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

05/30/08

Two-Alarm Commercial Building Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a commercial building fire at approximately 10 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2008, in the Bailey’s Crossroads area of Fairfax County. The commercial building, an automotive repair shop, is located at 6129 Columbia Pike.

Firefighters encountered significant fire in the front two bay doors within the two-story structure upon arrival. An additional alarm was requested bringing over 60 firefighters to the scene. Firefighters quickly attacked the fire resulting in no damage to nearby buildings. The adjacent attached buildings, an auto body and paint shop, were not damaged due to the rapid knock down of the fire. The fire was brought under control in approximately 25 minutes. There were no reported injuries. Three cars inside were totaled.

Damage is estimated at $250,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Workers had disconnected gasoline lines on a vehicle resulting in a spill on the floor; a drop light from the ceiling accidently fell to the floor, broke, and ignited the gasoline.

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.