Smoking-Related Fire Guts Townhouse In Centreville: Officials

CENTREVILLE, VA—A fire apparently caused by improperly discarded smoking materials caused heavy damage to a townhouse Monday in the 13800 block of Wakley Court, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. One person and two dogs were safely evacuated from the dwelling, and two adjacent townhouses also were damaged.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., firefighters responded to the scene and found flames shooting from the rear of the two-story, middle-unit townhouse. It was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported in the offending unit or the other two.

The fire initially was spotted by an occupant in the basement of the home after he saw falling embers when he looked out a window. The home had working fire alarms but the fire—which started on a wooden deck—was found before they sounded. Total damage estimate: $222,500.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue has some tips for smokers:

• Never dispose of cigarette butts in potted planting soil. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
• Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays with a center support for smokers. Check furniture for any dropped ashes before going to bed. Empty ashes into a fireproof container with water and sand.
• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn (i.e., mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, draperies, etc.).
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
• If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires.
• To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you must be alert. You won’t be if you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine or other drugs.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach.

Photo: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue