Dovel Hollow Rd. Woods Fire

Afire that started in an outbuilding in the 2100 block of Dovel Hollow Road nearStanley, and spread into the surrounding woods, consumed about 50 acres before being brought undercontrol. Stanley VolunteerFire Department received a call at 1824 on April 10, 2023, about the fire. An outbuilding was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and the blaze began spreading into adjacent woods. Although the incident was underinvestigation, the fire seemed to have started neara generatorinside the outbuilding that was supplying electricity to an adjacent trailer, according to Stanley Fire Chief Terry Pettit. Local firefighters attempted to contain the fire until Virginia Department of Forestry personnel joined the fight. The focus forlocal volunteers then shifted to protecting nearby structures and private property. Volunteers from both Luray and Shenandoah fire departments also responded, as well as a unit from Warren County. Shenandoah provided a tankerforwatersupply, UTVforexposure protection, and a brush truck with a crew of six to assist with fire containment. Virginia State Police and the Page County Sheriff’s Office helped with traffic control and support.

- Submitted by Terry A. Pettit

Two Houses Damaged by Fireworks in Stafford

At 2220. on July 4, 2023, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched fora reported structure fire on Smelters Trace Road, nearthe intersection of Millrace Road and Woodcutters Road. First arriving units reported heavy fire from the roof and side of a two-story single-family home. Additionally, the fire spread to an adjacent single-family home. Crews switched to defensive firefighting due to the structure being unstable, and a second alarm was struck bringing additional resources to the scene. The fire was brought undercontrol in approximately 20 minutes. The original fire building was occupied by fourpeople who were able to evacuate priorto the arrival of units. Three additional occupants from the adjacent structure, which sustained moderate damage, were also displaced. All seven individuals were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Athird structure also sustained minordamage. Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be caused by impro perly discarded spent fireworks. SCFR units were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg Fire Department and Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.

- Submitted by Katie Brady