Article Text
A pile of stain-soaked rags and sawdust spontaneously combusted on a Kingstowne patio, starting an early-morning fire that damaged three townhouses and caused an estimated $1,115,563 in losses.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department crews responded to the 5000 block of Dunstable Lane around 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 23. They arrived to heavy smoke and flames pouring from the rear of multiple townhomes and requested a second alarm.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and searched the affected homes. No residents or firefighters were injured.
The townhouse where the fire began was unoccupied. A passerby spotted flames coming from the back of the building and called 911. In an adjoining townhouse, smoke alarms activated and warned residents before firefighters arrived.
Investigators determined that the accidental fire started on the rear patio when stained rags and sawdust ignited through spontaneous combustion. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined.
How to Prevent Oily-Rag Fires
Rags soaked with oil-based paint, stain or varnish can ignite without an outside flame. The oils generate heat as they dry, and that heat can become trapped when the rags are left in a pile.
Wet rags should be hung outside or spread flat on the ground and secured so they cannot blow away. Once dry, they should be placed in a lidded metal container filled with water and detergent to break down the oils.
Containers holding oily rags should be kept in a cool location away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.