Cigarettes Spark Dunn Loring Fire, $200K In Damages

VIENNA, VA—Fire investigators determined improperly disposed cigarettes caused a Dunn Loring fire Sunday, July 9.

Around 7:30 a.m., fire units arrived to smoke showing from the third floor balcony of an apartment building at the 2100 block of Tannin Place. Firefighters found a concealed fire in the walls between multiple apartments and floors. No one was injured.

Residents were alerted when a sprinkler pipe burst and set off the fire alarm. All residents escaped, but residents of eight units were displaced. Five residents are receiving Red Cross assistance. (Sign up for real time alerts and a newsletter. iPhone users can download the Patch app in the App Store. Plus, like Vienna Patch on Facebook.)

Investigators pinpointed the origin to a third floor balcony, where the smoking materials were discarded. Damages are about $200,000.

Fire officials urges residents to remember the following tips when disposing of smoking materials:

• Do not throw cigarettes in potted planting soil, as dry soil can be highly flammable.
• Completely douse cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Use a large, deep ashtray.
• Check furniture for any dropped ashes. Empty ashes into a fireproof container with water and sand.
• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn, such as mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture and curtains.
• Do not smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
• Use fire-safe cigarettes.
• Stay alert when using cigarettes.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.

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