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

07/09/08

Two-Alarm Apartment Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to an apartment fire at approximately 11 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County. The apartment is located at 7807 Belford Drive.

Firefighters encountered smoke coming from the third floor and front of the three-story apartment upon arrival. A second alarm was struck bringing approximately 60 emergency personnel to the scene. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. There were 21 adults and 14 children displaced as a result of the fire. There were no reported injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the families.

Damage is estimated at $30,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. The fire was caused by flammable vapors from an aerosol insect spraying product too close to a pilot light on a gas stove.

Combustibles Too Close To a Heating Source
Safety Tips

• Keep at least three feet of clearance between your alternate heating source and anything combustible.
• Do not store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.

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.