Fire officials say a two-alarm fire Sunday night caused an estimated $300,000 damage to a home in Centreville's Sequoia Farms community and displaced the two people who lived there. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but neighbors believe it might have been started accidentally by children setting off fireworks.
The homeowners, a mother and daughter, were not in their house when the fire began, but they returned to discover it ablaze. Neighbors were able to rescue several dogs and guinea pigs.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded around 10 p.m. to a two-story, single-family home at 14386 Flourcastle Court. First-arriving firefighters reported heavy fire showing from the Colonial-style home's roof and attached garage.
An additional alarm was requested — bringing more than 60 emergency personnel racing to the scene. Battling the blaze were firefighters and equipment from both Centreville fire stations, as well as from stations in Fair Oaks, Chantilly, the City of Fairfax, Oakton, Frying Pan and even Prince William County.
Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Afterward, an adult female who did not live in the house was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries unrelated to the actual fire.
<tgl> — Bonnie Hobbs