Ash is falling on parts of Arlington and Fairfax County due to a “very large controlled burn” nearby.
“We live in Ballston and a few large pieces of ash have fallen in the past couple of minutes,” an ARLnow reader told us around 5 p.m.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said on social media around 5:30 p.m. that it’s due to an intentional brush fire to the south.
“FCFRD is receiving a large volume of calls for the smoke/ash,” the fire department said. “Quantico Marine Corps Base is working a very large controlled burn. Due to the shifting winds, surrounding areas are experiencing falling ash and smoke. If you see flames, call 911.”
A similar situation played out in March 2020, when a controlled burn at Quantico caused hazy conditions and the smell of smoke in the area.
Separately, the Arlington County Fire Department is on scene of a significant vehicle fire in a Crystal City parking garage as of publication time. The fire, on the 1300 block of Crystal Drive, has prompted some road closures due to the large emergency response.
Breaking: Units are on scene on the 1300 block of Crystal Dr with a fully involved car fire in the parking garage. Expect a large fire department presence and avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/ArIhG38kW5
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) March 29, 2025
