More details emerge on Annandale fire

The fire at the Vistas garden apartments in Annandale on Aug. 3 was caused by an electrical event involving a surge protector, according to an update from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Fire and smoke were visible when the fire units arrived at about 9 p.m. at the apartment building in the 7900 block of Charles Thomson Lane.

The fire claimed the life of a dog; there were no other injuries.

Related story: Pet dies in apartment fire

A neighbor heard smoke alarms sounding in an adjacent apartment on the third floor, observed smoke coming from the unit, and noticed the door was partially charred. The neighbor immediately pulled the fire alarm, self-evacuated, and called 911. Smoke alarms and fire alarm systems were present and activated.

Nine adults and four children were displaced. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted.