Electrical Fire Displaces Residents In Bailey's Crossroads

BAILEY'S CROSSROADS, VA—A two-alarm fire in an electrical transformer has forced 1,000 residents to be displaced from a Bailey's Crossroads high rise Monday.

Firefighters responded to the fire in the 3700 block of South George Mason Drive around 10 a.m. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says a transformer next to a high rise had caught fire. There was no fire inside the impacted high rise, but a "significant amount of smoke" entered the building, says Assistant Chief Joe Knerr.

A second alarm was requested to clear smoke and help residents evacuate. Residents were sent to a neighboring building. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Power inside the high rise was turned off as Dominion Energy assessed damage to the transformer. Dominion Energy spokesman Chuck Penn tweeted that two transformers "are damaged beyond repair" and will be replaced. The extensive damage to the electrical system caused individual units to be without electricity, heat or running water. There is no estimate on when power will be restored.

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management and Red Cross are assisting displaced residents. Residents were allowed to return for personal items but were encouraged to find overnight housing. The James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, is open as a shelter for displaced residents.

Arlington and Alexandria firefighters assisted with the fire response.