Prince William County Fire & Rescue System

08/28/2026

New Cadets: New School Year

Our Firefighter I & II Cadets started the new school year by learning the fundamentals of properly donning their personal protective equipment (PPE) and becoming familiar with their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). These foundational skills are the first steps as they begin their journey through firefighter training.

At the same time, our EMT Cadets got right to work beginning their CPR certification, building the lifesaving skills that will serve as the foundation for their EMT education throughout the year.

It is exciting to welcome a new group of Cadets and watch them take their first steps into the Fire and EMS professions. We look forward to seeing their skills, confidence, and teamwork develop throughout the 2026–2027 school year.

The journey has begun!

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

August Is Sun Safety Month

Sun protection is not just for the summertime. Make sun protection a daily, year-round habit.

Car Window Tints & UV Protection:

- Most modern car windshields are laminated, so they already block almost all UV rays.

- Most side and rear windows and sunroofs block only UVB rays, but leave your skin exposed to UVA rays.

- UVB rays mainly burn skin, while UVA rays are responsible for tanning, skin aging, and some burning, too. Both types can increase your risk of skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.

If you spend a lot of time in the car or drive someone at risk, search for your state’s rules at the International Window Film Association website, iwfa.com. Or, before purchasing, confirm your state’s laws with the DMV or other state government website.

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-car-window-tint-for-uv-protection/

Explore the benefits of car window film or tint for UV protection and safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.

08/27/2026

Marine Corps Base Quantico Training Advisory
August 27 – September 11, 2026

*Please note overnight training operations

August 27, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50LBS and Below (Non-Frag), 155mm Howitzer and 81mm Mortars

**Louder than usual noise this day**
August 28, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 200LBS and below

August 31, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Live Fire 50 Cal. and below

September 1, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 15LBS and Below (Non-Frag), Missiles, Rockets and Small Arms

September 4, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50LBS and Below (Non-Frag)

September 9, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50LBS and Below (Non-Frag)

September 10, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50LBS and Below (Non-Frag)

September 11, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Fire Demo 50LBS and Below (Non-Frag)

For rare updates to the range training schedule that would impact the surrounding areas during the week, please follow us on Marine Corps Base Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico operates 43 live-fire ranges that support training from small arms to explosive demolitions to artillery fire to the delivery of live-aerial mu*****ns. As a regional facility, MCBQ is a critical asset for weapons proficiency training for Marines, the Department of Defense, federal agencies, and law enforcement organizations.

The impact of noise, vibrations, and/or illuminations experienced across the area can vary greatly depending on the residential location, atmospheric conditions, time of day and reductions to naturally occurring sound barriers.

Because training on Quantico is continuous, residents can expect to always hear some noise or feel vibrations. Although we strive to provide accurate daily live-fire operations, please know schedules/live-fire activities can change due to operational conditions. If you would like to learn more, or comment on the impact of training, please visit
https://www.quantico.marines.mil/Info/Noise-Advisories/

For additional information about MCBQ, please visit our official website at https://www.quantico.marines.mil

08/27/2026

Celebrating a Legacy of Service

We celebrate Assistant Chief & Fire Marshal Matt Smolsky, who retires on September 1st from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue after an incredible 49 years of dedicated service to the people of Prince William County.

For nearly five decades, Chief Matt Smolsky has protected the residents and visitors of Prince William County with unwavering commitment, courage, and heart. From responding to countless emergencies to mentoring the next generation of firefighters, his impact on this Department — and on the communities he served — will be felt for generations to come.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Matt Smolsky on this well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your sacrifice. Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter!

08/27/2026

Exhibición de Vehículos de Primeros Auxilios

¿Tiene un vehículo de emergencia vintage, antiguo o clásico? ¡Esta es su oportunidad de lucirlo!

Únase a nosotros en la 3.er Expo Anual y Festival de Otoño de PWCFRS para una exhibición especial en honor a los vehículos de emergencia vintage, antiguos y clásicos (Bomberos, Servicios Médicos de Emergencia y Fuerzas del Orden). ¡Traiga su(s) pieza(s) de historia y compita por el derecho a presumir!

Trofeos otorgados (elección del público):
Mejor en Exhibición
Mayor Distancia Recorrida

Fecha: October 3rd
Ubicación: Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA
Hora: 12 del mediodía – 5 p.m.
https://www.pwcva.gov/department/fire-rescue/pwcfrs-3-er-festival-expo-anual-de-oto-o

Fecha límite de inscripción: Friday, September 25th

Para inscribirse, comuníquese con [email protected] o 703-792-6162

08/27/2026

First Responder Vehicle Showcase

Got a vintage, antique, or classic emergency response vehicle? This is your moment to show it off!

Join us at the PWCFRS 3rd Annual Expo and Fall Festival for a special showcase honoring vintage, antique, and classic emergency response vehicles (Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement). Bring your piece(s) of history and compete for bragging rights!

Trophies awarded (People's Choice):
• Best in Show
• Farthest Traveled

Date: October 3rd
Location: Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA
Time: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
https://www.pwcva.gov/department/fire-rescue/pwcfrs-3rd-annual-fall-expo-festival

Registration deadline: Friday, September 25th

To register, contact [email protected] or 703-792-616

08/26/2026

August Is Sun Safety Month

Sun protection is not just for the summertime. Make sun protection a daily, year-round habit.

Protect your vision against sun damage:

- No matter your age, the time of year, or location, focus on safety by protecting your eyes from the sun every time you go outside.

- UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) from the sun and tanning beds produces DNA changes that can lead to skin cancers on the eyelids and premature aging of the delicate skin around your eyes.

- UV radiation can cause serious eye conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration, Keratitis, or corneal sunburn, and Conjunctival cancers.

- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to help protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage and reduce the risk of eyelid skin cancer.

Strong bony sockets called orbits encase and safeguard your eyes. The thin tissue surrounding them, however, including your upper and lower eyelids, is extremely vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UV rays. Because of that, eyelid skin cancers are common.

08/24/2026

Fire & Life Safety Lessons Presented at The Christian Alliance Missionary Church

The Fire & Life Safety Educators, Christopher Brothers and Lt. Sean Jones, presented fire safety, smoke & CO alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation plans to the staff of The Christian Alliance Missionary Church at 8220 Spruce St. in Manassas. Station 8 C-Shift was on hand to assist as well.