Fire and Rescue Archives - Page 4 of 23

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.

Fredericksburg

River Rescue Teams Run Drill This Weekend—Here’s What to Know

By Potomac Local News

Published June 3, 2025 at 10:13AM

Stafford fire and rescue crews at Historic Port of Falmouth Beach Park. [Potomac Local News]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Area residents may notice a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel along the Rappahannock River this weekend, but it’s not a real emergency—it’s a planned water rescue training exercise.

RIVEREX 2025 kicks off Friday, June 6, and runs through Saturday, June 7. The large-scale drill will simulate swift water rescues across more than 20 miles of the river and include live-action scenarios designed to test emergency crews’ readiness, coordination, and response tactics.

Schools

These Stafford Teens Just Graduated from Fire Academy🔥🚒

By Potomac Local News

Published May 25, 2025 at 11:14AM

High School Fire Academy 6 Graduates

STAFFORD, Va. – A new class of future first responders is ready to serve.

In a Facebook post, Stafford County Public Schools congratulated the graduates of High School Fire Academy 6, a program that prepares high school students for careers in fire and emergency services. The photo shows a proud group of students in uniform standing in front of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, smiling with certificates in hand.

News

Meet Prince William County’s Newest Firefighters

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 13, 2025 at 10:00AM

BRISTOW, Va. – The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue just celebrated a major milestone for its newest recruits. On Wednesday, May 7, Recruit Class 2024-3 officially graduated in a ceremony held at Grace Life Community Church in Bristow.

According to a press release from the department, the ceremony was led by Battalion Chief Scott Arft and honored 26 individuals who completed 30 weeks of demanding training. Their preparation included over 1,500 hours of instruction in fire response, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue techniques at the Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville.

Features

Dunkin’ Honors Dale City Volunteer Firefighters with Sweet Treats and Surprise Gift

By Potomac Local News

Published April 30, 2025 at 3:53PM

DALE CITY, Va. – In honor of National Volunteer Month, Dunkin’ showed appreciation for local heroes at the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department by delivering a sweet surprise on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

From 10 to 11 a.m., firefighters at Station 13 on Hillendale Drive were treated to free coffee, donuts, and $5 Dunkin’ promo cards. The event highlighted Dunkin’s ongoing commitment to recognizing community service and supporting first responders who go above and beyond.

Breaking News

Overnight Fire Damages Home in Stafford

By Potomac Local News

Published April 28, 2025 at 8:40AM

Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded to a structure fire at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. Crews arrived about eight minutes later to find heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a two-story, single-family residence. The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. The sole occupant evacuated safely and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Here’s the full press release:

Press Release

Five Displaced on Easter After Fire on Smith Street in Stafford

By Potomac Local News

Published April 21, 2025 at 9:38AM

Firefighters gather outside a single-story home in the 400 block of Smith Street after quickly bringing a structure fire under control. Five people were displaced in the April 20, 2025 blaze. Photo courtesy: Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department

A fire on Easter evening displaced five residents from a single-family home in the 400 block of Smith Street, near Brooke Road in Stafford County. Fire and rescue crews from Stafford and Fredericksburg responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes.

One person was home at the time and safely evacuated after being alerted by neighbors. Two individuals were treated on scene for minor smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.