Electric Candle Causes Annandale Fire

Units responded to a house fire Thursday, May 28, 2015, at 7:45 a.m., in the Annandale area of Fairfax County, according to a news release from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. The single-family home is located at 4759 Pomponio Place.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the front of the three-story home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire. One occupant was home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed. One smoke alarm did activate inside the home. Three occupants were displaced but declined Red Cross support. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $25,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An electric candle in the first floor living room caused the fire.

Electrical Safety Tips

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
  Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle
  outlet at a time.
• If your power goes out often or the lights in your home flicker, produce an odor, or mak
  noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.
• The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
  (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity
  come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you.
• All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”
• When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection
  of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
  Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do
  not have to use extension cords.
• Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.
• Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

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