Burke Forest Fire

On April 20, 1941, a forest fire that ignited along the railroad near Guinea Road and Zion Road eventually burned an extensive area southward toward Lorton. Local fire fighters battled for several days before bringing it under control with help from Ft. Belvoir soldiers and prisoners from the Lorton Workhouse. The fire is a vivid memory for residents who experienced it. They and contemporary newspaper accounts report that the previous winter had been extremely dry and temperatures were unusually hot for April.

Courtesy Chris Lipsey

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Oral History: John Fox

John Fox was seventeen when his family moved to Annandale in 1939. His father started the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, and John Fox served with that department. He describes the technology of fire fighting and major blazes facing the volunteers.

Oral History: Aubrey Chason

Aubrey Chason's family moved to Annandale in 1931 when he was three years old. He remembers childhood activities, going to school, the area's rural character before development, the home front in World War II, and working for local companies. Aubrey's wife, Ann Chason, joins the discussion near the end of the interview.

Oral History: Stewart Lynn and Becky Bryce

The Bryce family represents four generations of Fairfax County residents. They discuss daily life growing up in the country from the time of dirt roads to present-day development.

Tornado Damage, Woodson High School, 1973

On April 1, 1973, an F-3 strength tornado swept through Fairfax County. Teacher Trudy Todd stands in her roofless classroom at Woodson High School. The federal government declared the county eligible for disaster assistance and damages to the county were estimated at about $14 million.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools

Tornado Debris, 1973

On April 1, 1973, an F-3 strength tornado tore through Fairfax County, leaving an estimated $14 million in damages and making the county eligible for federal disaster assistance. Winds were estimated at 125 miles per hour. Woodson High School was particularly hard hit, as shown by debris collected on the athletic field.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools

Blizzard, 1970

Fairfax County is sometimes blanketed by snowstorms that shut down the community until snowplows can reach into the neighborhoods. In 1970, snow covered streets that became impassable, complicating commuting to work and school.

Courtesy Herb Beard

Map: Fairfax County Tornado, 1973

A newspaper clipping shows the path of the tornado that occurred in Fairfax County on April 1, 1973, April Fools Day.

Courtesy Safety and Security Office, Fairfax County Public Schools