Fire Starts In Trash Chute At Kingstowne Senior Apartments

KINGSTOWNE, VA—Sprinklers put out a fire in a Kingstowne senior apartment building Monday afternoon, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Around 12:39 p.m. units responded to the 7100 block of Silver Lake Boulevard for a fire in the trash chute on the fourth floor. The sprinklers extinguished the trash fire, but crews stayed behind to remove smoke from the building.

Two residents were taken to the hospital for non-fire related injuries. No firefighters were injured.

Around 150 senior residents were in the building when smoke alarms alerted them to the fire. Most evacuated, and the rest were assisted by fire and rescue staff out of the building.

Investigators determined improperly discarded smoking materials in a trash bag caused the fire. No one was displaced, as damages are estimated to be around $1,000.

The Fort Belvoir Department of Fire and Emergency Services assisted with the call.

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