There were no injuries but this townhouse fire spread quickly to neighboring townhouses.
Improperly discarded rags possibly led to spontaneous combustion in a recent fire in Kingstowne causing an estimated $1,115,563 in damage and leaving the homeowner without a residence.
It was one of several fires in Fairfax County recently that hammers out no-no’s for things that are flammable
In Kingstowne, the action started in the early morning hours Wednesday, July 23, around 4:45 a.m., when Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded for reports of a townhouse fire in the 5000 block of Dunstable Lane in the Kingstowne area. Crews arrived to find a large volume of smoke and fire showing from the rear of multiple townhomes. A second alarm was requested. Firefighters quickly went to work to extinguish the fire and search the affected townhouses. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.
The townhouse where the fire originated was unoccupied at the time of the fire. A passerby observed fire coming from the back of the structure and called 911. Smoke alarms activated in the neighboring townhouse and alerted the occupants prior to fire department arrival. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined.
The investigation revealed the fire was accidental and originated on the rear patio. The cause of the fire was spontaneous combustion of oil-soaked rags and sawdust.
Three townhouses were affected with damages estimated at $1,115,563.
Household oil was to blame for another fire earlier this spring in April when a resident in Lorton left a pan on the stove with food and cooking oil which ignited while unattended. Residents noticed smoke and discovered a fire in the kitchen. All occupants self-evacuated and called 911. There were no working smoke detectors in the home at the time of the fire, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said.
Two adults and three children were displaced as a result of the fire. Red Cross services were offered and accepted. Damages are estimated at $100,000.
A week before, improperly disposed smoking materials were the cause of a fire in a house in Springfield. On Sunday, March 30, at approximately 3:30 pm, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with Prince William County Fire and Rescue and the City of Alexandria Fire Department, responded to a house fire in the 7900 block of Hill Stream Court in Springfield.
Units arrived on scene of a two-story single-family home with heavy fire and smoke showing with fire rapidly spreading. Firefighters immediately began an attack to bring the fire under control while ensuring all occupants were safely out. A second alarm was called. Crews worked extensively to extinguish the fire.
Two occupants were home at the time of the fire. The fire was discovered when a neighbor notified the occupants that the house was on fire. The occupants evacuated and called 911. Smoke alarms were present and activated.
One civilian was transported with non life-threatening injuries. There were no firefighter injuries. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted.
Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and started on the exterior of the home. The preliminary cause was determined to be improper disposal of smoking materials. Damages are estimated at $90,611.
On Friday, March 7, at approximately 2 p.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a house fire in the 8300 block of Ivy Green Road in the Crosspointe area. Initial calls reported a fire in the garage attached to the home.
Upon arrival, units encountered heavy fire conditions with fire rapidly spreading. Firefighters immediately began an attack to bring the fire under control while ensuring all occupants were safely out. A second alarm was called. Crews worked extensively to extinguish the fire. Four occupants were home at the time of the fire. The fire was discovered when one occupant heard a loud explosion-like noise coming from the attached garage. Upon investigation, he found a fire in the garage. All four occupants evacuated and called 911.
The home had working smoke alarms. However, due to their location they did not activate until after the fire was discovered.
Five residents were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Two firefighters were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the attached garage. The preliminary cause was determined to be a vehicle fire within the garage. Damages are estimated at $206,199.
Fire started in the garage at this house in Crosspointe.
SAFETY REMINDERS ON SMOKING MATERIALS
Never dispose of cigarette butts in potted planting soil. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
Ensure designated outside smoking areas have an appropriate fireproof container, ashtray or bucket.
Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.
SAFETY REMINDER WITH TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Rags wet with oil-based paints, stains, or varnishes can ignite on their own. The oils release heat as they dry. If the heat is not released into the air, it builds up. In a pile of oily rags, as the rags dry the heat becomes trapped. The heat builds up and can cause a fire.
§ Never leave cleaning rags in a pile.
§ Hang the rags outside or spread them on the ground. Weigh them down so they do not blow away.
§ Put dried rags in a metal container with a lid. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution that will break down the oils.
§ Keep containers of oily rags in a cool place. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources.