Fire Follows Power Outage In Springfield Home

SPRINGFIELD, VA—A fire followed a power outage at a Springfield home Sunday, July 30, officials say.

Just after midnight, firefighters responded to the fire at 7000 block of Calamo Street. The fire was showing from the roof, and firefighters located a significant fire in the attic.

A man was home at the time and was alerted to the fire after the power went out. He escaped unharmed, and there were no other injuries resulting from the fire. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Investigators traced the source of the fire to the attic. They say it started with an overcurrent of a length of wire that was running through the attic space. An overcurrent happens when a higher-than-usual electric current produces excess heat and creates a risk of fire. A short circuit can be one cause of an overcurrent.

Residents are displaced and accepted Red Cross assistance. Damages are estimated to be $61,000.

Image by Debi Gerald, courtesy of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue