Explosions in Woodbridge, fire ban continues

(Submitted)

Update 7 p.m.
Propane tanks are exploding behind restaurants and businesses that line Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.

The explosions appear to be coming from wooded areas behind the newly opened Bungalow Ale House, and from behind a nearby shopping center, said Prince William Fire and Rescue Asst. Chief Warren Whitley.

That area is known to be home to homeless encampments.

The explosions come as a large brush fire was reported nearby, at Prince William Parkway and Smoketown Road on Saturday night.

Crews are on the scene working to contain the blaze, said Whitley.

Several brush fires have wreaked havoc across Prince William County today, prompting firefighters to work overtime.

Because of the massive fire breakout, Prince William Fire and Rescue Department Chief Kevin McGee said an outside fire ban that was temporarily put in place Friday evening will be extended indefinitely.

“With these dry conditions persisting, we could see additional flare ups over the next few days. We are urging everyone not to have an open flame outside, use an outdoor grill or extinguish smoking materials by throwing them on the ground,” said McGee.

Update
All fire and rescue crews in Prince William County have been recalled to duty today following a series of brush fires wreaking havoc across the county.

For most of the day, fire crews have battled a major brush fire in the area of Interstate 95 and Dale Boulevard.

According to initial reports, another brush fire has taken at least one home in the Occoquan Forest subdivision off Davis Ford Road near Manassas.

Prince William County, Va. –– Prince William County fire and rescue officials say their resources have been depleted this afternoon after wild winds whipped up fires across the area.

A large brush fire that originated in near a homeless encampment in a wooded area off Dale Boulevard has forced the closure of a portion of Interstate 95, at milepost 156.

Authorities have diverted southbound traffic in the area from the highway onto local streets, and they have also allowed drivers to use the High Occupancy Toll lanes in the southbound direction as a means to get around the heavy smoke wafting over the highway.

Another brush fire has threatened homes in the Occoquan Forest subdivision in Prince William County.

According to initial reports, fire and rescue crews from Fairfax County are assisting Prince William fire fighters in battling that blaze as flames continue to threaten homes.