Fireplace Ashes Caused Burke Fire That Displaced Family

The fire marshal determined fireplace ashes started the March 4 blaze that displaced a Burke family of three.

The fire broke out around 7:19 a.m. in the 9500 block of Yardarm Lane. Fairfax County and City of Fairfax firefighters arrived to heavy smoke coming from the garage. The crews located and extinguished the fire that spread to the second floor attic. The family escaped without injury before the fire departments arrived and smoke alarms went off.

Firefighters quickly determined the blaze started in the garage, but the cause has been under investigation. The fire broke out in a plastic container that contained hot fireplace ashes.

The house is uninhabitable for the family with damages estimated at $165,100. The family is receiving Red Cross assistance.

The fire department urges residents to follow these safety tips when throwing out fireplace ashes:

• Do not discard your ashes into any 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.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can outside the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

Screenshot via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department video