A fireman with the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company (MCVFC) was injured during a controlled burn Sunday.
According to MCVFC Chief Troy Coppage, firefighters were conducting a live fire training in an acquired structure Sunday near the intersection of U.S. 29 and Oak Park Road when a flashover incident occurred, injuring two firefighters. Coppage said one was treated and released while the other was flown to the VCU Health Evans-Haynes Burn Center in Richmond.
Coppage said the firefighter, identified by others as Todd Davis, is currently being treated for burns and is expected to make a full recovery. Coppage said a great deal of planning had gone into the training and safety protocols were in place.
“The circumstances that led to the accident are being investigated internally and by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at the request of the MCVFC,” Coppage said.
He thanked the community for its support following the incident.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received from so many in the Madison community and the surrounding area,” Coppage said.
To assist with medical and other related expenses, a benefit raccoon hunt is being held Friday, Jan. 31.
Zoe Herring, a friend of Davis, said the hunt is a way to raise funds without having to pay fees to an entity like GoFundMe and gets everyone together to support a local family.
“Typically our biggest gatherings in our small town are hunts different hunt clubs put on,” she said. “The hunters are really great people and always come together during tough times and are always willing to help out whenever someone is in need.”
The check-in for Friday’s hunt will occur from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges Picnic Shelter, 58 Graves Mountain Lane, Syria, VA, 22743. Hunters will then head out, attempting to nab their best raccoon entry before returning back. The deadline for the weigh-in of entries is hours later at 12 a.m. with the entry fee set at $20 for largest raccoon entries and $10 for littlest raccoon entries. The pot for each is then split, with the winners receiving half and the remainder benefitting Davis, although its not unusual, Herring said, for the winners to donate their winnings back to the cause.
“Todd is like a brother to me,” she said. “He is my little brother’s best friend and my family adores him. This is an easy way to [donate].”
For those who can’t make it or wish to not participate in the hunt, donations can also be made via check to Todd Davis. For more information or to make a donation, contact Zoe Herring at (540) 717-3344 or Miles Herring at (434) 987-5423.
A second benefit has also been added. A big country breakfast will be held Sunday, Feb. 9, 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Madison Fire Hall to raise funds for Davis. Enjoy sausage gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, coffee and more. Donations will be collected and can be made via check to Todd Davis. For more information, contact the fire house at (540) 948-6660 or email Troy Coppage at troyc@clore.furniture.
