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Ash drifted over parts of Fairfax County on Sunday evening as smoke from a large controlled burn at Marine Corps Base Quantico traveled north.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported around 5:30 p.m. March 30 that the falling ash came from an intentional brush fire south of the county.
Elsewhere, a Springfield house fire, proposed school schedule changes and a popular music venue’s impending closure led local developments.
Springfield occupants escape two-alarm fire
Firefighters responded around 3:30 p.m. Sunday to a house in the 7900 block of Hill Stream Court, where heavy flames and smoke were visible and the fire was spreading rapidly.
Everyone inside evacuated safely. No civilians or firefighters were injured.
Police chief addresses immigration enforcement
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis responded to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposal to link state funding with cooperation on federal immigration enforcement, a policy the governor said would particularly affect Fairfax County.
Davis said he had not been aware of Youngkin’s comments. He added that county police were already occupied with enforcing state and local laws and were content to leave federal law enforcement to federal agencies.
Later middle school starts move toward pilot
The Fairfax County School Board directed Superintendent Michelle Reid to develop a pilot program for later start times at middle schools in the Mason District.
The proposal is intended to limit schedule changes within the high school pyramids serving those schools. Reid is expected to report back to the board by April 10.
Earp’s Ordinary prepares to close
Earp’s Ordinary, a 10,000-square-foot restaurant, bar and live-music venue in Fairfax City, will close April 13 after 15 months in business.
The venue announced the decision March 26, setting the date for its final performances and last day of service.
Rec center renovations target pool air quality
Fairfax County Park Authority projects at the Oakmont and Franconia rec centers are designed to improve air quality around their pools for swimmers and spectators.
Work at Oakmont is already underway and is expected to finish in April. Renovations at Franconia are scheduled to begin in mid-April and continue into early May.
George Mason extends Tony Skinn’s contract
George Mason University extended men’s basketball coach Tony Skinn’s contract through the 2029-30 season.
Skinn was named the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year for 2024-25 after guiding the Patriots to their strongest season since joining the conference and matching the school record with 27 overall victories.
Woodlawn Little League marks 60 years
Little League teams opened their season at Fort Hunt and Woodlawn, with Woodlawn Little League celebrating its 60th anniversary. The occasion brought young players together for outdoor competition, teamwork and community activities.
Thunderstorms could bring heavy rain
Isolated showers were forecast to strengthen into afternoon thunderstorms Monday as temperatures climbed to about 79 degrees. Rainfall during the day could reach one-quarter inch.
Thunderstorms were expected to continue until before 8 p.m., followed by possible showers through 2 a.m. The overnight low was forecast near 45, with as much as three-quarters of an inch of rain possible.