Improper Disposal Of Fire Pit Ashes Led To House Fire: Officials

HERNDON, VA - Firefighters say ashes improperly discarded from an outdoor fire pit is to blame for a large house fire that left a family of five homeless early Monday morning.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department along with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue responded to the house fire shortly before 3 a.m. along the 1100-block of Silver Beech Road in the Herndon area.

Firefighters said after arriving on scene, they found a two-story, single-family house with fire clearly showing on several levels.

The fire was discovered when one of the occupants inside the house was awaken by cracking/popping sounds. After going to see where it was coming from, she saw the fire from her bedroom window.

She then alerted the remaining occupants. Two adults and three children were able to exit the burning house safely, firefighters said.

According to firefighters, there were working smoke alarms that sounded after the fire was discovered. Fire Investigators said they determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started on the rear deck. The cause of the fire was improperly discarded ashes from an outdoor fire pit.

A total of five occupants were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $784,550, firefighters said.