Lightning Strike Starts House Fire
On Friday, Aug. 11, at approximately 7 p.m., units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and the City of Fairfax Fire Department were dispatched for a reported house fire located in the 9600 block of Ceralene Court in the Fairfax section of Fairfax County.
Units arrived on the scene of a two-story, single family home and observed fire showing from the roof area. Crews quickly went to work extinguishing the fire. There were no reported firefighter or civilian injuries.
No occupants were in the home at the time of the fire. An off duty Fairfax County firefighter, Lt. Allan Burchell, was driving in the area and noticed a column of smoke. Upon investigation, he discovered the house on fire and called 911. Burchell grabbed a garden hose and proceeded to contain some of the fire until fire units arrived.
Three adults and two juveniles were displaced. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined. There were smoke alarms in the home, however, they did not activate because the fire was located in the exterior and attic space of the home.
Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature. It started on the exterior of the home and spread into the attic. The fire was the result of a lightning strike.
Damages as a result of the fire are estimated to be approximately $26,000, according to Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
Fundraiser to Support Fight Against Drunk Driving
The Northern Virginia-based nonprofit organization behind the region’s free safe ride service to prevent drunk driving, SoberRide, is hosting a fundraiser on Aug. 23, 2017 at Glory Days Grill in Fairfax.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) “Football & Fundraising” event, open to the public and with tickets on sale at www.wrap.org, is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. that evening and features former Washington Redskin Ravin Caldwell, a sports memorabilia silent auction and various door prizes. Glory Days Grill is donating the hors d’oeuvres buffet for the event.
Tickets for WRAP’s “Football & Fundraising” event are $ 35 in advance or $40 at the door that evening. Funds raised support WRAP’s fight against drunk driving and underage drinking in Greater Washington. Tickets and more information are available at www.wrap.org.