Press release:
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge.
In Fredericksburg, the December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause.
It’s been a busy few days for area fire departments, with crews responding to several significant incidents. Here’s a recap of the latest:
Units rushed to the 13500 block of Haversack Lane in Woodbridge last night after neighbors reported a house fire. Upon arrival, crews found flames pouring from the rear of a single-family home. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time, but it sustained severe damage and has been deemed unsafe by the Building Official.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System warns residents to stay off naturally occurring ice on local waters, as it is often too thin and weak for safe outdoor activities. Unlike ice in colder northern climates, ice in this area is prone to cracks, instability, and variability due to fluctuating temperatures, moving water, and wildlife activity.
Key dangers include rapid ice deterioration, which can outpace its formation, and the risk of falling into icy waters, where hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes, making rescues extremely time-sensitive.
As Northern Virginia braces for one of the most significant winter storms in years, Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle urges residents to take safety precautions and avoid unnecessary risks. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures, with snowfall rates possibly reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Chief LaBelle emphasized that preparation and caution are key as the storm approaches. “If you can stay off the roads, stay off the roads,” he said. “It allows the cleanup crews to move more quickly and get this mess gone as soon as possible. If you must drive, remember that bridges freeze first, and maintaining more distance between vehicles and driving slower makes everything safer.”
A fire broke out at the Eagle Village Shopping Center, located at 1245 Emancipation Highway in Fredericksburg, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, with additional assistance from Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue, King George Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, and Naval District Washington (NDW) Dahlgren.
House Fire
Thursday, December 5, 2024
After a complete evaluation of the building, the Building Official has determined only one (1) condo unit is unsafe to occupy. From this determination, only one (1) occupant will be displaced from the incident.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
Townhouse Fire
Friday, November 29, 2024
