Manassas Fire Sparked By Improperly Discarded Wood Chips: Authorities

MANASSAS, VA — A house fire in Manassas displaced five people on Wednesday morning, according to the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Authorities said the fire was caused by improperly disposed wood chips from a smoker device.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, according to the fire department.

The county's building official declared the home unsafe to occupy. The residents, two adults and three children, received assistance from the American Red Cross.

The fire broke out around 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning at a house in the 9000 block of Mineola Court in Manassas. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw a fire reaching from the rear of the film to the attic.

The fire marshal's office warned residents about the dangers of the improper disposal of smoking materials. Ashes can remain hot enough to burn for up to three days. Ashes should be disposed of in a metal container outside of the home, authorities said.