Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 22 in the Burke area.
At approximately 7:50 a.m., units Stations 14, 32 and 35 arrived at single family home located at 6630 Bestwicke Road. According to a Fire and Rescue Department release, heavy fire was coming from the garage and extending to the side of the two-story home. Firefighters we able to bring the blaze under control in about 25 minutes. No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross assisted the displaced residents.
Fire investigators are calling the fire accidental, according to the release, and damage is estimated at $200,000. Investigators point to an electrical anomaly from holiday lights as the cause of the fire.
"It was in the vicinity of the holiday lights," said Lt. Raul G. Castillo, a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman. He added that county residents should make sure that all of their electrical holiday decorations are UL approved and the wires are not frayed and cracked. He also recommended that homeowners follow manufacturer's instructions when using electrical decorations.
"If it dry or cracked, the recommendation is to replace the Christmas lights," said Castillo. For more fire safety information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire.