By KIM HYLANDER
Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department Â
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The United States Fire Administration reports that between 2005 and 2009, fires started by children accounted for an average of 56,300 fires resulting in 110 deaths, 880 injuries and $286 million in property damage each year. In child-playing fires, lighters were the heat source in 50% of the home fires that often occurred within a child’s bedroom. (40 percent of child-playing fires occur in a child’s bedroom.)
Reports indicate, 37 percent of child-playing fires were started by children between 10 – 17 years of age when age was cited as a factor and lighters or matches were the key ignition source. In 2010, children under the age of 16 accounted for 45 percent of arson arrests. During this period, arrests for arson crimes among juveniles were higher than for any other crime.
USFA is partnering with the International Association of Arson Investigators, Safe Kids USA, USAonWatch, National Volunteer Fire Council and the National Association of State Fire Marshals in the initiation of National Arson Awareness Week, May 6th – 12th, to focus public attention on minimizing the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire. Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue  is seeking community assistance in protecting our children, our most valuable resource, from fire, injury or worse by taking the necessary steps to prevent youth firesetting.
Safety Tips
-Always supervise young children.
-Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.
-Use child-resistant lighters, but remember that they are not child proof.
-Instruct young children to inform an adult if they find matches or lighters.
Additional Home Fire Safety Tips
-Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.
-Install and maintain working smoke alarms throughout your home.
-Plan and practice home fire-escape drills that include two ways out from every room.
-Install residential fire sprinklers in your home.
Recent Stories
Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? [email protected]
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
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Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.If you’re searching for a loyal companion with a heart as big as his head, look no further than Hugo! This magnificent 4-year-old Mastiff-mix weighs in at 114 pounds, but don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant with a sweet and easy-going nature.
Hugo loves nothing more than taking leisurely strolls on nature trails, often checking in with his walking buddy to make sure you’re right there with him. His previous owner shared that he gets along well with children and other dogs, though he can be a little nervous around new people. Because of this, Hugo would do best in a quiet home with a patient owner who can help him build his confidence.
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.
