Resident, Firefighter Injured In Annandale House Fire

A resident and firefighter were injured in a house fire in Annandale Sunday, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Around 2:10 p.m., Fairfax County and Arlington units responded to the fire in the 3800 block of Ivydale Drive. Firefighters found smoke showing from the front and quickly located a fire in the kitchen.

A resident got a minor burn before evacuating from the home. The resident was evaluated by medics but declined treatment at the hospital. One firefighter went to the hospital for a minor ankle injury.

The resident found the fire when the smoke alarm activated. After calling 911, the resident tried to put out the fire before leaving. The fire was caused by an unattended pan of cooking oil on the stove, investigators say.

Three occupants were displaced and have declined Red Cross assistance. The initial damage estimate is $93,750.

The fire department asks residents to remember these tips to prevent or minimize cooking fires:

• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.
• Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.
• Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
• Pot holders or oven mitts prevent burns when handling hot dishes.
• Regularly clean your cooking equipment so that there are no cooking materials, food items or grease accumulation.
• Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not remove the lid until it is completely cool.
• If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.

Image via Shutterstock