Oakton House Fire Update: Photos, Damage, Firefighter Injuries

PHOTOS by Northern Virginia Fire Buffs and BC Will Bailey

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OAKTON, VA -- Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon at about 1:45 p.m. to a house fire in the Oakton area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 3140 Windsong Drive.

Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the garage and attic area of the two-story home. A second alarm was struck bringing more than 60 firefighters to the scene. Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack, however, due to deteriorating conditions they were forced to abandon an interior attack and fight the fire from the exterior of the home.

Due to high wind conditions, it took firefighters approximately 60 minutes to bring the fire under control. Three firefighters were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The home had working smoke alarms. No one was home at the time of the fire. Damage is estimated at approximately $652,500, the fire department said.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. The cause of the fire was determined to be improperly discarded rags that had been soaked with linseed oil and spontaneously combusted.

Linseed oil is used as a preservative for wood, concrete, and an ingredient in paints, varnishes, and stains.