Del Ray 3-Alarm Fire's Probable Cause Identified

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A probable cause and damages have been identified for the three-alarm fire on Friday, Nov. 19 in Del Ray, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.

Around 6 p.m., fire units responded to a duplex in the 100 block of E. Del Ray Avenue. Public safety units from Alexandria and surrounding localities worked through the night into Saturday morning in response to the fire. There were no reported resident or firefighter injuries, but a cat remains unaccounted for.

Residents from two duplex units were displaced. The American Red Cross assisted two adults and one child from one unit. Two adults and an infant from another unit found alternative accommodations. The Del Ray Citizens Association started a GoFundMe page for the fire victims and raised over $38,000.

The fire marshal's office determined the fire started on the first floor of one unit but could not find an exact origin due to the extensive damage. The probable cause is an overloaded electrical unit where several appliances had been connected. The investigation remains open pending investigation with the property owner's insurance companies.

The property has been condemned due to the extensive damages. The estimated property damage is $1.4 million, according to the fire department.