Fire Department Trying To Find Source Of Distress Call

[Henry]

Apparently 911 received a distress call from a vehicle (Prius).  Location was junction of Hillcrest & Sam Webb Road which is not a location.  Heard them hunting around the different roads, but to the best of my knowledge nothing was found.  Be interesting to find out if this was a real call or not.  Don't remember what time this happened, but it was a while ago.

[HayesFXFD17]

Good Morning Henry,

The call was unfounded after canvasing the immediate area.  In todays technology with gps tracking, cell phones etc...these types of call are becoming much more prevalent.  Sometimes as in the instance of last evening it was a false alarm if you will, but there are times when the gps tracking and on-star type systems have saved lives.  So before some folks get upset for sending the Fire and Rescue units out for a "worthless" call remember all the times that it does work and that someday this technology could have a favorable impact on their loved ones.  This is what we are here for and the job we do regardless of how major or minor the task may seem. 

Also as our first snows begin to fall remember to change your driving habits over allowing for greater following distances, slower speeds and allow more time for travel.  Also ensure you have good snow tires on your vehicles.  I am sure it is just a matter of time before we are responding to dozens of motor vehicle accidents in relation to winter driving. 

Justin Hayes
Deputy Chief
Fairfax Fire Dept.

[Henry]

I think someone down in the Village Green area mentioned something about GPS equipment not identifying their street.  It is not to wonder with all the new roads we have here in town.

When I heard them say intersection of Hillcrest & Sam Webb I figured there had to be some error.

You are right Justin, better to be safe than sorry.