Fire Destroys Home in Annandale, Five Residents Displaced

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Fairfax County Fire & Rescue reports that a family was displaced in Annandale after a fire tore through their home in the early hours Friday.

At approximately 1:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, firefighters dispatched to a house fire in the 7200 block of Poplar Street in the Annandale area of Fairfax County (see map below):

Firefighters from Fire Station 8, Annandale, were first on the scene and reported seeing fire from the rear of the family's two-story home. A short time later, a second-alarm was requested. Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the scene.

An occupant in the home discovered the fire after she smelled smoke and then called 911. There was one smoke alarm in the home but it did not activate due to dead batteries. All occupants had safely evacuated the home prior to fire department arrival.

A total of five occupants were displaced due to the fire, the fire department said. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined. There were no civilian injuries reported. One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Fire Investigators determined that the fire originated in the floor between the main floor and basement. The fire is classified as "accidental" in nature, the fire department said. The cause was determined to be an "electrical event" involving the electrical wires that were located between the floor joists.

Damages to the building as a result of the fire are estimated to be approximately $161,250.

PHOTO of home on fire in Annandale early Friday courtesy of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue