When Stafford County firefighters arrived Saturday afternoon to battle a reported house fire -- with an occupant possibly trapped in the home -- they were quickly alerted to leave the premises because someone with a weapon was spotted in the detached garage adjacent to the home.

Continue reading

The first unit from the Stafford Station arrived on the scene at 3:39 p.m., six minutes after initial dispatch, and reported a single story residence with fire throughout the structure.

Firefighters deployed attack lines and mounted an interior attack while searching for the occupants.

Shortly after firefighters entered the structure, the communication center reported the armed person. Evacuation tones were sounded and crews exited the structure and moved out of the area until the suspect was taken into custody by the Stafford Sheriff’s Department.

Once receiving the all clear and learning all occupants were out of the home, firefighters mounted a defensive operation and the fire was brought under control within 45 minutes, according to a statement from Stafford Fire.

The home was occupied by two adults and one child. There were no civilian or firefighters injuries.

The Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Fire and Rescue units from the following stations responded to the incident: Stafford, Aquia, Garrisonville, Falmouth, Berea, Brooke, Medic 4, Medic 5, Medic 11, Stafford Fire Marshal, Rehab 4.