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 09-60
Date: August 6, 2009

Kingstowne House Fire

Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Thursday, August 6, 2009, at approximately 8:40 a.m., in the Kingstowne area of Fairfax County. The home is located at 5703 Shropshire Court.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the single-family, two-story home upon arrival. Firefighters quickly deployed several hose lines and quickly extinguished the fire in the upstairs bedroom. During their search of the home, firefighters came upon more than 30 non-poisonous snakes and other reptiles in the home. Several of the snakes perished in the fire. All of the occupants escaped unharmed. The family of five, two adults and three children, has been displaced. Red Cross is assisting the family. There were no other injuries. 

Police Department Animal Control officers assisted firefighters and the homeowner with the reptiles.    

Damage is estimated at $90,000.

According to investigators, the fire was accidental. An extension cord caused the fire.

Electrical Safety Tips

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

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.