Improperly discarded smoking materials were behind a Sunday fire that injured a firefighter and displaced residents from 14 apartments, according to the Alexandria Fire Department.
AFD responded around 9:03 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 25) to 251 S. Pickett Street, where visible fire and smoke were showing from the residential building. There were no resident injuries.
Fourteen apartments were determined to be uninhabitable due to the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting affected residents.
After an assessment and interview with residents, the fire marshal determined improper disposal of smoking materials caused the fire. The fire originated in a planter on the balcony of an apartment and spread to the attic in an adjacent apartment. That ultimately led to the blaze reaching the roof, which required extensive salvage and overhaul operations by firefighters.
AFD said the fire is a reminder to properly dispose of smoking materials to avoid fires.
“Completely extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials in a sturdy, noncombustible container filled with sand or water,” AFD said in a release. “Never discard smoking materials in planters, mulch, or other combustible materials, and never leave them unattended.”
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue assisted with the response.
Image via Alexandria Fire Department/Facebook
