Two Townhomes a Total Loss After Sunday Night Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials said improperly discarded smoking materials caused a fire that destroyed two townhouses and damaged four others in the McNair Farms section of Herndon Sunday night.

Units were called to the 2400 block of Wheat Meadow Circle at 7:05 p.m.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from two floors of the three-level, middle of the row townhouse upon arrival, Fairfax County Fire Rescue said. The Incident Commander quickly called a second alarm, bringing more than 60 firefighters to the scene.

Despite firefighters conducting an aggressive fire attack, the fire had spread to several adjacent townhomes. It took firefighters 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. Occupants from several townhomes all escaped unharmed. Firefighters also conducted extensive overhaul and salvage operations.

Nine occupants have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Damage estimate for all six townhomes is estimated at $900,000.