Fire Strikes McLean Animal Boarding Center With 70 Dogs Inside

MCLEAN, VA—A Thursday, April 19 fire damaged an animal veterinary and boarding center in McLean, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department says.

Units responded around 8:49 a.m. to a building fire at Old Dominion Animal Health Center, 6719 Lowell Avenue. Firefighters found a fire on the second floor and quickly extinguished it.

25 adults and about 70 dogs were inside at the time of the fire. All pets were safely transported to another location and later returned to their boarding area. No injuries were reported and no one was displaced.

Fire investigators say the fire originated in the ceiling space. An employee had discovered the fire while attempting to repair copper tubing. Another employee unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and called 9-1-1. Smoke alarms and sprinklers did not activate because of the fire's location. The fire started due to an open flame torch being applied to the insulation in the ceiling.

Red Cross assistance was not requested. Damages to the building are estimated at $62,500.

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