Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be a faulty flue in the home’s fireplace. Officials are reminding residents to schedule annual inspections and cleanings of fireplaces and chimneys by trained professionals to prevent similar incidents.
“Routine maintenance can help prevent chimney fires or failures,” the Fire Marshal’s Office stated in a press release. “Ideally, homeowners should complete inspections before the heating season begins.”
