Smoking Materials Start Fire On Mount Vernon Home's Deck

MOUNT VERNON, VA — No one was injured when a fire broke out at a Mount Vernon townhouse on Saturday, Sept. 28, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters responded to the home in the 4300 block of Birchlake Court around 3:44 a.m. After units found fire showing from the back of the home, a second alarm was requested. Firefighters worked to contain the fire to the exterior of the home.

A neighbor had discovered the fire and woke the four residents who were home. All evacuated before firefighters arrived.

Fire investigators determined improperly discarded smoking materials started the fire on a deck. Damages were estimated to be $22,000. No one was displaced, and Red Cross assistance was declined.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says fires caused by improperly discarded smoking materials caused over $2.1 million in damages so far this year. The fire department responded to 29 major incidents, which included one fatality and one injury.

The Fort Belvoir Department of Fire and Emergency Services assisted with the response.