A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon in a residential area of Spotsylvania County, marking the third major emergency response in the region this week.
Virginia State Police say the crash occurred around 3:08 p.m. in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road, in the Chancellor area of the county, about six miles west of the Spotsylvania Towne Centre mall.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft, had departed from Leesburg and was en route to Hampton Roads when the pilot reported an oil pressure issue and attempted to make an emergency landing in a nearby field. The plane crashed near Chancellor Road, with the roof of the aircraft becoming lodged in a tree.
Two people were on board at the time. According to state police, both were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries.
Images provided by Virginia State Police show the plane severely damaged in a wooded area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct a full investigation.
Friday’s crash follows a week of intense activity for first responders in Spotsylvania County. On Wednesday, a mass shooting tied to an illegal gun sale left three people dead and resulted in charges against four suspects. One day earlier, a child brought a loaded handgun into a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School, prompting criminal charges against the child’s parents.
This is a developing story. Stay with Potomac Local News for updates.
Emergency crews remained on scene late into the evening Monday after a major gas leak was reported at the QTS data center just outside the City of Manassas.
Prince William County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to 9540 Godwin Drive at 2:10 p.m. for reports of a gas leak. As of 9 p.m., units were still actively working the scene.
Spokesman Matt Smolsky said the leak involved an 8-inch gas line, which significantly prolonged containment efforts.
“Takes time to isolate and secure leaks of that size,” Smolsky said. “Units are protecting the scene regarding escaping vapors and scene safety.”
There were no immediate reports of injuries or evacuations, but emergency personnel continued to monitor the area for potential hazards.
The QTS data center sits near Godwin Drive, across from Mircon Technologies, and is part of the region’s growing technology infrastructure.
This is a developing story. Check back with Potomac Local News for updates.
A fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in a Woodbridge townhouse could have turned into a devastating incident—but thanks to a working sprinkler system, it was largely brought under control before it could spread.
At around 4 p.m. on March 26, 2025, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the 14700 block of Mason Creek Circle, near Potomac Library on Opitz Boulevard, for reports of a townhouse fire. When units arrived, they found a fire at the rear of a set of double-stacked townhomes, with flames stretching from the ground level up to the attic.
According to a report from Prince William County Fire and Rescue, the exterior sprinkler head of the home’s built-in system had already activated and was effectively controlling the blaze before crews arrived.
“This is an excellent example of today’s building and fire codes preventing a much more serious incident,” the department noted in a statement. “Property damage was limited, life safety was enhanced, and firefighting efforts were reduced. Sprinklers save lives and property.”
Firefighters quickly completed extinguishment. Officials confirmed no injuries and that the fire had not extended into adjacent townhomes.
However, the fire caused enough damage that the Building Official declared two homes unsafe to occupy. Three adults and one child were displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting them.
The Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined that the fire was caused by an electrical event at the electric meter located at the rear of the home.
Multiple agencies gathered at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg for a semiannual exercise on Friday, March 7, but the doors were closed to keep plans from reaching the wrong eyes.
“It was a matter of security,” said Jack McGovern, the exercise director with the Fredericksburg Fire Department. “That was spelled out for media,” he added.
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According to Manassas City spokesman Jeremy Beale, the City Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire but was unable to determine what sparked the flames.
Firefighters responded to the home at 100201 Waterford Drive, near Clover Hill Road, at approximately 5:05 p.m. on February 14. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire spreading through the second floor of the three-story residence. The roof collapsed during the firefighting efforts, but no residents were injured as all occupants, including a dog, evacuated safely before emergency responders arrived.
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The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on March 4, 2025, when OmniRide coach number 3005, returning to Washington, D.C., after dropping off passengers in Spotsylvania County, experienced a flat tire. There were no passengers on board at the time.
According to OmniRide, the bus operator safely pulled over and contacted dispatch for further instructions. However, the flat tire wrapped around the axle and began to smoke, ultimately leading to a fire that spread throughout the vehicle. By the time fire services arrived, the coach was engulfed in flames.
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Firefighters responded to an early morning blaze in Stafford County’s Lake Arrowhead neighborhood.
Just before 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units were dispatched to the 100 block of Woodland Drive for a reported house fire. First responders found flames from the side of a single-story, single-family home.
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Firefighters found a single-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to nearby wooded areas. Crews worked to contain the fire and brought the structure fire under control in less than 15 minutes, according to Stafford fire and rescue spokeswoman Katie Brady. The brush fire, which spread across one acre, was contained within 30 minutes, she added.
The mobile home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Multiple passersby reported the fire. No residents were displaced, and no injuries were reported.
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Residents near Quantico Marine Corps Base (MCBQ) should be prepared for smoky conditions today as base officials conduct a controlled burn on the west side of Interstate 95. The burn, managed by MCBQ Forestry and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 25.
According to base officials, smoke columns will be visible from the installation and may drift into surrounding areas, depending on changing wind conditions. The controlled burn is part of a regular forestry management effort to reduce wildfire risk and maintain ecological health.
