowledge and ability to serve
their community in the volunteer ranks. Thanks to each of the members at the
scene. You make us PROUD!
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- FIRE RESPONDED TO AT THE COLUMBIA LAKES
SPORTS BAR
- Columbia Lakes and West Columbia Fire
Departments responded to a fire call at the Columbia Lakes Sports Bar. Columbia
Lakes firefighters Jaymi Wiggins (call sign 2755) and Joe Kovar (call sign 2753) responded
to the tone sent out by North Dispatch of smoke showing in the Columbia Lakes Sports
Bar. With the remaining members of the Columbia Lakes Fire Department being out of
the area, Jaymi Wiggins (2755) reported to North Dispatch that the remaining members were
out of the area and she would report to the Columbia Lakes Fire Department, open the
station, start unit 2701 (the pumper fire truck) and wait to assist the West Columbia Fire
Department if they needed additional resources or personnel.
- It is the policy of the CLVFD
that each truck must have a minimum of two (2) firefighters on the truck before it can
roll out of the station. With 2755 responding first, 2755 immediately responded to
North Dispatch with the current information knowing that the WCVFD would be updated
immediately as well since the were responding and monitoring the radio as well.
Having announced the information over the radio, WCVFD knew immediately that they could
report to the CLVFD to use any resources they may need. As the old cliche goes, if
it can happen - it will. It just so happens that the WCVFD only had their smaller
"Brush Truck" to use for the response. Pulling together as a team, the
WCVFD arrived at the CLVFD, manned the already running and waiting Pumper truck and
responded to the scene within seconds.
- Meanwhile, CLVFD Joe Kovar
arrived at the Columbia Lakes Fire Department and prepared Unit 2702 (a Brush Truck) just
in case additional resources were needed. Being great responders as always, the
WCVFD took control of the scene and eliminated a hazards associated with the fan blower
motor that had shorted out. Assistant Chief - Stan Wiggins followed up with owner
Mr. Bob Putts the following day and everything was back to normal. The motor was
replaced and the Sports Bars was up-and-running again. Another happy ending to
what have could have been a disaster. Thanks Again Guys.
- This was quality team work to
say the least. Unfortunately egos can get in the way sometimes when it comes to one
fire department assisting another department with an emergency. All too many times
it is heard how the "Mutual Aid" department doesn't like taking orders from or
want to listen to another department tell them what to do. However, in this case
although Columbia Lakes was in charge, due to the circumstances Columbia Lakes Fire
Department relinquished Incident Command to West Columbia Fire Department and the teamwork
paid off. Thanks West Columbia Volunteer Fire department for working so well with
us.
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- Columbia Lakes Volunteer Fire
Department Establishes Internet Presence...
- See the The
Latest on Members for more details.
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- County Fire Truck Purchased By CLVFD...
- See the Truck
#2701 for more details.

Topics of Interest
This is some of the latest information we have
on topics of interest to bring you up to date..
As the Columbia Lakes Fire Department strives
to improve, we want to do our best to keep you informed. Please view the information
below to keep up to date on what is going on within your Fire Department. Thanks for
taking time out and viewing our web site today.

Where are we at? What are we doing?
COLUMBIA LAKES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT and our
community...
With all that is going on within the
department, seven active members can be overwhelmed with chores and tasks at times.
Below you will find highlights of a few items on our agenda to get completed. A more
detailed schedule can be found on the "Scheduled Events"
page. Feel free to help in any way you can to take a little or a lot of the load
off our shoulders so we can focus on things you may not be able to help with. Always
remember, to help your local Fire Department does not mean you have to fight fires.
There are plenty of areas you can help with and even though you may feel it is the
smallest of assistance, from our point of view it is very much appreciated. We are
located at 124 Edgewater Drive next to the Park & Marina.
 | Fire Hose Testing, Required Annually to Help Lower ISO Ratings and
Thus Home Owner's Insurance Cost, Due Before December 31st, 2007 |
 | Dry Hydrant Installation, Helps Lower ISO Ratings and Thus Home Owner's Insurance
Cost, Due Before ISO Report 2008 |
 | Water Transfer, Helps Lower ISO Ratings and Thus Home Owner's Insurance
Cost, Before December 31st, 2007 |
 | Columbia Lakes Pre-Planning, Helps Lower ISO Ratings and Thus Home Owner's and Business
Insurance Costs, Before December 31st, 2007 |
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