West Springfield House Fire Displaces Family

units responded to a house fire Thursday, Feb. 9, at approximately 1:25 a.m. in West Springfield.

When they arrived at the single-family home at 8804 Moverly Court, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from a collapsing chimney on the left side of the home.  Additionally, most of the attic and roof were fully involved.

Firefighters fought the blaze from both the interior and exterior. It took about 40 minutes to knock the fire down, and more than an hour to bring the fire under control. 

Extensive overhaul and salvage was performed by fire crews, ensuring there were no hidden fire hotspots.

Two adults were home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed; a neighbor knocked on the front door after calling 911. Three occupants have been displaced. Red Cross support was not needed. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at more than $100,000.

The officer in charge said the fire was accidental, caused by a zero clearance fireplace.

According to the website 'Living With My Home', "Zero clearance refers to a prefabricated fireplace unit that can be installed almost directly against combustible surfaces, such as walls or floors. A prefabricated chimney is then run up the inside or outside of the house."

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department offers these Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Ensure that your chimney is cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional once a year.
• A spark arrestor across the top of a chimney will prevent sparks from igniting your roof.
• Use the proper fuel (seasoned hardwood, pellets, and gas/propane) for your type of system. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen across the front to prevent embers from flying or logs from rolling out.
• When clearing ashes from the fireplace, be sure to put them into a metal container with a lid—never into a cardboard box or paper bag.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.  Many “non-masonry” fireplace/chimney units have limitations on the amount of heat they can safely withstand.