“Crews worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing further extension,” the department stated. “No injuries were reported.”
Author: Mauriah Church-Barbour
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“Tom was dedicated to serving the community and helping wherever he could,” the department added. “Tom was also a business leader in Prince William County, growing Pitkins Hardware to what it has become today.”
Pitkin was a longtime member of the Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department and served as chief for more than a decade. Department members asked the community to keep the Pitkin family in their thoughts and prayers during this time.
“Staying off the roads will also provide space for crews removing snow today on primary roads and high-volume secondary roads,” the agency added. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
VDOT crews are actively working around the clock to plow and treat roads after a winter storm left many low-volume secondary roads snow-covered and icy. Interstates and major routes are priority for snow and ice removal before crews shift focus to smaller secondary and residential roads. Drivers should check 511Virginia for current road conditions before traveling. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
Dr. David Ferguson has been appointed Director of Operations for Fredericksburg City Public Schools, effective January 28, 2026. The School Board approved the move, bringing in a seasoned educator with more than 22 years of experience in school leadership and operations.
Ferguson most recently served as principal of Fauquier High School and previously led Rappahannock High School for nearly a decade. His background includes work in Spotsylvania and Richmond counties, with roles focused on facilities, safety, special education, and capital planning. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech.
As cold weather continues across the region, Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials are warning residents to stay off the ice on local waterways. Despite appearances, ice in the area is rarely thick or stable enough for safe recreation.
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Virginia State Police are urging residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to hundreds of traffic crashes. Since the start of the storm, troopers have responded to 475 crashes across the Commonwealth as of 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.
Of those crashes, 36 involved injuries and two resulted in fatalities. One fatal crash occurred in Fairfax County on Saturday evening, though police say weather was not a factor. The second fatality happened in Pittsylvania County on Sunday evening, and storm conditions may have played a role. State Police are investigating both incidents.
The Masroor Mosque in Prince William County welcomed Imam Salman Tariq as the new missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Masroor Mosque chapter. Imam Tariq brings experience from prior service in Canada, Ghana, and several U.S. states, including Missouri, Connecticut, and Maryland.
To mark the start of 2026, Imam Tariq led a special pre-dawn Tahajjud prayer, drawing more than 500 worshippers to the mosque. Men, women, and children participated in the voluntary prayers, followed by the Fajr (dawn) prayer and a sermon.
“A reminder about keeping the hydrants around the City clear,” Manassas Park Fire & Rescue posted.
Fire officials urged residents to remove snow and ice from fire hydrants near their homes to ensure quick access during emergencies. Clear hydrants help firefighters respond faster and more effectively during fires, especially amid winter weather.
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“Give us some time — we will get to you. Until then, stay off the roads, NOVA,” the VDOT NOVA District stated.
Prince William County shared the message as winter weather impacts road conditions throughout Northern Virginia. Officials are asking drivers to avoid travel while crews work to clear primary and secondary roads in Prince William County and neighboring jurisdictions.