Bailey’s Crossroads house fire caused by improperly disposed ashes

Lt. Javier Santa Gadea of the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station demonstrates how to properly dispose of fireplace ashes in a video. [FCFRD]

A house fire in the 5900 block of Colfax Avenue in Bailey’s Crossroads on Jan. 27 was started in the garage and was caused by improperly discarded woodstove ashes, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. 

When fire units arrived at the two-story, single-family home, smoke was visible from the attached garage. The fire was contained to the garage, and crews from the Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria fire departments quickly put it out. 

Two occupants who were home at the time were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms. They called 911. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $5,000.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department urges residents to follow these safety procedures when handling ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, and fire pits: 

• Do not discard ashes into any combustible container, such as a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, or plastic trash can. 
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep the can outside the home, away from the fireplace, stove. and anything combustible.
• Ashes can stay hot for 72 hours, so follow these steps even if you wait several days to remove them.