Forty people displaced, 18 apartments a total loss in June 11 fire in Manassas

A blazing fire displaced approximately 40 residents from their apartments in Point at Bull Run on Saturday, June 11 shortly before 11 p.m. in the 10500 block of Lariat Lane near Williamson Blvd. in Manassas.  The Red Cross was called to the scene to assist those displaced by the fire. 

Two patients were transported to a local medical facility for minor, non-life threatening injuries; one cat remains unaccounted for, according to the report from Prince William Department of Fire and Rescue (DFR).

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, 18 units, within a 24-unit apartment complex, sustained heavy fire damage and are a total loss; each unit is valued at approximately $300,000 for a total loss of about $5.4 million. 

Firefighters were dispatched to an apartment fire at 10:54 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters observed fire blazing from the front of Point at Bull Run, a three-story apartment complex. A second alarm was sounded. In addition, two engines and four medic units were requested upon notification there were people still in the building. 

After escorting one resident from her apartment and confirming all residents were evacuated and accounted for, fire crews began extinguishment operations. 

According to DFR, the fire originated on a second floor balcony; the cause has been determined as accidental due to improperly discarding smoking materials.  A cigarette had been placed in dry potting soil in a plastic pot; this allowed for smoldering, combustion over an extended period of time which eventually spread to the balcony and the exterior of the structure, DFR’s press release said. 

Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee urges residents to take precautions when using smoking materials. He was quoted as saying, “Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths and although unintentional, the majority of home smoking-material fires are caused by human error.” 

McGee offered the following tips:

• If you smoke, smoke outside.

• Provide an area for individuals to properly extinguish and safely discard smoking materials.

• Do Not discard butts or ashes into potting soil, mulch laden landscapes, flower beds, grassy areas, woods, etc.

• Before you throw out butts and ashes, douse in water or sand.

• Use deep, wide, sturdy ashtrays on a sturdy foundation, e.g. table.

• Check under furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight. 

• Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do Not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.

• Be alert when smoking! You won’t be alert if you’re sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine or other drugs. 

• Never smoke in a home where medical oxygen is used. 

• If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes; they are less likely to cause fires.

• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.

For more information, visit U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/smoking.html .