Charcoal Grill on Deck Causes Fire at Lorton Apartment, Displaces Five

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue firefighters responded last week to a garden apartment fire in the Lorton area of Fairfax County that displaced five people, according to the fire department.

The fire department got the call Friday at 4:15 p.m. at 7501 Woodside Lane in Lorton.

When firefighters arrived, smoke and fire was coming from a third-floor balcony of the three-story apartment. Firefighters attacked the fire and brought it under control in about 15 minutes, according to the department

The fire extended into the ceiling of the apartment below, where no one was home. Smoke alarms weren’t operating in the apartment, the fire department said. A neighbor was alerted to the fire and called 911. Three adults and two children were displaced from both apartment units. Red Cross is assisting all the occupants with housing. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $60,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An improperly placed charcoal grill on the deck caused the fire. The fire department offers these safety tips:

Grill Safety Tips

◾Grills should be placed at least 15 feet from any home, building, or combustibles to ensure adequate air circulation.
◾Charcoal must be kept dry. Spare propane bottles should be stored outside away from the home. A backyard shed is a good place.
◾Keep children and pets away from the grill. Grills continue to give off heat long after cooking has stopped.
◾Never place hot ashes in paper or plastic bags or containers. Only use metal containers for hot ashes.
◾Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved electrical starters in place of lighter fluid.
◾Never use a grill on apartment or condominium balconies. This practice is one of the biggest dangers with grills. It is unsafe and against the law.