Two Dogs Die in Reston Townhouse Fire

by Karen Goff — August 1, 2016 at 11:30 am 4 Comments

Two dogs perished in a Reston townhouse fire on Friday night, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials said.

Firefighters were called to the 11200 block of Silentwood Lane about 9:44 p.m. for reports of a townhouse on fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke and fire showing from a three-story townhouse. An aggressive attack was conducted and the fire was brought under control. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. The house did not have working smoke alarms, officials said. The fire was discovered by a neighbor.

The two occupants were not home at the time of the fire. Two adults have been displaced. Red Cross assistance was declined. Total property loss is estimated at $93,750.

Friends of the young couple who lived at the townhouse have set up a Go Fund Me account to help them. the dogs who died were named Prim and Finn, according to the Go Fund Me page.

Investigation revealed that the fire originated on the kitchen counter. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Photos courtesy Kurt Rose

tattler

Red Cross assistance was declined but a Go Fund Me page was setup? Hmmmm. No material or other support needed from an organization setup to provide it but cold, hard cash is welcome. Interesting.
- RunDMC
  
  Depending on their circumstances they might have insurance + family nearby and feel like the Red Cross funds could be better used elsewhere. Also the article says their *friends* set up the GoFundMe, so the couple might not have anything to do with it being set up and might not use the money raised at all.
  
  Their house just burned down and both of their dogs died scared and alone, so I think they deserve a little space from immediately questioning their motives.
  
  Although I cannot wrap my head around “no working smoke detectors in the home.” How? Why???
Sally Mueller

As a member of the community where this fire took place, as well as a dog owner, I find the headline of this story very disrespectful. So many other options available, something as simple as “Town Home fire in Whisperwood”. If the need is really there to mention the demise of the poor pups, it could have been buried in the story. If the couple that lost their pups see this article I am sure this headline will stir another wave of tears that they likely do not have the energy for and could have been avoided. Please think about your headlines and how they effect those the story pertains to. There was NO NEED to state anything about the pups in the headline!!!
- Jonathan Talbot
  
  Seconded. No need to highlight the most tragic part of the story. That there was a fire in the community was dramatic enough. The click bate isn’t necessary.

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