Fire at Skyline Plaza displaces 1,000 residents

Updated: A thousand people have been displaced by a fire at a high-rise condo at Skyline Plaza in Bailey’s Crossroads

A transformer outside the building caught fire this morning, sending a significant amount of smoke into the lower floors, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports.

Fire trucks arrived on the scene at 10 a.m. Residents of the 26-story building, at 3705 S. George Mason Drive, were sheltered in a neighboring building. The fire went to two alarms, although there was no fire inside the building.

The fire caused extensive damage to the electrical system servicing the building, causing individual units within the complex to be without electricity, heat or sanitation/running water, the FCFRD states. One resident was injured the evacuation.

Residents were allowed to return to their units to retrieve medications, pets, clothing, and other necessities but are encouraged to find other options for overnight housing.

Fairfax County’s Office of Emergency Management, Health Department, and Department of Family Services, along with the Red Cross, are assisting people displaced by the Skyline fire.

The FCFRD later announced the James Lee Community Center has been made available as a shelter for those displaced. Blankets and cots are provided. People coming to the center have been advised to bring a three-day supply of special items, particularly for older adults, people with disabilities, and infants; a change of clothing; food for people with food restrictions or allergies; and pillows.

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and started within the transformer vault. Hot metal works (welding) ignited the plastic wiring harnesses insulation and extended to the transformers.

The fire was contained to the transformer vault and there was no structural damage to the building. Damage to the two transformers was estimated to be $44,590.