An ambulance crew radioed in a report of a heavy smell of smoke in the area of Jefferson Davis Highway and Graham Park Road at approximately 1am. They continued to investigate and located a large church that was approximately 60% involved at the Abundant Life Baptist Church located at 17950 Curtis Drive.
A commercial fire box was dispatched sending units from Dumfries Triangle Volunteer Fire Department, OWL Volunteer Fire Department, Dale City Volunteer Fire Department and a Prince William County Fire and Rescue ALS unit as well as the duty chief, Battalion 507.
Upon arrival of Engine and Truck 503, a second alarm was requested as they set up on the A and D corner.
The church consisted of a two story building approximately 60 x 30 with a one story addition from side C that was 40 x 100 with an L shaped sanctuary as well.
Interior attack was started in an effort to save the uninvolved 2 story section on Side A but that was hampered by water supply issues and crews were forced to evacuate the building as fire got into the roof of the balloon framed building.
Truck 503 ( A and D corner) and Tower 512 (Side B) soon began knocking down the fire as well as multiple handlines from Engine 503. Several homes and a wooded area on side C were protected using units from the Second alarm under the direction of Battalion Chief 506.
Additional companies arrived and took care of secondary water supplies.
Two minor firefighter injuries were reported but did not require transport and ther were no civilian injuries.
Units remained on the scene throughout the day assisting the Prince William County Fire Marshall's Office.
A special thanks to all units and personnel who worked to get this incident under control.
