Fireworks are believed to be the cause of a fire at an Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority home in the Braddock Metro neighborhood yesterday (July 5).
The fire was reported around 11:01 p.m. on the roof of the home at 1318 Madison Street, part of the Samuel Madden Homes community. Units from Alexandria, Fairfax County and Arlington County had responded to the call and encountered smoke coming from the roof of a three-story rowhome. An Alexandria Fire Department spokesperson told ALXnow the fire had started on the exterior at the gutters and spread to the roof and attic.
There were no reported injuries, but 10 people and one pet were displaced by the fire. The property has been condemned.
An ARHA spokesperson told ALXnow the fire marshal’s preliminary investigation pinpointed fireworks as the likely cause of the fire. Authorities believe two people in the area set off the fireworks.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence to identify those responsible,” the spokesperson said.
ARHA worked with American Red Cross to provide emergency lodging and financial assistance for essentials to the displaced family. ARHA has also provided the family with transportation and is working to arrange temporary housing within ARHA while a longer-term plan is developed.
According to ARHA, residents in the 1318, 1320 and 1322 Madison Street buildings were evacuated during the fire response as a precaution. The neighboring units were inspected, and residents were allowed to return to those homes after only a minor smoke odor was found.
