Seniors displaced by Seven Corners apartment fire
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| Lockwood House |
Residents of approximately 100 units at the Lockwood House apartments in Seven Corners were displaced due to a fire May 23. Lockwood House is an assisted-living community for independent seniors at 600 N. Madison Ave., next to Upton Hill Regional Park.
Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental and was caused by “an electrical anomaly involving the underground natural gas feed within the building,” the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported May 27. Damage is estimated at $500,000. One occupant was transported to a hospital for a non-life threatening injury unrelated to the fire.
When firefighters from Fairfax County and Arlington County arrived at about 9:20 p.m., they encountered fire coming from an outside transformer with fire extending into the first floor electrical room of the four-story building. Firefighters used hose lines to control and keep in check the gas-fed fire until all gas and electrical utilities could be controlled.
Firefighters went door-to-door to help residents get out of the building. Residents were sheltered in a nearby church and cafeteria at 550 N. Madison Ave. and were assisted by the Office of Emergency Management, Red Cross, and building management personnel. Power to the Lockwood House was restored Sunday evening, allowing all residents to return.
Lockwood House serves low income seniors. They are all safe–yay! But, many lost their perishables in their refrigerators and freezers and don't have much money to replace the lost food.
Perhaps there's a way to help if someone knows.