Stafford Fire and Rescue Department Archives

Published November 21, 2025 at 2:41PM

A long-running partnership between Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Public Schools will provide nearly 1,700 winter coats to local students this year through Operation Warm. This donation-driven program has grown dramatically since its launch more than 15 years ago.

Mark Doyle, a volunteer with the Mountain View Fire Department, said the effort began around 2008 when Fairfax County Fire and Rescue donated about 30 coats and encouraged Stafford to expand the initiative locally.

Stafford

Fire Displaces Family of Five in Stafford, Damages Two Nearby Homes

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2025 at 9:25PM

Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy fire coming from the side and rear of a two-story home. Firefighters battled challenging conditions, including strong winds, flaring propane tanks, and unstable interior floors. All residents evacuated safely before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross is helping the displaced family.

The fire is under investigation. The Fredericksburg Fire Department and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services assisted on scene.

Stafford

Man, 18, charged in connection with Cambridge Street arson

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 3, 2025 at 8:09AM | Updated November 3, 2025 at 11:09AM

“The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire that occurred on Monday, October 27th, in a vacant commercial structure in the 700 block of Cambridge Street was incendiary,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced. “On Thursday, October 30th, the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Samuel Harang, 18, of Stafford County. Mr. Harang has been charged with burning an unoccupied structure and is currently being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.”

Fire and Rescue units were dispatched around 4:55 p.m. on October 27 to the 700 block of Cambridge Street near Enon Road, where crews found smoke coming from three sides of a vacant, single-story commercial building. The fire was brought under control quickly, and no one was inside at the time. The investigation into Mr. Harang remains ongoing.

Stafford

Fire damages vacant commercial building on Cambridge Street in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 27, 2025 at 11:18PM

“Smoke was showing from three sides of a vacant, single-story commercial building when crews arrived less than five minutes after dispatch,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced. “Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control while also searching the interior of the building.”

The fire occurred around 4:55 p.m. Monday, October 27, in the 700 block of Cambridge Street [Route 1] near Enon Road, near All Seasons Landscaping & Irrigation LLC.

Schools

Smoke at Dixon-Smith Middle Delays Start, But School Day Goes On

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 19, 2025 at 3:03PM

According to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, around 8:40 a.m., crews were alerted to the smell of smoke at the school before students had arrived.

Firefighters investigated swiftly and, with the help of school maintenance staff, traced the issue to a malfunctioning HVAC unit. The situation was resolved quickly enough that the building was deemed safe and reopened a short time later.

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.

Stafford

Fire Breaks Out in Stafford Townhouse—5 Displaced, 1 Hospitalized

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2025 at 6:59PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County Fire and Rescue just told Potomac Local News about a townhouse fire that broke out Wednesday evening on Forge Mill Road, near Woodcutters Road.

Crews got there fast—just five minutes after the call came in around 5 p.m.—and found smoke pouring from the third floor of a middle-unit townhouse. Firefighters knocked down the flames quickly while searching the home to make sure everyone was out.

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.

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.