Just before 7:40 p.m. on February 15, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units rushed to a structure fire at a home on Deene Court near Choptank Road. Crews arrived in under five minutes, finding smoke pouring from the front of the single-family residence and heavy flames engulfing the attic and basement on the side and rear of the home.
Firefighters swiftly contained the blaze, bringing it under control within 15 minutes. While searching the home, they rescued two cats, successfully reviving them before returning them to their owners.
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Press release:
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.
Just before 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units responded to a reported large boat fire at Hope Springs Marina on Hope Springs Lane.
Crews arrived on the scene within 10 minutes to find a large vessel, still attached to the dock, fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters acted swiftly, extending lines along the dock to contain the fire. Simultaneously, personnel used Fire Boat 1500 at Hope Springs Marina to attack the flames from the water.
To minimize environmental damage, booms were placed in the water to prevent the spread of hazardous materials.
No injuries were reported, and no other vessels sustained damage in the incident. The cause of the fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
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.
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.
Just before 10 P.M. today SCFR units responded for a structure fire, reported by multiple callers, in the 700 block of Warrenton Road near the intersection with Powell Lane.First arriving units marked on scene approximately 3 minutes later and confirmed smoke coming from the front, and side of a two-story, single family residence, with flames visible inside. Further investigation revealed a fire in the basement, with extension to the floors above.The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes. The residence was not occupied at the time, and there were no reported injuries.The fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. Crews were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg Fire Department.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue unveiled Fire Boat 1500 today at a christening ceremony held at Hope Springs Marina on Aquia Creek.
The new fireboat represents a significant upgrade in the county’s ability to respond to water-related emergencies and enhance public safety along the Potomac River and its tributaries.
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A fire displaced four residents from their home on Tamar Creek Lane. Just before 8 a.m., Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of the street.
Crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and observed smoke emanating from the rear of a middle-row townhouse’s top floor. Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a room ablaze on the top floor and quickly controlled the fire. The blaze was primarily confined to that room and its contents.
All occupants safely evacuated the townhouse before the fire crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. According to officials, functioning smoke alarms alerted the residents, enabling their swift exit from the residence.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced residents, providing temporary shelter and resources. As part of standard procedure, the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
From Stafford County Fire and Rescue:
Just before midnight Saturday, October 26th, SCFR units were alerted to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of Wyne Drive, near Warrenton Road. A Stafford County ambulance returning from the hospital spotted the fire and relayed information to dispatch, while additional calls came in. Other SCFR units arrived on scene approximately five minutes later to find three detached buildings, including a chicken coop, on fire. The fire was brought under control in approximately 10 minutes, with minor impact to the adjacent residence.
None of the occupants in the residence reported injuries. While multiple chickens did not survive, several others did. The fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
