Fire at Hayfield Area Home Does Nearly $100,000 Damage

A fire started by unattended oil cooking on a stove caused nearly $100,000 in damage to a Hayfield area home Friday, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Units responded to the house fire Friday at approximately 12:20 p.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located in the 7600 block of Kingsbury Road, near the intersection of Telegraph Road and Franconia Springfield Parkway.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the ranch-style home when they arrived on the scene, the fire department said. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and quickly brought the fire under control. One occupant was home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed after being alerted by a sounding smoke alarm. The occupant was not displaced. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $93,750, the fire department said.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Unattended cooking oil on the stove caused the fire, the fire department said.

Kitchen Safety Tips

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.
• Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.