Accidental Fire Ripped Through Dumfries Home On Saturday: Authorities

DUMFRIES, VA — A single-family house was severely damaged by a fire in Dumfries on Saturday evening, authorities said.

No injuries were reported in the blaze.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental in nature. The county's building official declared that the home was no longer safe to occupy after the fire.

The blaze began around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday at a house in the 19000 block of Windsor Road in Dumfries. When crews arrived on the scene, they saw fire spreading into the house from the enclosed porch.

One resident said he learned about the fire when he saw lights flickering and heard popping sound. He then woke up the other resident, authorities said.

The two displaced residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue offers several safety tips to help prevent injuries from house fires. Experts recommend residents check their smoke alarms every six months and ensure that everyone in a household has an evacuation plan in case of emergency.