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 09-29
Date: March 30, 2009

Springfield House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire at approximately 4:20 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2009, in the Springfield area of Fairfax County. The two-story single family home is located at 8661 Center Road.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire visible from the rear of the structure upon arrival. Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes. The fire originated from improperly discarded smoking materials. A brush fire started from discarded smoking materials and extended to the structure. Two occupants have been displaced. Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

There were no injuries. 

Damage is estimated at $75,000.

The fire was accidental. The cause of the fire was improperly discarded smoking materials.

Discarded Smoking Materials Safety Tips

• Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away as they can smolder and cause a fire.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays with a center support for smokers. Check furniture for any dropped ashes before going to bed. Empty ashes into a fireproof container with water and sand.
• Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn (i.e., mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, draperies, etc.).
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
• If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires. 
• To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you must be alert. You won’t be if you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine or other drugs.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Captain I Willie F. Bailey, 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.