Update 9:45 a.m. Wednesday
A total of 35 residents are displaced this morning after a fire ripped through their apartment complex in Lake Ridge.
The Red Cross has been called into help many displaced yesterday by the massive 2-alarm fire that required 75 firefighters to battle it, according to officials.
The fire started on the balcony, and caused $1.5 million in damage, said Prince William Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Joseph Robertson.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Update 4:30 p.m.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Obenwa. “I didn’t want anything to happen to her because she is so little.”
Fire crews were able to pull Poochie, and many other animals to safety after a fire broke out in a fouth-story apartment at 3695 Golfside Circle, near Smoketown Road in Lake Ridge.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries while fighting the fire, and was treated at a local hospital and released, officials say.
No residents were injured, and fire officials are still investigating what sparked this major blaze that has displaced residents in at least 12 apartment units.
“It appears the fire may have started in the rear of the apartment, possibly on a balcony, because of how intense the fire was on the back side of the building,” said Prince William Fire and Rescue Captain Curt Brodie.
The fire broke out about 1:45 p.m. and was massive. Drivers for miles around on Prince William Parkway could see smoke billowing into the sky.
Fire crews were forced to haul heavy equipment up to the fourth floor to battle the blaze, and two large ladder trucks each equipped with a deck gun fire hose battled flames, one attacking from the front and the other from the rear.
“Anytime you have fire in these conditions, in this temperature, and you have firefighters hauling gear up to a fourth-story apartment, a level of exhaustion sets in quickly,” said Brodie.
School children getting off buses on their way home stared in amazement wondering what had happened, and asked if their homes had been spared by the flames.
Investigators plan to be on the scene throughout the evening taking a closer look at the damage.
It’s not yet known when or residents in the affected buildings will be let back inside their homes.
Update 3:20 p.m.
A third-story apartment on Golf Side Circle in the Dominion Middle Ridge Apartments caught fire Tuesday afternoon.
It’s not clear if anyone was inside of the home when flames broke out, but rescue crews did pull a water-soaked cat from the complex that housed the burning apartment.
That cat was given to it owner, a teenage girl, who cried tears of joy when her cat was back in her arms.
Police have cordoned off the area, blocking all traffic into the affected neighborhood that sits off Smoketown Road.
As school children get off their afternoon school busses, many are coming home and asking how this fire started.
Original Post 2:15 p.m.
Lake Ridge, Va. –– Rescue crews have called for a second alarm for a fire at an apartment complex in Lake Ridge.
According to initial reports, a blaze broke out at an apartment in a 3-story apartment complex on Golf Side Circle, just off Smoketown Road in Lake Ridge about 2 p.m.
It’s not clear if anyone was inside the home when the fire broke out.
Rescue crews are on the scene and we’ll bring you more on this when we have it.
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Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
Crews from Stafford Utilities are repairing a water main break on Route 1 southbound near Centreport Parkway. The far-right and center lanes of the highway will be closed to traffic as repairs are made, though the far left lane remains open. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution through the area.
Stafford County spokeswoman Shannon Eubanks said one customer remains without water due to the break. The cause of the water main rupture is still under investigation.
There is no estimated completion time for the repairs, as crews must first identify the problem before calculating how long it will take to fix it. Howell emphasized that safety remains a priority and urged drivers to avoid the closed lanes where possible.
More as we have it.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system. Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition that has been approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines, this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded roads in the region.
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.
