Falls Church Area Fire Saturday Caused by Space Heater

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire, Saturday around 3:15 p.m., in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located on Idylwood Road.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the windows of the two-story home arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire.

A lone occupant was at home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed when a smoke alarm sounded.

Two adults and two children have been displaced. Red Cross support was offered but declined by the occupants. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $150,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. A space heater too close to combustibles caused the fire.

Here are some tips from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue to avoid a fire caused by space heaters and other heating sources.

Alternate Heating Source Safety Tips

The fall and winter are upon us. This causes many of us to seek out alternative sources to heat our home and keep warm. Alternate heating sources are a major contributing factor in residential fires. The following safety tips will help you keep a safe home.

• Keep at least three feet of clearance between your alternate heat source and anything combustible.
• Do not keep or store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
• Never leave a heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep, and never leave children or pets unattended near heating sources.
• If you use an electric heater, be careful not to overload the electrical circuit.
• Avoid using electrical heaters in bathrooms as they may come in contact with water.
• Only use heaters that have been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features, such as automatic shut-offs. It is important to install and use heaters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Do not use a range or oven as an alternate heating source. This is a safety hazard and may be a source of toxic fumes.
• Do not use fuel burning appliances without the proper room ventilation.
• Never fill a kerosene heater while it is in operation or hot. Avoid overfilling.