A fire that destroyed several units in the Vista of Annandale apartments over the weekend was electrical in origin, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said yesterday (Tuesday).
Specifically, an “electrical event involving a surge protector” is what set an apartment building in the 7900 block of Charles Thomson Lane ablaze, the fire department says.
Firefighters responded to the property around 9 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 3) after a tenant heard smoke alarms coming from the third-floor apartment.
“Upon further investigation, the neighbor observed smoke coming from the unit and noticed the door was partially charred,” fire authorities said. “The neighbor immediately pulled the fire alarm, self-evacuated, and then called 911.”
A total of 14 units were affected by the fire, displacing 13 tenants — nine adults and four children, according to the FCFRD.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, but one pet, a dog, was killed as a result of the fire.
#FairfaxsBravest are on scene of a 2-alarm garden-style apartment fire in the 7900 blk of Charles Thomson Ln in Annandale. Units arrived to smoke/fire showing & located a fire on the 3rd floor. Fire is under control. No injuries. Sadly 1 pet was found deceased. 14 units affected. pic.twitter.com/0xUalpYh3i
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) August 4, 2025
Photo via @FFXFireRescue/X
