Threat of critical fire weather is forecast for Prince William County VA on Feb. 24. The Fire Marshal issued a temporary ban on all outside burning starting on Feb. 23

The "no open burning ban before 4 p.m." is now in effect in Virginia. The threat of dangerous wildfires is a scary part of spring, and 95 percent of the fires have been found to have been caused by humans. According to the governor, the wildfire threat is more pronounced than usual due to the mild winter.

Fire officials in Nokesville VA have given the okay for Patriot High School to resume class and other activities after the school was evacuated earlier this morning for an unidentified "strong odor." The cause of the smell has since been identified, according to Irene Cromer, supervisor of community relations for Prince William County Schools.

Prince William County VA Police Department's crime report for Feb. 20, 2012

Prince William Parkway, a cross-county connector in Prince William County VA. has been reclassified as a "primary road," making it eligible for new funding and maintenance priorities, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Manassas VA City Police Department's crime report for Feb. 15, 2012

When snow is forecast for our region, Prince William County Schools has a "snow patrol" team of five headed by Ed Bishop, transportation director. They drive the roads in various sections of the county, determining road conditions so they are able to make a recommendation to the superintendent in time for him to make a decision on school closing or delay and have it disseminated to TV and radio stations for broadcast by 5 a.m.

Staff of Prince William County's Department of Fire and Rescue were recently promoted during a ceremony held at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge. In all, 41 career personnel from the county's Department of Fire & Rescue and seven support personnel from the Office of Public Safety Communications received job promotions and recognition during the ceremony.