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Stafford Fire and Rescue Department
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As Hurricane Helene intensifies and approaches Florida’s Big Bend with the potential to become a major Category 4 hurricane, swift water rescue teams from Virginia are mobilizing to assist with the expected impacts.
The Prince William County Swift Water Rescue Team, a FEMA Type 3 team comprising six technicians and a Battalion Chief, was activated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and deployed to Norton, Virginia. They left at 10:00 AM today from the Prince William Public Safety Training Center, aiming to coordinate with local authorities and manage water rescues in hurricane flood waters.
The event covered first responders from the Fredericksburg and Caroline, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, filling the main ballroom at the Convention Center. There were 19 awards given out to local Virginia State Troopers and county police officers from all over the area. Included in the 19 awards was a lifetime achievement award given to Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones, Caroline County Citizens Valor awards given to Shericka Twyner, Russell Trainer, and Desiree Dushane, and the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Citizens Valor Award went to Guillermo Shelton and Austin Leonard.
“We are a better region because of you,” added Steve Cox of Rappahannock Goodwill, one of the sponsors at this event, which the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce hosted.
A residential fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the 800 block of Walnut Drive, prompting a swift response from Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units. The fire was reported just before 2:40 p.m., and firefighters arrived on the scene within five minutes to find flames engulfing multiple sides of the single-family home.
Despite challenges posed by the steep terrain and the distance to the nearest hydrants, the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Fortunately, no occupants were in the home at the time, and there were no reported injuries among the residents. The occupants, one adult and four children, are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
Press release:
Just after 2PM yesterday, [Stafford County Fire and Rescue] units were dispatched for a large brush in the 100 block of Daisy Hill Lane. First arriving units marked on scene approximately 15 minutes later and reported spot brush fires across 3-4 acres. Crews worked to extinguish the fire, and were challenged by some of the difficult terrain. The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes, but crews remained on scene to monitor hot spots. SCFR crews were assisted on scene by King George County (Va) Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Fauquier County Fire Rescue System and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue swiftly extinguished a structure fire at a two-story residence on Lake Bluff Court early Friday, with all occupants safely evacuated and receiving assistance from the American Red Cross; the cause is under investigation.
Press release:
A serious head-on collision on Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in south Stafford County left two adults with significant injuries late Saturday night. The crash occurred at approximately 9:32 p.m. near the intersection of Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive and involved two vehicles.
According to initial reports, five people, including two children, were inside one of the vehicles. The two adults in the car suffered severe injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The two children were also taken to a hospital suffering “significant trauma.” The condition of the third person is unknown.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Fredericksburg Fire Department successfully rescued two kayakers from the Rappahannock River on Friday night, August 9, 2024. Despite strong currents and challenging conditions, both kayakers were safely brought to shore without injury. A Stafford County fire and rescue spokeswoman said the two were both adult women.
Press release:
At 3:20 p.m., a black pickup truck flipped over the guardrail on Interstate 95 South at milepost 143, near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County.
Fire and rescue personnel are on the scene. The incident currently affects drivers headed toward the exit from Interstate 95 to Garrisonville Road west.
Just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Stafford County fire crews responded to a structure fire in the rural area of Decatur Road in Widewater. Crews controlled the blaze despite water supply challenges. Two occupants inside the home made it out safely.
Press release: