New Year's Day Fire Displaces 2 Residents In Burke Area

BURKE, VA — Two residents are displaced after a New Year's Day in the greater Burke area, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says.

Firefighters responded to the 8900 block of Applecross Lane around 1:39 p.m. to find smoke showing from the roof of a single-family home. Units quickly located a fire in the kitchen and put it out.

Two people were home when the fire occurred. One resident was cooking and found smoke coming from the oven. After the resident unsuccessfully trying to extinguish the fire, both evacuated safely. There were no injuries.

Investigators determined an electrical event involving wire supplying power to the oven and stovetop started the fire. Damages were estimated to be $93,750. The residents declined Red Cross assistance.

There were no working smoke alarms in the home. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says it was one of two New Year's Eve and Day fires with no smoke alarms in the homes. The other fire occurred in the Annandale area, resulting in the death of a dog and displacement of three residents.

Officials urge residents to keep working smoke alarms on every level of homes, in every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Fairfax County residents can get free battery-powered smoke alarms by contacting their local fire station, emailing fire.smokealarms@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visiting www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/free-smoke-alarms.