Herndon House Fire Causes $165K in Damages

A fire at a home at 2616 Armada Street caused $165,000 in damages at about 11:25 p.m. on Saturday. 

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the fire, encountering heavy smoke and fire coming from the outside rear of the split-level when they arrived. 

Firefighters conducted an aggressive exterior fire attack, bringing the fire under control within about 20 minutes. The occupants were home when the fire began, but escaped unharmed. 

The home had working smoke alarms, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. There were no injuries, though two adults and several of their pets have been displaced. 

According to investigators, the fire was accidental and began when an outside energized lighting circuit started the fire. 

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue provided the following electrical safety tips:  

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker, smell bad, or make noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.   
• The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).  This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity come together.  An electrician can install a GFCI for you.
• All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”
• When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.
• Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

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