Fairfax County fire officials have determined the cause of a two-alarm fire in a Kingstowne neighborhood earlier this week.
Spontaneous combustion of “stained soaked rags” and sawdust initiated the fire in the Coventry townhomes yesterday morning (Wednesday), the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said today.
The fire, which began around 4:45 a.m., originated on the patio of a townhome in the 5000 block of Dunstable Lane, fire authorities said.
“Crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of multiple townhomes,” the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said in social media posts around 6 p.m. “Crews quickly went to work to extinguish the fire and search the homes.”
In all, three homes were affected by the fire. The initial home was unoccupied at the time, but a passerby saw fire coming from the rear and called 911.
“Smoke alarms activated in the neighboring townhouse and alerted the occupants prior to fire department arrival,” the FCFRD said.
No injuries to firefighters, residents or the general public were reported. The City of Alexandria assisted with the response to the fire.
The fire department estimates that the blaze caused approximately $1.1 million in property damages between the three residences.
In its news release, the FCFRD warns that oily rags can ignite as they dry:
Rags wet with oil-based paints, stains, or varnishes can ignite on their own. The oils release heat as they dry. If the heat is not released into the air, it builds up. In a pile of oily rags, as the rags dry the heat becomes trapped. The heat builds up and causes a fire.
- Never leave cleaning rags in a pile.
- Hang the rags outside or spread them on the ground. Weigh them down so they do not blow away.
- Put dried rags in a metal container with a lid. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution that will break down the oils.
- Keep containers of oily rags in a cool place. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources.
