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No injuries reported after overnight fire and evacuation at Landmark high-rise

No injuries have been reported after an early morning fire at 6060 Tower Court in Alexandria’s Landmark area that prompted a full resident evacuation.

The Alexandria Fire Department was reportedly called at around 12:30 a.m. today (Thursday) for heavy smoke on multiple floors of the 16-story apartment building. The fire and heavy smoke originated in a utility room in the building’s basement, according to AFD radio dispatches.

Several 911 callers reported smoke on multiple floors of the building, according to the scanner. The building had no power when firefighters arrived, and the fire was reportedly extinguished at around 1:30 a.m.

Earlier today, the department alerted the public of a “significant public safety presence” in a social media post at 5:34 a.m.

“There is a significant public safety presence at an apartment fire at 6060 Tower Court,” AFD said. “Alexandria Fire crews extinguished the fire, and all residents have been evacuated from the building. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.”

Taylor King, AFD’s senior public information officer, told ALXnow that the building remains without essential services, including power, heat, water, lighting and elevator access due to significant damage to its high-voltage electrical system.

As a result, approximately 140 residents were temporarily relocated while repairs are underway,” King said. “Many residents arranged to stay with family, friends, or in hotels. The American Red Cross, along with the City’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and other partner agencies, assisted with assessing needs and coordinating support. A warming bus was provided on scene, and shelter plans were prepared if needed.”

King said the fire caused extensive damage within the building’s electrical room, impacting multiple critical systems.

“The building’s electrical contractor has estimated repairs may take approximately two to five days,” King said. “Residents will be permitted to return once repairs are completed and essential services are safely restored.”

King said the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, and that the Fire Marshal’s Office has closed the case.

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About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.