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 09-50
Date: July 16, 2009

McLean House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at approximately 6:15 a.m., in the McLean area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 1463 Kirby Road.

Firefighters encountered fire and smoke coming from the front of the garage upon arrival. The fire extended into the walls of the home and up and into the eaves of the two-story home. Firefighters brought the bulk of the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. It took firefighters over an hour to seek out and extinguish several pockets of fire inside the walls. Occupants were alerted by sounding smoke alarms and escaped unharmed. Four occupants have been displaced, three adults and one child.  Red Cross was not needed. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $200,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. Spontaneous combustion of linseed oil soaked rags in the garage caused the fire.

Spontaneous Combustion Safety Tips

• Carefully store oil, gasoline, or paint soaked rags. Store them in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from other combustibles. Lay the rags out individually on a flat surface and leave them to dry completely before reusing.
• Store gasoline and all other flammable fluids outdoors.
• Follow the manufacturer's use and storage directions when storing all chemicals. Store chemicals outside, in a dry, cool area, away from any heat source.
• Properly dispose of any combustible materials you no longer need.

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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