Fire Erupts In Herndon Due To Smoking: Report

HERNDON, VA -- A fire that broke out in a Herndon apartment last week was caused by someone's carelessness while smoking, authorities say.

Firefighters responded to the 700 block of Tamarack Way at around 3:22 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, to a report of an apartment fire. They arrived to find a three-story garden-style apartment with fire showing from the balcony of the second floor, according to a report from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly and limit the damage to the balcony, although the apartment suffered smoke damage.

"The fire was discovered by a passer-by and the Herndon Police Department," the report states. "The building did not have an automatic fire alarm or sprinkler system. The fire was discovered prior to the activation of the smoke alarms."

Two occupants and one pet were displaced by the fire, and one occupant was sent to the hospital for evaluation. The American Red Cross will assist the occupants.

"Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started on the balcony of the apartment," the report states. "The cause of the fire was the ignition of potting soil by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damages as a result of the fire were estimated to be $12,500."

Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue