Fire Rips Through Montclair Townhomes, Displacing 10 People

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A fire broke out at a townhouse in Montclair on Sunday morning and spread to three neighboring homes, according to the fire department.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, authorities said in their report. A total of 10 people were displaced from their homes as a result of the blaze.

The fire marshal's office said that improperly discarded smoking materials caused the fire.

First responders arrived at the scene around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday morning. Firefighters reported heavy flames that were spreading to neighboring townhomes, the fire department said in a report.

A second crew responded to the scene and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.

A building official declared that several homes were unsafe to occupy as a result of the fire.

Photo courtesy of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.

The U.S. Fire administration offers several suggestions to prevent fires caused by smoking materials:

• Smoke outside
• Put cigarettes completely out every time
• Never smoke in bed
• Use a sturdy ashtray or a bucket filled with sand to dispose of cigarettes

Photo courtesy of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.