Smoking Materials In Mulch Spark Manassas Office Fire: Authorities

MANASSAS, VA — A fire broke out at an accountant's office in Manassas on Wednesday afternoon, the fire department said. No injuries were reported in the blaze.

Authorities said the fire began when someone improperly discarded smoking materials into mulch. The building sustained moderate damage.

The fire began around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the offices of Miller Musmar CPA in the 10500 block of Crestwood Drive, fire department officials said.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they saw smoke showing from the building's attic. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, according to the fire department report.

"Smoking materials should never be discarded in or around combustible materials. Smoking materials should be discarded using water or properly discarded into a non-combustible container to ensure extinguishment," the fire department said in a news release. "Smoking areas should be clearly marked and have appropriate means to safely discard smoking materials. During extreme drought conditions or periods of low humidity business owners and homeowners should consider keeping mulch moist by watering."