Dog Dies After Fire Starts In Kitchen At Newington Home: Officials

NEWINGTON, VA — A dog died in a townhouse fire last Friday in the Newington area of Fairfax County, according to fire officials.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services units responded to the fire shortly before 9 a.m. on Friday in the 6700 block of Red Bird Woods Court.

When they arrived at the three-story townhouse, firefighters saw smoke coming from the top floor and roof. The fire was quickly extinguished, fire officials said.

Firefighters found a dog during their search of the house. The dog was brought to EMS for care. “Sadly, despite best efforts, the dog did not survive,” Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported in the fire.

The fire was discovered by a neighbor who saw smoke coming from the exterior kitchen vent. Smoke alarms did not go off during the fire, fire officials said.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and started on the kitchen stove when something cooking was left unattended, according to the fire department.

One resident of the townhouse was displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered and the person accepted. Damages as a result of the fire were about $93,750, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.