The recent dry spell on the east coast led to fires across the region prompting action from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and neighbors to minimize injuries.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting in early March, Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon) recognized the Raceway Farms neighborhood for coming together during a house fire. The fire was spotted by the neighbors from the street, so they knocked on the front door, using the ring doorbell camera and calling 911 before the home’s fire alarms went off. Everyone, two adults, a young child and the family dog got out safely, even as smoke was pouring into the house. The family credits neighbors with saving them. In the aftermath, “the family has been amazed by the outpouring of neighborhood support, some taking off work to help, buying groceries, babysitting and even launching an on-line fundraiser. The family says they will rebuild in the neighborhood that has shown them so much love,” wrote Storck in his newsletter.

Burke fire on Wednesday, March 20.

 

This was one of several fires this month. On March 14, firefighters arrived on scene of a fire at a landfill in the 4600 block of West Ox Road in the Fair Lakes area. The fire was contained and crews remained on scene for an extended period of time, the Fire and Rescue Department reported.

On Wednesday, March 20 the FCFRD responded to a two-alarm townhouse fire in the 5700 block of Walnut Wood Lane in Burke. The fire was quickly brought under control and one person was transported with non life-threatening injuries, FCFRD said. 

FCFRD reported that they responded to 26 outside fires in addition to the six structure fires since Monday, March 18. Later that week they released a warning to the public highlighting the significant fire activity, partially attributed to the high winds. “Dispatchers are getting a lot of calls for reports of smoke in all areas of the county. Significant fires in surrounding jurisdictions and high winds are bringing smoke to the area. Additionally, FCFRD is currently working six outside fires throughout the county,” the FCFRD announcement said.

FCFRD urged everyone to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that create sparks. Also, use caution disposing of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly, FCFRD said.

Fatality from Winter Fire

The dry weather began earlier in the winter and there were several fire emergencies and one led to a fatality. On Saturday, Jan. 20, at approximately 5:58 p.m. FCFRD units were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 3800 block of Kings Hill Court in the Mount Vernon area. Units arrived on the scene to find a two-story, single-family home with fire on the first floor extending to the second floor. Crews worked to extinguish the fire quickly. During search and rescue operations, one elderly male was rescued and transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The man died later that evening. The cause of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology report from the medical examiner. 

A neighbor observed the fire from the rear of the structure and called 911. While smoke alarms were present in the residence, it remains uncertain whether they were activated. The ongoing investigation has identified the living room as the origin of the fire, although the exact cause is yet to be determined, FCFRD said. Red Cross assisted with the additional displaced occupants who were not home at the time of the fire. Damages were estimated at approximately $475,500.