Reston Condo Erupts in Flames, Traps Person on Balcony

RESTON, VA — A condominium on Market Street burst into flames after a kitchen fire on Tuesday evening, trapping a person on the balcony, according to a report from the Fairfax County Fire Department.

Units responded to the 12000 block of Market Street at around 6:32 p.m. on Nov. 1 to a kitchen fire in a four-story garden-style condominium. An occupant of the condo was trapped on the balcony in the interior courtyard, and firefighters had to use a 35-foot ground ladder to climb the balcony and help the occupant, the report states.

Firefighters went to the fourth floor and found light smoke in a public hallway. They pulled a fire hose into the condo unit and found that the smoke was coming from a small kitchen fire that had already been extinguished by a sprinkler head.

A total of 40 firefighters responded to the scene. The occupant was sent to an area hospital for evaluation. Firefighters were also able to locate the occupant's cat, which had been reported missing.

Authorities determined the fire originated in the oven, and was accidental.

Image via Fairfax County Fire Department