McLean/Falls Church Area House Fire Displaces 4 Residents, Kills Dog

MCLEAN, VA — A dog died in a Falls Church/McLean house fire and four residents were displaced Wednesday, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. There were no other injuries.

The fire happened in the 6900 block of Birch Street, which has a Falls Church address but is within the McLean area of Fairfax County. Units found fire showing from the single-family home and got the fire under control within 10 minutes.

Four people were home when the fire occurred. A resident woke up to the dog barking and smoke alarms sounding before discovering a fire in the kitchen. One resident tried to rescue the dog while another called 911. All residents evacuated before the fire department arrived.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated on the rear deck. The cause was an unattended barbecue/meat smoker. Damages were estimated to be $156,000.

The displaced residents accepted Red Cross assistance.