A carelessly discarded cigarette started the fire that caused $48 million in damage Saturday in the Groveton area, according to Fairfax County fire officials.
Saturday's fire occurred at the South Alex development, an under-construction mixed-use development.
The Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department said the massive fire started just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. A construction worker told department officials the fire started in a trash chute at the construction site.
"As is common with buildings under construction, there was no sprinkler system in place. This combined with extremely windy weather conditions made fighting the fire difficult," the fire department reported in a press release.
The fire engulfed five buildings and 14 townhouses that were under construction. The fire damaged and additional 14 townhouses, four single-family homes, five apartment buildings, a commercial building and 28 vehicles, Fairfax County fire officials reported. The ZIPS dry cleaner next door to the development closed while smoke and water damage are repaired.
Two firefighters were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries and have been released. One civilian suffered minor injuries, as well.
Fairfax County firefighters called for support from the City of Alexandria Fire Department, Arlington County Fire Department, Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Services Department and Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services.
Residents reported seeing smoke as far away as Arlington, Lorton and Springfield.
Covering the Corridor reported this week:
"Speaking at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairman Jeff McKay said he has spoken with the property owners affected by Saturday’s four-alarm fire and said they 'are eager to get going again.' Combined Properties, who owns the South Alex property, issued a statement over the weekend saying they intend stick with the project, and Craftmark Homes — owners of the Towns at South Alex townhouse development behind South Alex — has already been in touch with the county about next steps, according to McKay."
