Family Loses Home In Fairfax Station Fire New Year's Eve

FAIRFAX STATION, VA—It wasn't a happy start to the new year after a family of four lost their Fairfax Station home on New Year's Eve.

Around 6:06 a.m. firefighters arrived to battle a fire extending from the first floor out to the deck and roof in the 6100 block of Housatonic Court. People driving by had called 911, while one of the residents discovered the fire outside. The family escaped all but unharmed except for one adult's minor foot injury. None of the victims needed medical attention.

With estimated damages of $125K, the two adults and two children were forced out of the home. They have declined Red Cross assistance.

Fire investigators say improperly discarded fire ashes started the blaze on the back deck. The fire department battled another fire caused by fireplace ashes three days prior and remind residents to follow tips to safely get rid of fire ashes:

• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid. Do not discard ashes into a combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep the container outside the home, away from the fireplace, stove pr anything combustible.
• Teach family members to safely handle ashes from the fireplace or wood stove.

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