Smoke Alarms Alert McLean Family to Fire Early Wednesday

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A McLean family along with their dog safely escaped a fire in the early hours Wednesday after they woke up to the sound of smoke alarms going off in their home, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

At 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Arlington County Fire Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of Nelway Court in the McLean area of Fairfax County (see map below) for a reported basement fire. Units from Fire Station 1, McLean, arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from the front of a one-story, over a full basement, single family home. The fire, which had consumed much of the utility room, extended to the stairwell area but was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

Smoke alarms were present and awakened the family, the fire department said. The occupants found fire coming from the furnace in the basement utility room. Two adults, two children and their dog evacuated and one of the adults called 9-1-1 once safely outside.

The family was displaced as a result of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Fire Investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and originated in a utility room. The property damage is estimated at $90,000.

PHOTOS courtesy of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue