The home prior to the fire
FIREPLACE ASHES TOO CLOSE TO COMBUSTIBLES CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ALEXANDRIA AREA OF FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA THAT DISPLACED A FAMILY OF FOUR.
February
6, 2015
FAIRFAX
COUNTY, VA:
Fairfax
County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Thursday at
approximately 7:10 p.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The
single-family home is located at 6012 Pike Branch Road.
The
area is near the intersection of Telegraph and Wilton roads.
Firefighters
encountered heavy smoke coming from the basement and first floor of the
two-story home upon arrival. Firefighters were challenged in locating the origin
of the fire because the fire was hidden inside a wall and void spaces. It took firefighters approximately 15 minutes
to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters
conducted extensive overhaul and salvage operations to ensure all the fire had
been extinguished. The occupants were not at home when the fire broke out.
Two
adults and two children have been displaced. Red Cross support was declined by
the occupants. Smoke alarms were present and activated. There were no injuries.
Damage
is estimated at $65,000.
According
to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Fireplace ashes too close to
combustibles caused the fire.
Fireplace
Safety Tips
- Ensure that your chimney is cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional once a year.
- A spark arrestor across the top of a chimney will prevent sparks from igniting your roof.
- Use the proper fuel (seasoned hardwood, pellets, and gas/propane) for your type of system. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen across the front to prevent embers from flying or logs from rolling out.
- When clearing ashes from the fireplace, be sure to put them into a metal container with a lid—never into a cardboard box or paper bag.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Many “non-masonry” fireplace/chimney units have limitations on the amount of heat they can safely withstand.