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An unattended pan of cooking oil ignited a kitchen fire in Lorton late Tuesday, April 8, 2025, displacing two adults and three children and causing an estimated $100,000 in damage.
Firefighters responded shortly after 10 p.m. to the 8900 block of Sylvania Street. They arrived at a two-story, single-family home with flames and smoke visible.
Crews quickly attacked the fire while confirming that everyone had evacuated safely. No residents or firefighters were injured.
An occupant had been cooking but left food unattended on the stove. The resident later noticed smoke and discovered the kitchen fire. Everyone inside escaped and called 911.
Investigators determined that the accidental fire began when cooking oil in a pan ignited on the operating stove. The home had no working smoke detectors at the time.
The Red Cross offered assistance to the displaced family, which accepted the services.
Residents should remain in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food and turn off the stove before leaving, even briefly. Flammable objects should be kept away from the stovetop, and loose sleeves should be avoided while cooking.
Water should never be poured onto a grease fire because it can spread the flames. If it can be done safely, cover the pan with a lid. If the fire grows out of control, evacuate and call 911.