Woodbridge, Va. –– A little over a week after opening their doors, the employees of a Woodbridge restaurant were fighting to keep it from burning to the ground.
A brush fire broke out behind the Bungalow Ale House on Prince William Parkway about 2 p.m. Saturday. With high winds in the area, some embers from the fire blew onto the mulch and sparked flames at the newly opened lounge.
That sent employees of the store scrambling to get garden hoses to douse the flames, and then to spray the building to try to keep it from catching fire.
The fire behind the restaurant raged so hot that several propane tanks at a nearby homeless camp exploded.
By 6 p.m., police officers blocked off the entrance to the restaurant and surrounding shopping plaza.
Customers and employees were told they didn’t have to go home but they couldn’t stay here.
“The police came and told us they were ordering a voluntary evacuation of the area, and when the blocked off the entrance no one was able to get to us and we closed early for the night,” said Bungalow Ale House General Manager Mike Holcomb.
No one was injured and the building suffered no damage, but there’s is just one more story of how residents of the Potomac Communities on Feb. 19 coped with the sight, smell and threat of burning brush so close to where they live and work.
The fire behind the restaurant was extinguished at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The Alehouse February 9 and filled the spot where a Don Pablos Mexican restaurant used to be.
“These are just a few hiccups during our opening time, but we’ll get through them,” said Halcomb.
Recent Stories
Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.
In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”
The Dale City Farmers Market is open Sundays year-round, rain or shine! From December to March, shop from 10 AM – 1 PM at 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City.
Discover a variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and more! Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh ingredients, handcrafted treats, or unique artisanal products, the Dale City Farmers Market has something for everyone.
If you’re a Lab lover, Raven is waiting for you! This one-year-old Labrador mix is full of energy and enthusiasm, just as you’d expect from her breed. She has experience living with kids, cats, and dogs, making her a great fit for an active and pet-friendly household.
Raven was returned to the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter because she does best in a home with a fenced yard. Without one, she has a tendency to wander, so her ideal home includes a secure space or committed leash walks.
Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
