Report: House Fire Near Reston Caused By Improper Ash Disposal

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says a house fire that caused an estimated $155,000 in damages was the result of improper disposal of fireplace ashes.

Units were dispatched to the blaze in the 12300 block of Myterra Way, just south of Reston, at about 1:20 a.m. Friday. Fire was showing from the basement and first floor of the two-level home.

Three adults and one juvenile were in the home at the time, and they all were able to get out before the fire department arrived. There were no reported injuries, and Red Cross assistance was declined.

According to investigators, the fire started under an elevated enclosed deck in the rear of the home. The fire was determined to be accidental, the result of the ignition of combustible materials due to improper disposal of fireplace ashes in a plastic container.

In a press release, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds residents to be cautious and keep safety in mind, offering these tips:

• Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on/under decks, porches, or in garages.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid and place it away from the house to cool.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can OUTSIDE and away from the home and away from your fireplace, wood stove and anything combustible.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or stove.