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Oil-soaked rags and sawdust spontaneously combusted on a Kingstowne patio, igniting a fire that damaged three townhouses and caused an estimated $1,115,563 in losses.

Fairfax County firefighters responded to the 5000 block of Dunstable Lane at about 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 23. Crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of multiple townhomes and requested a second alarm.

The townhouse where the fire began was unoccupied. A passerby spotted flames behind the building and called 911, while smoke alarms warned residents in a neighboring townhouse. Firefighters searched the affected homes and extinguished the blaze without any reported civilian or firefighter injuries.

Investigators determined that the accidental fire started on the rear patio when heat accumulated in improperly discarded oil-soaked rags and sawdust. The homeowner was left without a residence. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined.

The Kingstowne blaze was one of several recent Fairfax County fires linked to combustible materials, unattended cooking, smoking materials and a vehicle.

Unattended cooking displaces Lorton family

An April fire in Lorton began after a pan containing food and cooking oil was left unattended on a stove. Residents noticed smoke, found the kitchen burning, evacuated and called 911.

The home had no working smoke detectors at the time. Two adults and three children were displaced and accepted assistance from the Red Cross. Damage was estimated at $100,000.

Smoking materials blamed in Springfield fire

At about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue joined crews from Prince William County and the City of Alexandria at a burning home in the 7900 block of Hill Stream Court in Springfield.

Fire and heavy smoke were pouring from the two-story house and spreading rapidly when crews arrived. Firefighters requested a second alarm and worked extensively to control the blaze.

Two people were inside when a neighbor alerted them to the fire. They escaped and called 911. The home’s smoke alarms also activated.

One civilian was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. No firefighters were injured, and the occupants accepted Red Cross assistance.

Investigators said the accidental fire began outside the house, with improperly discarded smoking materials identified as the preliminary cause. Damage was estimated at $90,611.

Garage fire injures residents and firefighters

Another destructive fire broke out at about 2 p.m. Friday, March 7, in the 8300 block of Ivy Green Road in Crosspointe.

Initial callers reported flames in an attached garage. Firefighters encountered heavy fire spreading quickly and called for a second alarm.

Four occupants were home when one of them heard a noise resembling an explosion from the garage. He investigated, discovered the fire and evacuated with the others before calling 911.

Working smoke alarms were installed, but their location meant they did not activate until after the fire had already been discovered.

Five residents and two firefighters were transported with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Red Cross assistance was offered and accepted.

Investigators determined that the fire originated in the attached garage, with a vehicle fire listed as the preliminary cause. Damage was estimated at $206,199.

How to reduce the risk

Cigarette butts should never be discarded in planting soil, which can become highly flammable when dry. Outdoor smoking areas should have fireproof containers, and butts and ashes should be thoroughly soaked with water before disposal because they can continue smoldering.

Rags containing oil-based paint, stain or varnish can also ignite without an outside flame. The oils produce heat as they dry, and that heat can become trapped when the rags are piled together.

Oily rags should be hung outside or spread on the ground and secured so they cannot blow away. Once dry, they should be placed in a lidded metal container filled with a water-and-detergent solution that breaks down the oils. Containers should be stored in a cool location away from sunlight and other heat sources.