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

News Release 09-05
Date: January 12, 2009

Fairview Townhouse Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire at approximately 9 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2009, in the Fairview area of Fairfax County. The three-story townhouse is located at 10341 Hampshire Green Avenue.

Firefighters encountered fire and smoke visible from the side and the attic of the three-story townhouse upon arrival. An adult female was transported to Washington Hospital Center for non-life threatening injuries. Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes. One resident was displaced. One pet cat was found deceased. 

Damage is estimated at $100,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An unattended candle in a bedroom caused the fire.

Candle Safety Tips

• Do not place candles near combustible materials.
• Place candles in glass or ceramic containers.
• Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface.
• Never leave children unattended in a room with an open flame candle.
• Do not place candles on window ledges or near entryways. The potential air draft can “fan” the flame, catching curtains or other materials on fire.
• Do keep burning candles within sight at all times. Candles can present fire hazards outdoors on decks and patios as well as inside your home.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.
• Place all candles on a protected, heat resistant, dry surface away from anything that can catch fire and out of the reach of children and pets.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Captain I William Moreland, 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.
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