States News Service
February 20, 2011

The following information was released by Prince William County (Virginia):

On Friday, Feb. 18, Prince William County issued a fire ban due to dry conditions and expected high winds. Even with the ban, six major fires managed to rise up on Saturday, Feb. 19, which sparked the most extensive fire and rescue response in more than 30 years. The six fires consumed approximately 300 acres of land in the County, forced the temporary evacuation of I-95, lead to the temporary evacuation of 60 residents in the Occoquan Forest community, and required the deployment of career and volunteer units for every Prince William Fire station.

“This was the busiest day I have experienced in my 31-year career with Prince William County,” said Chief Kevin McGee, Prince William Department of Fire and Rescue. “We had the support of so many people on this from Chief Hickerson of the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department recalling off-duty volunteers and available fire and rescue units to Prince William County Police working traffic issues and road closures. We also had support from our colleagues in Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. I am especially proud of all the men and women who were able to bring these fires under control with no loss of life and minimal structural damage. This was a team effort, and I am proud of everyone involved.”

The most significant fire began in the Occoquan Forest neighborhood, and was estimated to cover approximately 200 acres. A tree blown over onto a power line is believed to have been the cause of the three-alarm fire, and 52 units were deployed to combat it. Power and phone service was lost to some of the residents, and Dominion Virginia Power expects to have all power restored by Sunday, Feb. 20. With the significant water used to suppress the fires, water pressure fell in the area – prompting a water advisory requiring residents to bring water to a rolling boil and cooling before drinking. This water advisory remains in effect currently. Sixty residents were evacuated when the fire was still threatening many in the area, however fire and rescue service brought the fire under control by 9:30 p.m. and opened all roads with only one vacant home being destroyed and one other home receiving minor fire damage. Several outbuildings were destroyed in the area, and no injuries were reported.

Click here to read the entire article online at Fire Engineering.