Fire Alarm System Was Shut Off When Alexandria High-Rise Fire Occurred

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The fire alarm system had been off when a two-alarm fire happened at an Alexandria high-rise, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.

The fire happened Saturday around 9:53 a.m. in the 5300 block of Holmes Run Parkway. Arriving units found a fire in a unit on the fourth floor and requested a second alarm. The unit had been unoccupied when the fire occurred. Units from Arlington and Fairfax County provided assistance with the fire.

One resident had non-life-threatening injuries due to a hazard at the scene and was taken to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries.

An investigation by the fire marshal's office determined the fire's probable cause was "spontaneous ignition from discarded rags and painting materials." The fire started in a closet where paint cans and other painting supplies were found.

The fire department said the fire alarm system did not activate during the fire despite multiple pull stations being used. Fire marshals found the alarm system was shut off by the main power switch. The fire department turned the switch back on and restored the fire alarm system. Building management was advised to have its alarm system checked to ensure it is working properly.

The unit where the fire happened was condemned, and other units had water damage. Damages were $300,000 in the condemned unit and an estimated $100,000 in water damage. The city's code administration department was notified.

Residents impacted by the damages have made arrangements to be relocated. American Red Cross services were not needed.