Investigators Suspect Arson in Lincolina Fire That Injured 3, Displaced 15

According to Fairfax County fire investigators, the fire at 4903 Zircon Drive just off of Little River Turnpike over the weekend was intentionally set. Damage estimates are approximately $520,000. The fire remains under investigation.

Fifteen people were displaced and three were injured Sunday when a fire broke out at a Lincolnia-area apartment building at 4903 Zircon Dr., according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters responded Sunday at about 2 p.m., to a fire in a garden apartment-style dwelling in the Mason District of Fairfax County, near Little River Turnpike and I-395.

Units arrived to find a three-story apartment building on fire, with smoke streaming and fire blazing from a terrace-level apartment.

Due to the volume of fire and size of the structure, a second alarm was requested bringing additional resources to the scene to aid in the control of the fire. The fire spread from the apartment unit to the first floor hallway; however, fire was contained to the apartment where it started, with an aggressive interior attack.

Occupants on and above the terrace level were evacuated with three occupants being rescued via ground ladders.

Three dogs were rescued and returned to their owners. Three occupants received medical attention, two suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to an area hospital and another patient was treated for burns and transported to Washington Hospital Burn Center.

At the time of notification, the apartment complex was being assessed by the power company to determine if power can be restored to the complex. There were 15 occupants known to be residing in the building of origin that have been displaced. There may be additional displacements due to utility loss if the power company deems it unsafe to restore power and gas to the surrounding buildings within the complex.

Sunday afternoon, building management representatives and the Red Cross were working to find short term housing for displaced residents. Fire investigators are continuing their investigation into the cause and damage estimates.

Information courtesy of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue; photos by Captain Randy Bittinger