Portable Heater Causes Fire in Bailey's Crossroads

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A portable heater caused a condo fire at the 2700 block of South George Mason Drive in the Bailey Crossroads area of Fairfax County Saturday night.

Around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, the Fairfax County, Alexandria and Arlington County Fire Departments responded to the fire in a high rise condominium as residents were evacuating. Firefighters located the unit on fire and extinguished it.

Fire investigators determined the fire started when a portable heater accidentally tipped over and ignited combustible materials.

There were no firefighter injuries, but one resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation. One occupant was displaced due to the fire. Fire officials estimate damages to be about $18,750.

Firefighter did not find smoke alarms in the unit. The residents had been alerted by the smell of smoke.

After the incident, firefighters offered safety tips for residents that use portable heaters. The devices should be turned off when you leave home or go to bed, and heaters with extension cords or frayed wires should not be used. The fire department recommends heaters that automatically turn off when tipped over.

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