Fredericksburg Fire Department Archives

Published October 31, 2026 at 7:33AM | Updated October 31, 2026 at 9:41AM

Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded just after 2:45 p.m. Friday to a structure fire on Basalt Drive near Stafford Village Parkway. First-arriving crews found heavy fire and smoke at the front and rear of a two-story single-family home and brought the blaze under control in about an hour.

One person was home and self-evacuated before firefighters arrived. Three occupants were displaced and are receiving help from the American Red Cross. One firefighter went to the hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. The release does not give a cause, an exact street address, the ages of those displaced, or the extent of damage.

Fredericksburg

Structure Fire Extinguished in 600 Block of Kenmore Avenue; No Injuries

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2026 at 7:52AM

“B-Shift personnel responded to a structure fire in the 600 block of Kenmore Avenue. The fire was extinguished. No injuries,” Fredericksburg Fire Department reported. Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management also assisted at the scene.

The incident occurred in the Fredericksburg area. Officials provided no further details on the cause or extent of damage.

Fredericksburg

Apartment Fire Displaces Pets in Fredericksburg

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 27, 2026 at 11:18AM

[Submitted Photo].

“Two cats were rescued and treated on the scene,” the department stated. “Unfortunately, one cat and one dog perished.”

Firefighters responded to the apartment complex Monday afternoon with assistance from Spotsylvania crews. Officials said the incident resulted in animal losses but no reported injuries to residents.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg agrees to $365,000 settlement with EMS staff over overtime pay dispute

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 8, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated January 8, 2026 at 12:38PM

“The City of Fredericksburg has agreed to pay $365,000 to 15 current and former first responders, compensating them for ‘back pay, liquidated damages, service awards, attorneys’ fees, and litigation expenses,’” hyperbole reported. “That amount will be covered by the city’s insurance policy, those records state.”

“The City does not admit any allegations made against it in the Lawsuit,” court documents state. “The City of Fredericksburg is pleased to report that, thanks to the City’s insurance coverage, the Kirby et. Al v. City of Fredericksburg lawsuit has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties.”

Fredericksburg

First Responders, Citizens Celebrated for Acts of Heroism in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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.

Fredericksburg

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

By Potomac Local News

Published May 17, 2025 at 8:00AM

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.

Fredericksburg

Public Safety Training at School Involved Many Agencies

By Mike Salmon

Published March 12, 2025 at 7:49PM | Updated March 12, 2025 at 8:54PM

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.

“It was a matter of security,” said Jack McGovern, the exercise director with the Fredericksburg Fire Department. “That was spelled out for media,” he added.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg to Implement Vehicle Barrier System Following New Orleans Attack

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 10, 2025 at 10:00AM

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.

News

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2025 at 1:59PM | Updated January 24, 2025 at 3:22PM

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.