42 Lose Homes In Massive Springfield Apartment Fire

SPRINGFIELD, VA—42 people have been displaced from their apartments New Year's Eve in North Springfield due to a large two-alarm fire started on a third floor unit.

Firefighters responded to the apartment complex in the 7000 block of Rhoden Court around 15:52 p.m. after a passerby spotted smoke coming from the building. Residents were evacuating as firefighters began to tackle a massive blaze on the third floor, requesting additional help from the Alexandria and Fort Belvoir Fire Departments.

Thanks to thorough search and rescue operations, all residents evacuated and no one was injured. The department coordinated immediate shelter for the residents due to concerns over the bitter cold. All residents have accepted Red Cross assistance. The building has an estimated $127,258 in damages.

Fire investigators determined the fire started in an attic space above one unit. The electrical system within the attic accidentally sparked the fire.

Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue