Townhouse kitchen fire displaces Manassas family

On Monday afternoon, July 1, City of Manassas fire and rescue units responded to a report of a fire in a townhouse in the 9100 Block of Laurelwood Court, according to a news release.

One of the residents of the townhouse left a pan with grease unattended on a hot stove causing a fire that destroyed the kitchen and spread smoke throughout the three-story dwelling.  Firefighters encountered heat and smoke, but quickly extinguished the fire.  They were able to protect the majority of the townhouse and the family’s belongings.

Fire Marshals determined that the fire started on the stove and spread to the kitchen walls and cabinets.

A smoke alarm on the ceiling directly next to the kitchen failed to operate due to the battery being removed.  There were four occupants in the upstairs bedrooms at the time of the fire and all escaped safely when they heard a smoke alarm sounding on the second floor.

The owner was not at home at the time of the fire.  The Red Cross assisted with finding temporary shelter for the family.

Fires from unattended cooking are the leading cause of residential fires in the City of Manassas and have caused thousands of dollars in damage and displaced residents.  The City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department urges all residents to be alert when cooking and never leave a pot unattended on a hot stove.

Residents can receive a free smoke alarm and replacement battery from the City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Department by calling 703-257-8458 or visiting http://www.manassascity.org/fire