Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
Brady credited those drought conditions with the increased fire activity in Stafford. The area saw brushfires along I-95; one day in March, she said, several brushfires were held in Stafford and around the Commonwealth. With brushfires, responders must monitor humidity levels and the speed and direction of wind in order to minimize the spread.
While the risk of brushfires in this area is low, Brady said fall and spring are typically higher-risk seasons, but brushfires can break out at any time of the year.
Brady highlighted the importance of following burn bans and burn laws, encouraging residents to dispose of charcoal and cigarette butts in fire-safe containers, closely tend to any open flames, and make sure they have “30ft of “defensible space” around structures. Creating defensible space includes clearing yard debris like dead trees or limbs, large bushes, and leaves away from their homes, garages, and barns.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests keeping the first five feet closest to a home or structure clear of flammable materials such as wood mulch, leaves, pine needles, and wooden furniture. They also encourage maintaining the structure by replacing shingles and broken siding and keeping decks, carports, and garages in good condition to minimize the chance of embers entering the space and igniting a fire.
NFPA says the space five to thirty feet from the home should minimize or delay the spread of any fires. Adding cement, dirt, or stone surfacing and breaking up landscaping can help slow fire spread.
The caller’s information determines the fire department’s next steps when a fire is reported. The number of units responding and the type of fire vehicles are based on the information provided by the caller and water availability in the area. The first vehicle on the scene is responsible for assessing the situation and calling in any additional support.
Brady said Stafford County has five brush trucks and five tankers; brush trucks are smaller, which allows them to reach more challenging locations. Tankers move more significant amounts of water to areas without easy access to hydrants, and the Department of Forestry can also provide additional support if needed. Responders also continually monitor the situation to determine if evacuations may be necessary.
Brady said the goal in responding to brushfires is to contain and extinguish the fire quickly. Using hand rakes and digging fire lines helps contain the spread of the fire; in areas with rugged terrain, the department may borrow bulldozers from the Department of Forestry to cut fire lines.
Stafford firefighters all train with brush trucks and learn brushfire management tactics. They also have continuous training on managing rural water supply issues, such as when they must secure water sources in areas without fire hydrants.
Stafford County also coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate planning and training for all emergencies and establish public communication and methods for requesting additional resources or equipment when needed. They can partner with other agencies in the event of a more significant fire in the area and send Stafford firefighters to different places in need.
In March 2024, Stafford sent two brush trucks to assist Page County during an outbreak of fires across the Commonwealth. In 8 days, 92 wildfires burned over 12,700 acres across Virginia.
