Local / Fairfax / January 16, 2026

Electrical Fire Kills Two Cats, Causes $147,750 in Burke Centre Damage

An electrical event in the basement sparked a New Year’s Day house fire in Burke Centre that killed two cats and caused an estimated $147,750 in damage.

By Tysons Times Staff

Editorial illustration of Northern Virginia community life with transit, schools and local businesses — A Tysons Times illustration represents community life across Tysons and Northern Virginia. Photo: Tysons Times / AI illustration

Coverage area: Fairfax
Section: Local
Published: January 16, 2026
Topics: local, fairfax, public safety, environment

Article Text

An electrical event in the basement sparked a New Year’s Day house fire in Burke Centre that killed two cats and caused an estimated $147,750 in damage.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department crews responded around 2:50 a.m. Thursday, January 1, to the 5500 block of Corot Court. Fire was visible from the front of the house when firefighters arrived.

Crews quickly extinguished the flames and searched the home. None of the three occupants who were inside at the time was injured, and no firefighters were hurt.

An occupant discovered the fire after smelling smoke coming from the basement. The home did not have smoke alarms.

Investigators with the Office of the Fire Marshal determined that the basement fire was caused by an electrical event.

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