Fire At County Center Caused By Resident Who Fell Asleep With Food On Stove: Authorities

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A fire broke out at an apartment complex in County Center on Thursday morning, according to the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Authorities believe the fire started after a resident fell asleep after putting food on the stove to cook.

One resident reported minor injuries in the fire when they tried to take the food off the stove, according to the fire department.

The blaze and water damage from sprinklers displaced 11 people from four different apartments, authorities said. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Firefighters arrived at the apartment complex in the 13000 block of Tanazari Way around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday. Authorities said the occupant learned of the fire on his stove when the smoke detectors activated.

By the time firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire had already been extinguished by the building's automatic sprinkler system.

"This incident demonstrated the importance of working smoke detectors and the effectiveness of automatic sprinkler systems," fire department officials said in a news release. "The Fire Marshal’s Office continues the emphasis of never leaving food unattended while cooking."