Smoke Detectors Helped Woman Escape Burning Manassas Home: Authorities

MANASSAS, VA — A woman's home caught fire in Manassas on Tuesday afternoon, Prince William County Fire and Rescue Officials said. She was able to safely evacuate her home thanks to smoke detectors.

The woman was not injured in the fire, authorities said. The home sustained moderate damage and was deemed unsafe to occupy by the building official.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by "accidental use of a burning material."

The fire broke out around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday at a home in the 8400 block of Impalla Drive. When first responders arrived, they saw fire showing from a single-family home.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.

The home's only resident said she noticed the fire in the basement when smoke detectors started ringing.

"This incident could have had a different outcome if the home had not been protected by smoke detectors," Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials said in a news release. "Smoke detectors give you sufficient time to safety evacuate the area. It is critical that all homes have working smoke detectors. Make sure you have them installed in your home. Test them on a regular basis. When the alarm sounds safely evacuate and call 9-1-1."