By URIAH KISER
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – There were victims in a fire that ripped through a Woodbridge apartment complex Monday night, but officials didn’t immediately treat any of them.
The blaze broke out about 9:10 p.m. on Gemstone Way off U.S. 1 in Woodbridge. With flames bursting from windows and from the rooftop, neighbors said they helped many victims to safety.
Apartment complex residents William Lopez, Jorge Ranchos, and Bradley Runyon, said they helped two men and two women who became trapped on the burning building’s second floor.
“I was taking out the trash and then I turned around and saw flames everywhere, so I went back to my house and told everyone to get out, and then I started helping the people who were trapped upstairs,” said Ranchos.
Others became trapped inside by flames and jumped from windows, where Lopez was waiting to catch them, neighbors said.
“It was craziness everywhere. I just opened my arms and told them to jump,” he said, as he described some people with burns and others who suffered injuries from the fall.
Once out of the burning building, the fire victims seemed to disappear. Fire officials on the scene said no one came forward for help, EMS crews were not able to identify any victims on their own, and no one was transported to a hospital.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury with a burn to his hand but is expected to recover, said OWL Volunteer Fire Department spokeswoman Rebecca Barnes.
A total of 43 adults and 13 children were displaced in the fire, and the Red Cross was called to offer assistance to these families. We don’t know yet how many units are affected by the fire.
The blaze appears to have affected most of one of the two buildings that make up the Gemstone Way apartment complex. Fire crews were able to quickly douse the flames, and worked into the night putting out hot spots that flared up.
Windows were missing from many of the units, and fire officials were unable to determine early on just how many units are affected by the blaze and how many people are displaced.
Residents who live in the affected building told PotomacLocal.com fire broke out in the same building in two years ago.
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(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
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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.
