“First arriving crews confirmed heavy fire from a two-story, single-family residence [about five miles from Curtis Memorial Park],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced after the 4:45 a.m. dispatch. “All occupants were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units, and no injuries were reported.”

Additional tankers were called in to support a rural water shuttle operation as crews worked to extinguish the fire and manage structural instability. The blaze was under control within about half an hour.

More than two dozen small businesses braved temperatures in the high 30s on Saturday for the Long Family Christmas Market at the Staffordboro Boulevard commuter lot in North Stafford, kicking off the holiday season with a community-focused showcase of local makers, bakers, and entrepreneurs.

The special market, held two days after Thanksgiving, brought together vendors from across Stafford County, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia for a Shop Small-style holiday event organized by Long Family Markets.