Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-246-3801, TTY: 711 and Fax:703-385-1687
Duty PIO (Weekends/After-hours): 703-280-0694
Media Information Line: 703-324-3000
Email: fire-rescue.Pa-LSE@fairfaxcounty.gov
Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

1/28/08

Two-Alarm Springfield House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire at approximately 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 25, 2008, in the Springfield area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 7833 Mulberry Bottom Lane.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke from the left and rear sides of the two-story home upon arrival. The fire went up the chimney and into the attic. Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. The occupants escaped unharmed. Four people were displaced, three adults and one juvenile. The second alarm brought approximately 60 firefighters to the scene. There were no injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Damage is estimated at $100,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. The fire originated in a manufactured chimney.

Fireplace Safety Tips

• Inspect the fireplace. Make sure it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts. Ensure the chimney is clear and in good condition.
  
  
• If you are installing a factory-made fireplace, it should not be near combustible materials. It should also have adequate flame and heat barriers.
  
  
• Inspect chimneys annually, and clean as necessary, by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys. To locate a certified sweep, visit the CSIOA Web site at www.csia.org or call 1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep can also perform maintenance on your wood stove or help remove gas logs from a fireplace.
  
  
• Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or debris.
  
  
• Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Lieutenant Raúl G. Castillo, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY: 711. 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.