Two-Alarm Fire at Seven Corners High Rise Friday Morning

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units, along with units from Arlington County, responded to a fire in a high-rise building, Friday morning at approximately 3 a.m., in the Seven Corners area of Fairfax County. The high-rise apartment building is located at 6166 Leesburg Pike, according to a news release from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters encountered an active fire on the second floor. A second alarm was struck bringing over 50 fire department personnel to the scene. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.

Firefighters rescued an adult male from the apartment where the fire originated and transported him to Washington Hospital burn center.

The smoke alarm did not activate due to a dead battery.

Damage is estimated at $25,000.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An electrical anomaly in a power strip caused the fire.

Electrical Safety Tips 

·    Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.

·    Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

·    If your power goes out often or the lights in your home flicker, produce an odor, or make noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.   

·    The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you.

·    All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”

·    When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.

·    Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.

·    Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

·    Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.

·    Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.

·    Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.