Fire and Rescue Archives - Potomac Local News

Published August 14, 2025 at 2:13PM

Major Shawn Kimmitz of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 31 years of exemplary service, leadership, and innovation in law enforcement and community engagement. His visionary approach to public communication and steadfast commitment set a high standard for future generations.

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.

Prince William

Townhouse Fire Near Manassas Displaces Five, Injures One

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:40AM

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.

Stafford

Early-Morning Fire Destroys White Oak Home; Residents and Dog Safe

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

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

What Took Stafford’s Fire Boat Out of Service for Weeks? It’s Finally Back

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 23, 2025 at 1:15PM

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.

Prince William

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

By Potomac Local News

Published July 20, 2025 at 7:25PM

A firefighter uses a ladder truck to extinguish flames from the upper level of a Bristow-area home on Lavender Flower Court. The fire displaced six people and left the house uninhabitable. [Prince William Fire & Rescue photo]

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.

Stafford

Overnight Fire Destroys Stafford Home, Displaces 12 Residents

By Potomac Local News

Published July 18, 2025 at 11:34AM

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

Passerby with Garden Hose Helps Slow House Fire on Erin Drive; 5 Dogs Rescued

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 7, 2025 at 9:09PM

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.

Breaking News

Two Treated for Smoke Inhalation After Fire Erupts in Fredericksburg Home

By Potomac Local News

Published July 7, 2025 at 1:07PM

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

Need Help With Permits or Fire Safety? Prince William County Now Offers Virtual Appointments

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 3, 2025 at 8:00AM

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.

Stafford

Stafford County Ends PulsePoint Partnership After 8 Years

By Uriah Kiser

Published June 6, 2025 at 11:15AM

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County has quietly ended its contract with PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby users when someone in a public space is experiencing cardiac arrest and may need CPR. The decision marks the conclusion of an eight-year relationship with the public safety technology.

The county’s contract with PulsePoint expired in April 2025 and was not renewed. Officials say the service, which once promised to help save lives by quickly mobilizing CPR-trained residents, no longer delivers on its original purpose.