Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-246-3801, TTY: 703-385-4419 and Fax:703-385-1687
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

10/22/06

Smoking Materials Cause Centreville Townhouse Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire at approximately 2:50 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2006, in the Centreville area of Fairfax County. The townhouse is located at 14501 Chelsey Place.

First arriving firefighters reported smoke visible from the front of a two-story townhouse. Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack and brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes. The fire was contained to the second floor bedroom. The first and second floor sustained smoke damage. Two adults and three children were displaced. There were no reported injuries. Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Damage is estimated at $48,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Improper disposal of smoking materials in the second floor bedroom caused the fire.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind you of some important SAFETY TIPS when handling smoking materials:

• NEVER smoke in bed.
• Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away as they can smolder and cause a fire.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays with a center support for smokers. Check furniture for any dropped ashes before going to bed.
• Empty ashes into a fireproof container with water and sand.
• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn such as; mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and draperies.

   

  For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Lieutenant Raul G. Castillo, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY: 703-385-4419. Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.