Victim Of Fatal McLean Fire Identified

MCLEAN, VA—Fairfax County Fire and Rescue say the medical examiner identified the victim of the fatal March 9 McLean fire. This was the first fire fatality in Fairfax County this year.

Firefighters responded to the 1400 block of Brookhaven Drive after noon on March 9 after a neighbor called 911. Crews found heavy fire coming from a two-story home, and neighbors said an elderly woman may be home. Crews attacked the fire in order to enter the home and search for the resident.

According to the fire department, the effort to get inside was "hindered by the large amount of fire and exterior obstacles, such as brush, trees, and debris." Firefighters ultimately put out the fire by attacking it on the outside.

The victim, Lucy Berkebile, 73, was found dead in the home. There were no other reported injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It is unclear if the home had working smoke alarms. Damages are estimated to be $398,750.