5 Displaced After Fireworks Thrown Out Start Annandale Fire

ANNANDALE, VA—A fire caused by improperly disposed fireworks has displaced five people in Annandale early Friday, July 5, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Units responded to the 4100 block of Watkins Trail around 1 a.m. for a fire showing from the carport and extending into the home. Firefighters quickly put out the fire, and no one was injured.

A neighbor walking a dog had discovered the fire and alerted residents. The residents evacuated before help arrived.

Fire investigators determined improperly disposed fireworks caused the fire in the carport. Damages are estimated to be $381,350.

The incident was among several Fairfax County fires within days related to improperly disposed fireworks. A fire at a McLean home on July 3 was caused by sparklers thrown in the trash. A firefighter was injured, but no one was displaced. Another fire in West Springfield on July 4 had the same cause, but no one was injured or displaced.

Fairfax County allows certain types of fireworks for use on private property. Fire officials remind residents to safely dispose of fireworks by placing them into metal containers, dousing them with water, putting a metal lid on and placing the container away from the house.