Alexandria Apartment Fire Leaves 14 Units Uninhabitable

A fire that began in a planter on a fourth-floor balcony in Alexandria, Virginia, climbed into the attic and burst through the roof on Sunday morning, Oct. 25, leaving 14 apartments unlivable. The city's fire marshal has already ruled it accidental, pointing to improperly discarded smoking materials.

What happened

Alexandria firefighters were called to 251 South Pickett Street at about 9:03 a.m. They arrived to visible flames and smoke, with fire showing at the roofline. Fairfax County fire units helped, and crews later worked at both 251 and the neighboring 249 South Pickett Street to pull apart damaged areas, check for hidden fire and clean up.

According to the department, the fire started in a balcony planter at apartment 402. From there it reached the attic, spread to an adjacent apartment and broke through the roof.

Who was affected

Residents of 14 apartments cannot return for now, and the American Red Cross is assisting them. No residents were injured. One firefighter was hurt, according to reports from the Alexandria Brief and Patch; neither report said how serious the injury was, and the department's public information did not say more.

Cause

The Alexandria Fire Marshal's Office determined that smoking materials had not been properly extinguished and discarded in the planter. The fire was classified as accidental and the investigation is closed. Because the cause comes from the fire department, we are reporting it as the official finding rather than as our own conclusion.

The department used the case to repeat a simple warning: put cigarettes and other smoking materials out completely, in a sturdy container that cannot burn and that holds sand or water, and never in planters, mulch or similar material, which can smolder and then ignite.

What this means for renters

Smoking-related fires often start outdoors, on balconies and patios, where it feels safe to toss a butt in a flowerpot. In multifamily buildings the consequences spread well beyond one unit. Fire that gets into a shared attic can move across many apartments, which is why a single balcony can displace more than a dozen households.

• If you smoke, use a deep, non-combustible ashtray with sand or water, and keep it away from railings, furniture and plants.
• Check your lease. Many buildings restrict balcony smoking or grilling; ask your manager about the rules and how they are enforced.
• Know two ways out of your apartment, and test smoke alarms monthly.
• Renters insurance with loss-of-use coverage is what pays for a hotel or short-term rental if your unit is declared uninhabitable. A landlord's policy generally does not cover your belongings or living costs.
• If you are displaced, ask management in writing about your lease, rent for days you cannot live there, and your security deposit. Our first-72-hours checklist walks through the steps.

Residents affected by the fire can contact the Red Cross for help with lodging, food and replacing essentials.