Fire Destroys Alexandria Area Hotel, One Injured

Units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a hotel fire, Sunday at approximately 2:20 a.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The hotel, Quality Inn and Suites, is located at 8849 Richmond Highway.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the three-story building upon arrival, according to a report posted to the fire department’s Facebook page.

Firefighters conducted a massive and successful evacuation of the more than 90 occupants of the hotel, according to the report.

The fast-moving electrical fire extended through multiple areas of the building and into several void spaces challenging firefighters and crews. The Incident Commander struck a second and third alarm, bringing approximately 100 firefighters to the scene.

As the fire moved quickly throughout the building, several floors and the roof collapsed. Firefighters then moved to a defensive mode in fighting the fire. It took several hours to bring the fire under control.

Red Cross and hotel management used nearby hotels to help house the occupants. One occupant was transported to Mount Vernon Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Firefighters continued fighting hotspot fires for several hours after the fire was brought under control. Units stayed on scene throughout evening as a precautionary measure.

The hotel is a complete loss.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. The cause of the fire was attributed to the electrical power distribution equipment in the first floor electrical room.