Three-alarm Annandale apartment fire displaces 22 people

The three-alarm fire that ignited in an Annandale apartment on Sunday (Feb. 5) displaced 22 people, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported today (Thursday).

The fire broke out in the living room of apartments in Little River Square at the 7400 block of Little River Turnpike. Two residents were taken to the hospital. No other injuries were reported.

Roughly $80,420 in damages were reported.

According to fire officials, the fire was accidental in nature and was caused by an electric event with a multi-plug wall adapter.

Fire crews from the City of Alexandria Fire Department, the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management and Security were on the scene of the fire.

Fire crews offered the following advice to prevent accidents with adapters:

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reminds all residents that overloading power strips, and power taps, can have potential fire safety effects on the electrical circuit. It can often lead to overheating the circuit, which can result in fires. All surge protectors or power strips need to be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. Visually inspect all surge protectors or power strips on a regular basis to ensure that they are not damaged or showing signs of degradation. During the visual inspection, ensure that the plug is fully engaged in their respective outlets.