Provided by Prince William Fire & Rescue
On Tuesday, November 1, at 11:39 a. m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire in a single family home located in the 12000 block of Vantage Point Court in Bristow.
Upon arriving, fire and rescue crews observed smoke showing from the second floor bedroom. As firefighters made entry, they began suppression and extinguishment of the fire that had originated in an electrical outlet and had extended to clothing and furniture adjacent to the outlet. Firefighters checked for further extension throughout the home; no further extension was found.
Two adults, home at the time of the fire, were alerted of the fire by the sounding of the smoke alarm. Upon discovering the fire, one resident attempted to fight the fire before fire and rescue services arrived. Both residents were treated for smoke inhalation at a local medical facility.
According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, preliminary damages are estimated at $8,000. The fire originated in a second floor bedroom; the cause was electrical and has been determined as accidental.
When a fire occurs, the decision whether to fight a fire or to simply evacuate may occur. Depending on the size and location of a fire, a person’s first instinct is to extinguish it, especially small fires, prior to calling 911. Fires can increase in size and intensity in a matter of seconds; even a small fire can quickly become out of control endangering one’s life and property. Most small fires can be extinguished quickly by a well-trained person with a portable fire extinguisher. However, attempting to extinguish a small fire carries some risk. The person attempting to extinguish the fire must have an understanding of how to properly use a fire extinguisher and the hazards involved.
Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee urges residents to think safety first should you encounter a fire in your residence or business. “Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the community and its citizens in an effort to prevent injuries, and the loss of life and property.”
When a fire occurs:
- DO NOT attempt to fight the fire.
- Get Out and Stay Out!
- Once you’re safely out of the home, call 911!
- When firefighters arrive on the scene, let them know everyone is safely out of the house.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
- Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Change smoke alarm batteries, during the spring and the fall, when you change your clocks.
- Make a home fire escape plan.
- Practice it frequently and make sure everyone in the home knows what to do should a fire occur in the home.
