PHOTOS: Firefighters battle back-to-back brush fires in Prince George

Jan 9, 2026 - 21:25

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PHOTOS: Firefighters battle back-to-back brush fires in Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Prince George County firefighters battled back-to-back brush fires that razed nearly two acres on Friday, marking the eighth and ninth such incidents in just a few days.

At about 1:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, crews with Prince George County Fire and EMS were called to the 8400 block of Sandy Ridge for report of a brush fire.

The fire started near a home and increasing winds caused the flames to move towards the nearby woods. Ultimately, about 1.5 acres of land and multiple trees were burned.

Jan. 9 brush fire on Sandy Ridge. (Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

After ensuring that no hot spots or embers remained, firefighters went to pack up and leave the area -- but were met with a call for another brush fire, this one in the 5200 block of Heritage Road.

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According to fire officials, the 911 caller told dispatchers that a grill had fallen in a yard, sparking a fire that began to spread quickly. The flames damaged roughly a quarter-acre of land.

Jan. 9 brush fire on Heritage Road. (Photo: Prince George County Fire and EMS)

Prince George firefighters have battled nine brush or outdoor fires in just a few days, including two Jan. 7 brush fires on Clary Road and on Irwin Road. Dry and windy conditions are contributing to this increased fire risk, officials said.

Officials are asking the public to do their part to reduce brush fires in the county. Here’s a few tips:

Use caution with any heat sources outdoors, including grills. Ensure they are stable, attended and fully cooled before you leave them unattended
Never toss your cigarette butts onto the ground or out of your vehicle windows. Instead, properly dispose of your smoking materials
Clear dry leaves and vegetation away from your homes and outbuildings, creating a defensible space between your house and any brush that may catch fire
Keep flammable items like firewood and gasoline away from structures

If you come across an unattended or spreading brush fire, officials ask that you immediately call 911. You should never try to fight a fast-moving fire on your own.

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"The community’s continued vigilance and quick reporting of emergencies plays a vital role in helping firefighters keep residents and property safe," fire officials said.