Stafford

“Stafford offices, departments, facilities and all courts will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth observation,” Stafford County announced. “Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will remain open.”

The following offices and facilities will remain open: Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200 | Emergency 911, Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400 | Emergency 911, Magistrate (540) 659-2968. All outdoor parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“First arriving units marked on scene less than 5 minutes later and confirmed heavy smoke and fire coming from the front and rear of at least two townhouses, spreading into their respective attic spaces,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced. “The fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes.”

No occupants were injured, though one firefighter was evaluated on scene. In total, 10 adults and 8 children are being assisted by the American Red Cross after two townhomes were severely damaged and others sustained moderate to mild damage. The cause remains under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office, with mutual aid from neighboring departments.

A Stafford County grand jury on Monday, June 1, 2026, indicted Jing Sheng Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, on three additional felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving in connection with the May 30 tour bus crash on southbound Interstate 95 that killed five people.

The new indictments bring the total to five felony counts of involuntary manslaughter — one for each victim — along with the reckless driving charge. The charges relate to the multi-vehicle crash in a work zone and supplement two initial involuntary manslaughter counts filed against Dong on May 31.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue is celebrating the retirement of two of its members.

“Please join us in congratulating Technician Doug Gress who is retiring from Stafford County Fire and Rescue after more than 10 years, in addition to a full career as a United States Marine,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced. “Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Charlie Freeman on his retirement from Stafford County Fire and Rescue after more than 25 years of dedicated service!”