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

10/1/08

Lightning Strikes Franconia Home

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire at approximately 8:20 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2008, in the Franconia area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 4311 Dubois Street.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire in the basement of the rambler-style home upon arrival. Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes. The fire was contained to the basement’s laundry room. An adult female, alerted by smoke alarms, safely evacuated the structure. One adult has been displaced. Red Cross assistance was not needed.

Damage is estimated at $60,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. A lightning strike caused the fire.

Lightning Safety Tips for the Home

• Avoid contact with corded phones.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

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.