Two announcements this week set the stage for a contested mayoral race in the Town of Dumfries: incumbent Mayor Derrick R. Wood confirmed plans to seek another term, and Town Council Member Brian Fields formally launched his campaign for mayor.
Mayor Wood, who has led Dumfries since 2018, issued a statement clarifying his intentions after what he described as recent outreach from residents, business owners, and community leaders seeking certainty ahead of the upcoming election.
Dumfries will use a new $240,000 federal grant to improve sidewalk accessibility and make local streets safer for pedestrians. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the money through its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which supports efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Town officials say the funding will help launch a planning and feasibility project to assess sidewalk conditions throughout Dumfries. The goal is to create a Sidewalk Accessibility and Walkability Action Plan that identifies gaps in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and prioritizes areas for improvement.
Prince William County police investigated two separate incidents involving gunfire into homes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day—fortunately, no injuries were reported in either case.
In Woodbridge, around 5:16 a.m. on January 1, a bullet shattered a glass door at the Dale Forest Apartments on Wabash Place. Two shell casings were found nearby. The day before, near Manassas, a bullet entered a home on Lucasville Road around 3:26 p.m. No injuries were reported in either incident, and both cases are under investigation as reckless handling of a firearm.
The Prince William County Planning Commission approved four developments across the county at its Dec. 10 meeting, the last of 2025.
The Commission unanimously approved of three developments, while approving of another in a 7-1 vote. Here are details on some of the final votes of the Commission’s 2025 term:
A house fire in Dumfries on Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2025, forced five adults from their home after flames broke out on the backside of the residence in the 3000 block of Desert Palm Court. Fire crews arrived around 1:21 p.m. to find moderate fire damage. No one was hurt, but the house was declared unsafe to occupy.
Investigators say a buildup of lint in the dryer vent sparked the fire. The Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to have dryer vent lines professionally cleaned once a year to prevent similar hazards.
The Dumfries Planning Commission met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to review progress on several major town projects, including new small area plans, the upcoming widening of Route 1, and improvements to bike and pedestrian connections.
Commissioners praised town staff for moving quickly on planning goals. They encouraged residents to get involved—especially ahead of next month’s meeting, when VDOT and Prince William County will brief the town on the Route 1 project now expected to finish by 2031.
“Attend this event to learn how to create, maintain, and grow your existing or proposed business,” the Town of Dumfries announced. “Various business resources will be present to share valuable information.”
The Dumfries Business Expo will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Rose Gaming Resort & Hotel, 17680 Colonial Street in Dumfries. Resources available include banking and finance, business insurance, accounting and tax consultation, merchant and payroll services, networking opportunities, and a business roundtable event. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required at this link.
