FCFRD News Blog : Kingstowne Condo Fire Caused By Inappropriate Use Of Lighter

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

June 23, 2021

On Monday, June 21, at approximately 5:06 p.m., units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the City of Alexandria Fire Department, and the Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services responded to a condominium fire in the 6900 block of Mary Caroline Circle in the Kingstowne area of Fairfax County.

While enroute to the fire, a second alarm was requested due to the presence of a significant column of smoke and an additional report of fire extending to an adjacent building. Units arrived on the scene of a four-story, condominium building with fire showing from the second floor. Crews quickly brought the fire under control. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.

Three occupants were home at the time of the fire. The occupants discovered the fire and unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish it. All occupants then self-evacuated and called 9-1-1. Working smoke alarms were present and activated after the fire was discovered. The building did not have a common fire alarm or fire sprinkler system.

Fire Investigators determined that the fire started in the bedroom of the unit. It was caused by a juvenile using a lighter inappropriately to light ordinary, light-weight combustibles.

Five occupants were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted. In addition, one occupant of an additional unit was displaced due to associated hazards and damage. Red Cross is also assisting that displaced occupant. Damages as a result of the fire was approximately $271,865.

NOTE: Several photos courtesy of Xavier Halloun

This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.