Bad Chimney Caused Reston Townhouse Fire: Report

RESTON, VA -- Investigators have determined that heat escaping from gaps in a chimney was the cause of a townhouse fire in Reston over the weekend.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 2000 block of Swans Neck Way at around 1:44 p.m. March 3 and found fire in the attic and on the roof of a two-story end-unit townhouse, according to a report from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

One adult was at home at the time, and escaped without injury after being alerted by a neighbor. The smoke alarms in the home didn't activate because where the fire was.

"Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started between the metal chimney pipe and the interior wood structure," the report states. "The fire was caused by radiant heat escaping through the gaps in the chimney joints."

Three people were displaced by the fire. Damage to the home was estimated to be about $65,000.

Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue