Eight people displaced after four townhouses catch fire in Dumfries; passerby reports fire

Four townhouses were damaged to varying degrees and six adults and two children were displaced from their homes in Dumfries last night, Saturday evening, June 15, 2024, after a passerby reported a townhouse fire at 7:57 p.m. Prince William County fire and rescue units were dispatched to the 16300 block of Taconic Circle in Dumfries.

Matt Smolsky, Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal for Prince William County Fire and Rescue. summarized the situation and the ensuing response. Explained Smolsky, “Crews arrived on the scene with heavy fire on the rear side of the home spreading rapidly to the attic and adjoining residences. With the potential of the fire quickly spreading, a second alarm was requested. Quick extinguishment brought the fire under control.”

The fire official said four townhouses were damaged in varying degrees. The townhome of origin sustained extensive damage, and three of the four damaged structures “were determined to be unsafe to occupy by the Building Official,” Smolsky said. A total of eight people were displaced, six adults and two children. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was an accidental electrical fire, the Fire Marshal’s Office said.