Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Parts Of South Alex Development: Update

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After a massive four-alarm fire at a five-story building under construction in the Groveton area was contained Saturday, officials continue to assess damages, according to county fire and rescue officials. The fire, which broke out Saturday morning at U.S. Route 1 and Kings Highway, caused officials to shut down the street in both directions while they worked to contain the blaze. Two firefighters and one resident were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

The fire broke out on the South Alex development site, WTOP reports, a mixed-use development slated to include 400 apartment units, 44,000 square feet of retail and a 20,000-square foot Aldi grocery store. Developer Combined Properties broke ground on the $135 million project in December 2018 and was expected to complete it in 2021, according to the Washington Business Journals. The development was to replace the former Penn Daw Shopping Center, which closed in November 2015 and was demolished throughout 2016.

Investigators say a construction site worker first found the fire in a trash chute. The worker evacuated after unsuccessfully trying to put out the fire.

The fire spread to five buildings and 14 townhouses under construction. All of these buildings were a total loss, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says. An additional 14 townhouses, four single-family homes, five apartment buildings, a commercial building and 28 vehicles were damaged. The value of the damages has not yet been determined.

Because the project was under construction, there was no sprinkler system. The fire department says the lack of a sprinkler system combined with windy weather conditions increased the difficulty of tackling the fire. Additional help was provided from the Alexandria Fire Department, Arlington County Fire Department, Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Services Department and Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services.

The development is next to The Shelby residential community. Residents of The Shelby were evacuated and reported hearing several explosions as the fire grew, Alexandria Living reports.

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