1 Displaced After Extension Cord Starts Fire In Oakton

OAKTON, VA—One person is displaced after a townhouse fire in Oakton Thursday night, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Around 11:09 p.m., crews responded to a middle unit townhouse in the 2800 block of Thaxton Lane with smoke coming from the garage. Firefighters quickly put out the blaze, which stayed contained in the garage. No one was injured.

One person was home when the fire broke out. The resident evacuated after smoke alarms activated.

Investigators determined the fire's cause to be an electrical event igniting combustibles due to improper use of an extension cord. Damages are estimated to be $87,500. The home's resident declined Red Cross assistance.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue issued the following safety tips on extension cords after the fire:

• Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away.
• Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.
• Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.
• Do not overload power strips.
• Use power strips that have internal overload protection.