Wiring Failure Sparks Nokesville House Fire, Displacing 1

NOKESVILLE, VA — A fire broke out at a house in the 9000 block of Keyser Road on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.

No injuries were reported in the fire. One person, a man, was displaced by the blaze, authorities said.

When firefighters arrived on the scene around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, they noted heavy fire and smoke conditions. The emergency crews searched the home and quickly extinguished the fire, authorities said.

The house sustained extensive damage, according to the fire department. The county's building official deemed the home unsafe to occupy.

Investigators with the fire marshal's office determined that an electrical wiring failure started the fire.

"The Fire Marshal’s Office highly recommends electrical extension cords not be used for permanent purposes or for multiple appliances," fire department officials said in a news release. "In addition, wiring should never be exposed to or come in contact with combustible materials. Only use UL approved extension cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions."