Four Displaced Tuesday in House Fire on Woodmont Road

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Tuesday, at approximately 2 p.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located in the 6000 block of Woodmont Road.

Firefighters encountered smoke coming from the basement of the two-story home when they arrived. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire, according to the department. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a single room, they said.

There were no smoke alarms in the home, the department noted. The four occupants have been displaced, according to the fire department. Red Cross support was offered but declined by the occupants. There were no injuries, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

The department said the damage is estimated at $20,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Fireplace embers ignited nearby combustible materials and caused the fire.

Fireplace Safety Tips

• 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 (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—never 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.