Fredericksburg Fire Department

Fredericksburg

First Responders, Citizens Celebrated for Acts of Heroism in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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Breaking News

Two Treated for Smoke Inhalation After Fire Erupts in Fredericksburg Home

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Fredericksburg

Better Signals, Safer Responses: Fredericksburg Hospital Adds New Radio System

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Hospital has installed a new antenna system to help first responders communicate more clearly when responding to emergencies inside the hospital.

According to a press release from Mary Washington Healthcare, the hospital’s new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) cost $268,000 and is designed to boost radio signals throughout the hospital, improving communication in areas where coverage is typically poor. Hospitals, with their thick walls and complex layouts, are some of the toughest places for emergency radios to work correctly.

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Fredericksburg

Public Safety Training at School Involved Many Agencies

By Mike Salmon

Multiple agencies gathered at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg for a semiannual exercise on Friday, March 7, but the doors were closed to keep plans from reaching the wrong eyes.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg to Implement Vehicle Barrier System Following New Orleans Attack

By Uriah Kiser
Image: Fredericksburg city documents

Fredericksburg is set to enhance public safety by acquiring a vehicle barrier system to protect attendees at outdoor events from potential vehicle-borne attacks. The measure will be voted on at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, following the acceptance of a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP).

The barrier system is intended to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering pedestrian areas during significant community events, including the Downtown Christmas Parade, Festival of the Streets on July 4th, the Farmers Market, and FXBG Pride.

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News

Fredericksburg Fire Department Responds to Germania Street Fire, Conducts Ice Rescue Training

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Fredericksburg Fire Department

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Fredericksburg Fire Department responded to a fire at 227 Germania Street in the Mill District. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find smoke coming from the basement of a one-story building housing a barber shop and beauty salon on the first floor and apartments in the basement.

Crews extinguished a kitchen fire within five minutes, searched the building, and found no occupants. Three cats were located unharmed. Two residents were displaced as Dominion Energy disconnected the power for safety. No injuries were reported. Due to icy conditions, City Public Works sent a sand truck to treat the street after the fire.

Earlier that day, the Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Water Rescue Team conducted ice rescue training at Twin Lakes Community, utilizing recent sustained low temperatures that allowed waterways to freeze. “We are rarely able to conduct this training, as the temperatures have to be low for a sustained amount of time for the waterways to freeze enough,” the department shared on Facebook.

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Fredericksburg

Updated: Investigators Unable to Determine Cause of Eagle Village Shopping Center Blaze

By Uriah Kiser

Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. 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. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.

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Breaking News

More on Fire at Eagle Village: Multiple Businesses Damaged

By Potomac Local News

A fire at the Eagle Village Shopping Center yesterday damaged two businesses and disrupted several others. Play It Again Sports and A Stitch in Time sustained significant fire damage, while adjacent businesses, including the U.S. Post Office, a laundromat, and Perfect 10 Nail Salon, experienced smoke and heat exposure but no flames. The fire, reported at 12:43 p.m., was controlled in approximately 35 minutes by a team of 50 firefighters.

Crews from the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Spotsylvania County Fire, Stafford County Fire-Rescue, King George Emergency Services, and an ambulance from the Naval District of Washington worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cold, brisk wind spread the flames across the roof, which had a styrofoam insulation and rubber membrane structure that complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to cut through the roof membrane over five stores to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.

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Fredericksburg

Smoke Spoils Friday Lunch On Caroline Street

By Mike Salmon

Fire alarms went off just before lunchtime on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, bringing firefighters in from several locations in the area, halting traffic and shoppers.

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