Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle presented an ambitious plan to replace aging fire stations, upgrade firefighting equipment, and implement a systemwide approach to purchasing fire apparatus during a Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) work session on Tuesday.
The proposal, which spans Fiscal Year 2026 through 2031, aims to improve response times, station reliability, and firefighter safety while addressing rising costs and resource demands. The plan also includes a $158.3 million investment in four new or replacement fire stations and overhauling the county’s equipment procurement process.
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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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A house fire that erupted on December 5, 2024, at 3:53 p.m. at 1405 Devils Reach Road in Woodbridge has been determined to have started due to an electrical issue. The fire quickly spread to the nearby Kid’s Choice Sport and Fun Center, causing significant damage to both buildings.
Investigators at Prince William County Fire and Rescue concluded that the fire began on the backside of the home along the exterior wall, near electrical outlets and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) portable tool batteries left on chargers. The fire has been classified as accidental/electrical.
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Law enforcement and emergency responders in Prince William County, Stafford County, and the City of Manassas handled multiple incidents over the past several days, including a house fire that displaced a family in Woodbridge, two shooting investigations, drug-related arrests, and a series of disturbances and crimes.
Prince William County
House Fire Displaces Family in Woodbridge
On February 10 at approximately 8:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a house fire on the 3000 block of Fillmore Drive in Woodbridge. Flames broke out in the home’s laundry room, causing moderate damage. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The home was deemed unsafe for occupancy, and two adults and one child were displaced. The Red Cross is providing assistance. The Fire Marshal confirmed the fire started in the laundry room, though the cause remains under investigation.
Shooting Investigation in Woodbridge
Prince William County police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 14100 block of Bay Vista Drive in Woodbridge on February 10 at 11:23 p.m. A 23-year-old man was with a group of individuals when they demanded his property. During the altercation, a shot was fired, striking the victim in the upper body. The suspects dispersed before officers arrived. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities believe the incident was not random, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be a faulty flue in the home’s fireplace. Officials are reminding residents to schedule annual inspections and cleanings of fireplaces and chimneys by trained professionals to prevent similar incidents.
“Routine maintenance can help prevent chimney fires or failures,” the Fire Marshal’s Office stated in a press release. “Ideally, homeowners should complete inspections before the heating season begins.”
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge.
In Fredericksburg, the December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause.
Updated: The Fire Marshal will continue to speak to witnesses should anyone have further information. Camera footage taken shortly after the fire was discovered has been reviewed, but no security cameras were available to assist the investigation. Officials also stated that there is no evidence of unauthorized entry into the building prior to the fire’s discovery, according to a city spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
Meanwhile, in Woodbridge
In the early hours of January 21, 2025, a townhouse fire displaced two residents in the 2800 block of Gloucester Court. Firefighters arrived just after 2:44 a.m. to find smoke showing from the residence.
The fire began when one of the occupants, who had been cooking in the kitchen, fell asleep. Fortunately, functioning smoke detectors alerted the resident, who quickly assisted another adult out of the home. Both individuals were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The fire was quickly extinguished, but the building was deemed unsafe to occupy by the Building Official, displacing the two residents. It is unclear whether the Red Cross is providing assistance.
The Fire Marshal’s Office determined that unattended cooking was the cause of the fire. Officials emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors, crediting them with preventing a potentially fatal outcome.
These two incidents serve as reminders of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. Residents are urged to ensure their smoke detectors are operational and to never leave cooking unattended. For additional fire safety tips and resources, visit your local fire department’s website.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
The Funding Debate
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
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It’s been a busy few days for area fire departments, with crews responding to several significant incidents. Here’s a recap of the latest:
House Fire in Woodbridge
Sunday, January 19, 2025 – 8:32 p.m.
Units rushed to the 13500 block of Haversack Lane in Woodbridge last night after neighbors reported a house fire. Upon arrival, crews found flames pouring from the rear of a single-family home. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time, but it sustained severe damage and has been deemed unsafe by the Building Official.
Three adults and two children were displaced but did not require Red Cross assistance. The fire was traced to a chicken coop beneath the rear deck, likely caused by a heat lamp or related wiring. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Truck Fire in Gainesville
Thursday, January 16, 2025 – 10:06 p.m.
Crews were called to the 15000 block of Lee Highway in Gainesville late Thursday night for a vehicle fire. When they arrived, three tractor-trailers were ablaze. Firefighters utilized tanker operations to extinguish the flames, but the damage was extensive—three trucks were completely destroyed, and one connected trailer was heavily damaged.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
Hotel Fire in Stafford County
Thursday, January 16, 2025 – 7:45 a.m.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Quantico Fire and Emergency Services responded to a commercial waterflow alarm at the Affordable Suites of America near Richmond Highway on Thursday morning. The initial alarm was upgraded to a structure fire after reports of flames in a first-floor unit.
Crews arrived swiftly and extinguished the fire, which was contained to the original unit. The hotel’s sprinkler and smoke alarm systems were working, helping to minimize damage. A canine was safely rescued and reunited with its owner.
While the fire caused water damage to other units, all affected occupants were relocated within the hotel. No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:48 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, firefighters were dispatched to the 16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge after reports of a fire in a home. All occupants evacuated safely before crews arrived, reporting the fire was in a basement bedroom. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which caused moderate damage to the home.
One adult occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local medical facility. The fire displaced five adults and three children. The Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Due to the extent of the damage, the building official declared the home unsafe for occupancy.
Authorities emphasized that working smoke detectors and a closed bedroom door played a crucial role in limiting the fire’s spread and ensuring residents’ safe evacuation. Fire officials reminded residents to regularly test their smoke detectors and keep bedroom doors closed at night to enhance fire safety. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
On Friday, January 10, 2025, at 8:28 p.m., firefighters responded to multiple calls reporting a house fire on the 6900 block of Harvey Road in Manassas. When crews arrived, they found a single-family home fully engulfed in flames.
Neighbors reported the fire, as the home’s occupants were not present. Battling adverse weather conditions, firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. Unfortunately, the house was destroyed.
The fire displaced four adults, assisted by the Red Cross. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
