Chimney Fire Displaces 7 People In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Seven people were displaced after a chimney fire started in Mount Vernon on Wednesday. No one was injured.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a townhouse in the 8000 block of Pantano Place around 11:11 p.m. Units found fire showing from the front of the home extending into the second floor and attic. Fort Belvoir and Alexandria firefighters came to assist when a second alarm was requested.

Eight residents were home and evacuated before help arrived. One of the residents called 911 while another tried to put out the fire.

Fire investigators say the fire started when radiant heat escaped through an open seam in the chimney assembly. That heat went through the wood-burning fireplace and ignited nearby combustibles.

The displaced residents accepted Red Cross assistance. Damages were estimated to be $93,750.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue offers the following tips to help prevent chimney fires:

• Ensure that your chimney is cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional once a year.
• A spark arrestor across the top of a chimney will prevent sparks from igniting your roof.
• Use the proper fuel (such as seasoned hardwood, pellets, and gas/propane) for your type of system. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen across the front to prevent embers from flying or logs from rolling out.
• When clearing ashes from the fireplace, be sure to put them into a metal container with a lid, not into a cardboard box or paper bag.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Many "non-masonry" fireplace/chimney units have limitations on the amount of heat they can safely withstand.