Giving Back to Emergency Responders — Firefighters from Station 25 presented a certificate to a Reston woman who adopted a fire hydrant in her neighborhood. The woman was involved in a serious motorcycle crash in 1994 and credits emergency crews including fire units with saving her life, and she has loved and supported them ever since. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Guinea Pigs on Twitter Thanks to Local Students — At Ideaventions Academy, a specialized STEM school in Reston, students have built a computer and are using censors to get classroom pets to tweet out randomized messages. You can follow along @PepperNCaramel. [WUSA]

County Map Shows Youth Crash Locations — A map released Thursday by Fairfax County plots the locations of all 1,840 vehicle crashes involving youth drivers (ages 15-20) in 2016. In Reston, locations including Sunrise Valley Drive, the intersection of Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hills Road, and the intersection of Reston Parkway and Route 7 had the most incidents. [Fairfax County]

Another Capital BikeShare Station Opens — An 11-dock Capital BikeShare location has opened on Town Center Parkway near Sunset Hills Road, at the RTC West complex. [Capital BikeShare/Twitter]

Map courtesy Fairfax County

A treadmill is being pinpointed as the cause of a blaze in a single-family residence in South Reston that caused nearly a quarter-million dollars in damages.

Units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to the scene of the blaze in the 2200 block of Marginella Drive, off Glade Drive, around 8:38 a.m. Wednesday.

From a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue press release:

“Units arrived on scene to find fire showing from the rear of a two-story, single family house. Firefighters went to work extinguishing a large volume of fire in the back of the home. They were able to bring the fire under control approximately ten minutes after arrival.”

One of the home’s occupants discovered the fire and called 911, fire officials report, after which smoke alarms in the home did activate. Both occupants of the home were able to get out safely.

Fire investigators say a treadmill in the home’s sunroom was the source of the blaze.

Damages as a result of the fire are estimated at $237,466, fire officials say. At the scene Thursday morning, most of the home’s windows are boarded up, as are doors and the garage. Insurance assessors were at the scene surveying the damage.

Photo at top courtesy Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

A Sunday fire on Brown Fox Way has displaced two adults, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reports.

Units from the Fox Mill station were dispatched to the blaze in the 12300 block at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday. When they arrived, they saw smoke showing from the front of the two-story, single-family house. The fire was found in the kitchen, firefighters said, and they were told by residents that there had been a problem with a circuit breaker that had tripped.

Both occupants of the home escaped without injury. Smoke alarms had activated, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says.

According to investigators:

“The fire started under the cook top, in the back of a base cabinet in the kitchen. The fire was accidental in nature and was caused from an undetermined electrical event. In addition, the fire caused the natural gas line to fail which led to a gas fed fire.”

Red Cross assistance was offered to the residents, who declined. Damages as a result of the fire have been estimated to be approximately $93,750.

Herndon Man Dies in Route 7 Crash — Rush Hone Elmore, 69, died Friday after his vehicle was rear-ended near Leesburg. The impact of the crash forced his car off the roadway, where it overturned. He died at Reston Hospital Center. [Leesburg Police Department]

Units Respond to Kitchen Fire in Reston — Firefighters attacked a blaze Sunday afternoon at a home in the 12300 block of Brown Fox Way. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Twitter]

Plum Campaign Event Set for April 30 — Del. Ken Plum (D-Fairfax) will kick off his campaign for re-election to the state House of Delegates with a fundraiser at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Ave.). Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is scheduled to be in attendance to show his support. [Del. Ken Plum]

Reston Students Profiled in ‘KidsPost’ — Katie Damon’s second-grade class at Terraset Elementary School voted on their favorite author, singer, sport and more for a profile in this weekend’s Washington Post. The kids also reported what they want to be when they grow up and what superpower they’d like to have. [Washington Post]

Bridge Title Claimed by Herndon Woman — Li Yiting was part of the team that won the Machlin Women’s Swiss Teams event at the Spring North American Bridge Championships last month in Kansas City. This is her third championship win. [Fairfax Times]

Former Assistant Principal Passes Away — Bill Weaver, a longtime assistant principal at South Lakes and Herndon high schools, died last week at the age of 83. Weaver was also a former football coach at George Mason and James Madison high schools. [Southern Maryland Online]

Community Meeting Tonight on Temporary Fire Station — Residents are invited to come to the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive) tonight at 7 p.m. to learn about the county’s plan for Reston’s temporary fire station, and to share their thoughts. [Reston Now]

County Fire Welcomes New Recruits — After 28 weeks of training, new members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue graduated from training Friday evening. Some began work the next morning, while others started on the job today. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Police: Watch for Signs of Gang Activity — The Fairfax County Police Department says certain types of graffiti can be an indicator of increased gang presence in a community. In addition, they are sharing tips for parents to look for in kids who may be at risk. [WTOP]

Reston Fire and Rescue Station 25 (1820 Wiehle Ave.) is in line to be replaced, and a county meeting Monday will allow residents to learn more about what’s ahead.

The fire company will be relocated while the work is underway. At Monday’s community meeting, the proposed temporary facility for the fire company will be discussed by county staff.

The temporary fire station is slated for 1800 Cameron Glen Drive, on approximately nine-tenths of an acre at the former Reston Hospital Center helipad site.

“This temporary site was used when the police station in Reston was renovated — they used it as a temporary parking lot,” said project manager Lisa Goddard, of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. “We can use it for our benefit while the permanent [fire] station is under construction.”

Goddard said the timing of the property being used as a temporary fire station will not interfere with the proposed Reston Town Center North expansion into the area.

Reston Fire and Rescue was one of five fire stations approved for replacement and/or renovation under the county’s 2015 Public Safety Bond Referendum. According to Goddard, work on the new facility is estimated to take place from spring 2019 through late 2020. It will be in the same location.

Construction of the temporary fire station is expected to begin next summer, Goddard said.

Goddard said the proposed temporary fire station will feature a modular building for the living quarters and office space, with a tent membrane over a steel structure for the apparatus bays. She said a full restoration of the temporary site, with removal of all improvements back to its original state of a grass lot, will take place after the fire company moves into its new permanent home.

No trees will be removed in the implementation of the temporary fire station, Goddard said.

The new fire station on Wiehle Avenue, according to the county’s Capital Improvement Plan, will cost about $13 million. It is needed due to “outdated infrastructure and critical operational space deficiencies.”

“The existing 2 1/2-bay station lacks sufficient space for existing equipment, operational support functions, adequate female living space and a workout facility to maintain physical fitness. Reston is one of the areas projected for high-density commercial and residential development as a result of the expansion of the Metrorail to Dulles Airport. A larger replacement fire station with multi-functional response capabilities will be constructed at the existing site to address the anticipated increased demand for emergency medical, fire suppression, and all hazards services.”

The community meeting on the proposal is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive).

Dogs will be the guests of honor Saturday during the “Wag Fest” celebration in Reston.

At the event, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dog lovers will have the opportunity to, among other activities:

• Learn about the county’s nine dog parks and find out about opportunities to serve as a volunteer dog park monitor
• Visit with search and rescue dogs from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Virginia Task Force 1
• See a police K9 unit demonstration
• Treat their dogs to handmade doggie treats
• Get a lesson in dog park etiquette and speak with service dog trainers
• See the latest in doggie goods from local vendors of dog merchandise and services
• Purchase a dog license

Among the presenters will be the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Weber’s Pet Supermarket, Gordon’s Grill and Off-Leash K9 Training LLC.

The free event will be held both inside and outside the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive). For more information, call 703-324- 8662 or visit the event’s Facebook page.

More Attention for Town Center Parking Debate — Reston Town Center merchant Aaron Gordon was on The Kojo Nnamdi Show on D.C. radio station WAMU on Tuesday speaking about paid parking at the Town Center. Supervisor Cathy Hudgins was also on the show to give her thoughts. [WAMU/player.fm]

Whole Foods Purchases to Benefit Fairfax County Charity — Five percent of purchases today at Northern Virginia locations of Whole Foods — including in Reston at 11660 Plaza America Drive —  will benefit Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue, which partners with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue to provide coats, books, toys and needed supplies to families. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Elected Officials to Discuss Economic Growth in Area — Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and delegates Ken Plum (D-Fairfax), Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax/Loudoun) and Kathleen Murphy (D-Fairfax/Loudoun) will be among the speakers at a forum on economic drivers and opportunities March 30 in Herndon. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]

County Officials Worry About Effects of Immigration Fear — At Tuesday’s meeting of Fairfax County’s Public Safety Committee, officials discussed concerns that members of the immigrant community will become afraid to report crime, ask for help or provide police information. They say that distrust may jeopardize overall safety in the county. [WTOP]

High Winds Cause Power Outages — Winds up to 60 mph have been striking the area, and a high-wind warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect until 6 p.m. tonight. More than 13,000 customers are reported without power this morning in Northern Virginia, including a handful in Reston. [Dominion Power]

‘Adopt a Hydrant’ Program Underway — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is asking residents and business owners to maintain the areas around fire hydrants. Hydrants must be free of snow and ice in the winter, and free of weeds, leaves and shrubbery in warmer weather. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Teachers Likely to See More in Paychecks — The Virginia General Assembly is entering the final two weeks of its session, and it looks like teachers will get raises. The Senate budget plan provides raises for teachers, while the House would give schools more unrestricted money that could be used for raises. Gov. Terry McAuliffe has also proposed a 1.5 percent bonus for teachers and state workers. [WTOP]

Photo of sunrise over Reston this morning via Twitter user @JGS3584

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.

Update 3:30 p.m.: According to an alert from the National Weather Service, this wind advisory has been canceled.

It has been extremely windy all day in Reston and the surrounding area, and that isn’t expected to let up until later this evening.

From the National Weather Service:

…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING…

* TIMING…THROUGH EARLY EVENING.

* WINDS…EAST WINDS 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH.

* IMPACTS…STRONG WINDS MAY BLOW DOWN LIMBS…TREES…AND POWER
LINES. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES ARE EXPECTED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 45 TO 55 MPH ARE EXPECTED.
WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY FOR
HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reports that units were deployed to 21 reports of downed power lines between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday.

Beware Downed Power Lines. Since 6 am today, & as of 1 pm, we have responded to 21 calls for reports of wires down. https://t.co/IzeqqGy8s5 pic.twitter.com/47KzYDpShO

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 23, 2017

Police Seek Person Who Shot at Cruiser — Someone shot at a police car last night on Georgetown Pike, and law enforcement is seeking the culprit. The incident happened around midnight in the area of Walker Road. The suspect’s vehicle may have been a white Toyota or Mazda from the late 1990s or early 2000s, with black molding on the doors. The passenger-side window may have been shattered. The car was last seen traveling westbound on Georgetown Pike in the Great Falls area. [NBC Washington]

Herndon Family of Six Displaced By House Fire — Fire officials say a passerby alerted a Herndon family to a fire in their Van Buren Street home Friday afternoon. Apparently, the home’s smoke detectors were not equipped with batteries. The fire, the source of which was electrical, caused almost $70,000 in damage. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Reston Community Players Show Has Successful Opening — “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” opened Friday on the CenterStage at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). A reviewer says the show, which runs through Feb. 4, is a “fine production” with an “excellent cast.” [DC Metro Theater Arts]

Suspect Information Released in Sunday Stabbing — Police have released a description of the suspect in a double stabbing on the soccer fields near South Lakes High School. The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male with short hair, in his early 20s. He may drive a blue Subaru STI. [Fairfax County Police Department/Twitter]

Many Places Closed for Martin Luther King Day — Schools, the library, government offices and more are closed today for the holiday. Other services may also be affected. [Patch]

Students Interested in Firefighting Have Opportunity — The High School Firefighter Program is designed to teach Fairfax County students how to battle blazes safely and effectively. A recent open house showcased the program for interested teens and parents. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

(Updated 7:50 p.m. to include statements from Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Barrero)

A Herndon townhouse suffered heavy damage in a Friday afternoon fire, but all occupants are safe.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews responded to a report of a blaze in the 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Drive, off McNair Farms Drive, around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Units on scene 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr with fire showing from the rear of 3 level townhouse pic.twitter.com/1DlG2XzUXb

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017

A pair of ladder trucks were involved in battling the flames, which were quickly brought under control by the responding units.

According to Deputy Chief Anthony Barrero of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the fire started with an outside gas grill.

“They were outside cooking,” Barrero said. “Burning on the grill led to the fire, which extended up to the attic space.”

Barrero said two adults were home at the time of the blaze; however, a total of four adults and two juveniles were living in the townhouse. The Red Cross is assisting the residents.

No one was injured in the blaze, Barrero said, and there were no pets in the home.

Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – All occupants accounted for. Crews working on extinguishing fire. pic.twitter.com/sOMjw3Rorx

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017

Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – Fire under control. Units checking for extension. pic.twitter.com/oag0z80tYh

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017

The townhouse is a middle house in a row of attached dwellings. Barrero said the fire did extend to one neighboring home, which he said suffered “very minor damage” on its second floor.

Update 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Dr – Fire is out. All units will be on scene undetermined amount of time conducting extensive overhaul. pic.twitter.com/cJ8jINaypf

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 6, 2017

The fire caused an estimated $90,000 in damage to the townhouse itself and $10,000 in damage to contents, Barrero said.