A McLean, Virginia mansion that was destroyed by a massive fire on Saturday was owned by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, according to public tax records.
Fairfax County firefighters spent more than 12 hours putting out the fire at the large home located on Turkey Run Road. They were first alerted shortly before 8 a.m.
Five people and two dogs were inside the home at the time of the fire. Officials say they managed to escape unharmed due to smoke alarms.
Fire officials say the location of the home presented challenges in fighting the blaze as there were no hydrants nearby.
"The neighborhood does present an additional complexity. There are no hydrants nearby so we had to bring some additional water and tankers," Deputy Chief of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Paul Ruwe, told ABC7.
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Neighbors express concern, following large house fire
by Anna-Lysa Gayle/Stephen Pimpo Jr./ABC7
Saturday, February 18th 2017
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (ABC7) — Firefighters spent more than 12 hours on Turkey Run Road on Saturday, following a large house fire.
Fire officials received a 911 call just before 8 a.m.
Neighbors recorded video, which showed a huge plume of smoke billowing above the home.
There were five people and two dogs inside when the fire started. They managed to escape unharmed due to their smoke alarms.
"I did see them come out. I think obviously they were very shaken, said neighbor Andrew Cristinzio. "The house can be replaced. We're just glad everybody is safe."
Neighbors have expressed concern about one of the challenges that firefighters faced, while trying to put out the flames.
"The neighborhood does present an additional complexity. There are no hydrants nearby so we had to bring some additional water and tankers," said Paul Ruwe, who is the Deputy Chief of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue.
"Knowing that.....having something closer will make people feel a lot better," said Andrew Cristinzio.The cause of the fire has not been released.