Annandale house fire caused by electrical malfunction

This home, which appears to be older than other nearby houses, was damaged by fire. [FCFRD photos]

A fire in a single-family house in the 3400 block of Annandale Road, Annandale, on Aug. 17 was most likely caused by an overloaded power strip, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department found.

When fire units arrived shortly before 11 p.m., smoke and fire were showing in the rear of the home.

One resident who was home at the time woke to the smell of smoke and left the house before the smoke alarms were activated. Another occupant who arrived at the front door saw smoke and called 911.

The fire started in the one-story addition at the rear of the house. Five occupants were displaced and accepted assistance from the Red Cross. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at approximately $18,750.

The Fire Department offers these safety tips on electrical cords:

• Replace worn, old, or damaged extension cords right away.
• Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.
• Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.
• Do not overload power strips.
• Use power strips that have internal overload protection.