I-66/ROUTE 29 RESIDENTS' SECTOR PLAN
FIRE AND RESCUE PLAN

INTENT

The Comprehensive Plan states the intent, goals, policies and action strategies supporting the Fire and Rescue for the County. This I-66 / Route 29 Sector Plan incorporates the Fire and Rescue Plan's intent, goals, policies and action strategies and provides additional action strategies that apply strictly to this Sector Plan.

FR-POLICY 1: TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FIRE AND RESCUE FACILITIES AND APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES WITHIN THE SECTOR PLAN AREA.

ACTION STRATEGIES:

  1. The convergence of three major thoroughfares together with the propane delivery rail spur located in close proximity to the Norfolk-Southern railroad track is a matter of concern in this Sector Plan. Provisions should be considered for additional buffers or building restrictions in close proximity to the railroad right-of-way to provide an added margin of safety.

  2. In addition to existing emergency response routes, permanent alternative routes must be identified in the Sector area and surrounding areas. Accidents and other emergencies can make normal routes impassible if help is needed elsewhere.

  3. Provisions must be made for HAZMAT evaluations for up to a radius of one mile for the Sector and adjacent areas. This requirement is dictated by the fact that significant train derailments and major truck accidents have occurred in the area in the past.

  4. Building separations on all site plans submitted will be determined to be safe based on criteria provided by the County Building Department and the County Fire Marshall prior to site plan approval.

  5. A 24 hour emergency medical facility should be encouraged in the Sector area. This action strategy is in response to the recognition that no emergency medical facility is located within a reasonable distance.

  6. The Gainesville Fire Department (Station # 4) located at 14450 John Marshall Highway serves the area. None of the assist stations are in close proximity to the Sector Plan area. Respective response times will vary, but a range from eight to fifteen minutes is a reasonable estimate when considering weather conditions, traffic conditions, and travel distance. Consequently, one new fire/rescue station must be placed in the Sector or adjacent area to insure exiting facilities do not exceed their capacity and to meet Level of Service travel time requirements. Acquisition of an appropriate site should be expedited and construction of the facility placed in the Capitol Improvements Program as soon as possible.

  7. It is anticipated that emergency access will be compromised during various stages of the construction of the Route 29 / Linton Hall interchange, supplemental temporary fire and rescue capabilities should be provided during construction.

Residents Plan
Virginia Places