According to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, around 8:40 a.m., crews were alerted to the smell of smoke at the school before students had arrived.
Firefighters investigated swiftly and, with the help of school maintenance staff, traced the issue to a malfunctioning HVAC unit. The situation was resolved quickly enough that the building was deemed safe and reopened a short time later.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber just wrapped up their annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, and it was a big one. Held August 13 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event spotlighted local heroes across law enforcement, fire, and EMS for their life-saving efforts and long-term service.
From snowy highway rescues to swift water saves and daring house fire rescues by everyday citizens, the awards covered a wide range of heroic acts. Citizen Valor Awards went to locals who jumped in to help during life-threatening situations, while police officers and EMTs were recognized for bravery, teamwork, and quick action in high-stakes emergencies.
Firefighters from multiple agencies battled a large townhouse fire on Whitemoss Drive near Manassas on Saturday evening. Crews arrived just after 8:30 p.m. to find heavy flames in the back of the home quickly spreading inside.
A second alarm was called to help fight the blaze. All residents escaped safely, but one adult was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The home suffered extensive damage and was declared unsafe to occupy, along with an adjoining townhouse.
A single-story home in Stafford County’s White Oak area was heavily damaged in an early-morning fire Saturday.
Fire and rescue crews were called to the 00 block of McCauley Lane, off Belle Plains Road, at about 3:15 a.m. They arrived within six minutes to find the house fully engulfed in flames.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County’s primary fire boat is back in the water and ready to respond after a crash earlier this summer temporarily sidelined the vessel.
Potomac Local News has learned exclusively that the boat struck an underwater object on July 4 while members of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department were conducting routine training and patrol near the boat ramp at Widewater State Park.
The first fire occurred at 8:46 a.m. on July 20 in the 2300 block of West Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the front of the home. All occupants had exited the house after being alerted by working smoke detectors.
Two adults, who lived in the basement where the fire originated, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. In total, five adults and three children were displaced by the fire, which caused moderate damage to the home. A building official has deemed the residence unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross is assisting those affected, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
Just after 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, emergency crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Dorothy Lane for a reported structure fire. First responders arrived on the scene within five minutes to find a two-story single-family home, including its attached garage, fully engulfed in flames. The fire had already spread into the attic by the time firefighters arrived.
Crews worked quickly to deploy multiple hose lines to knock down the fire while conducting a search of the home. Thanks to working smoke alarms, all occupants were alerted and safely evacuated before emergency units arrived. Three individuals were evaluated at the scene as a precaution.
STAFFORD, Va. – At 2:45 p.m., Stafford County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the 100 block of Erin Drive after several people reported flames coming from the back of a home. One of those passersby, a member of Stafford County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), jumped into action and used a garden hose to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Fire crews arrived within three minutes and confirmed active flames at the rear of a single-story, single-family home. As firefighters worked to put out the fire, they also rescued five dogs from inside the house. All five dogs were unharmed and did not require medical attention, according to Katie Brady, a fire and rescue spokeswoman.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Two people were evaluated for smoke inhalation after a house fire broke out Monday morning in the Fox Chase Subdivision.
The fire was reported at 8:33 a.m., according to the Fredericksburg Emergency Communications Center. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the front and back of a three-story home. Crews entered through a walk-out basement door and encountered heavy smoke and high heat, ultimately extinguishing a fire in a basement room.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County is making it easier for local business owners, contractors, and developers to connect with experts—without leaving the job site or office.
On June 30, 2025, the Department of Development Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office launched a new Virtual Appointment Scheduling System. The system allows users to schedule meetings online, 24/7, and speak directly with county staff via Microsoft Teams at a time that works for them.
