Charcoal Ashes Cause Two Weekend Fires
The first occurred at a townhouse on Leewood Forest Drive, early in the morning on May 31. Fire investigators said the fire that started from charcoal ashes on the two-story end unit’s rear deck was accidental.
None were injured or displaced by the fire. There is $6,250 worth of damage estimated.
Firefighters responded to a second fire around midnight on June 1. The fire was in a garage on Fernleigh Boulevard. Charcoal ashes dumped near the garage caused the fire, investigators said.
Again, the fire was determined to be accidental, with $8,500 in estimated damage. There were no injuries in this second fire, either.
In both cases firefighters were able to control and extinguish the fire quickly.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department grill safety tips include:
*Grills should be placed at least 15 feet from homes, building or other combustibles for sufficient air circulation.
*Charcoal must be kept dry until used.
*Spare propane bottles should be stored in a location outside, away from the home, such as a shed.
*Keep children and pets away from grills, which continue to give off heat even after cooking has ended.
*Never put hot ashes in paper or plastic bags or containers -- only use metal containers.
*Never use a grill on an apartment or condominium balcony: It’s both dangerous and unlawful.
Tent of Nations Member to Speak at Springfield Church
Amal Nassar, a member of the Palestinian Lutheran family that operates a farm called "Tent of Nations" in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank, will speak at Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m.
The church is located at 7434 Bath Street in Springfield.
This event is co-sponsored by Grace Presbyterian Church, Sabeel-DC, Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, Israel-Palestine Mission Network - National Capital Presbytery, Ravensworth Baptist Church and the Alliance of Baptists' Justice in Palestine and Israel group.
When she is not guiding visitors to the Tent of Nations, six miles from Bethlehem, Nassar works as a physical therapist at Caritas Hospital in Bethlehem, specializing in treatments for cystic fibrosis amongst infants.
She is an educator who also works with Bedouin women who have a high percentage of children with the disease.
She toured the U.S a few years ago as a member of Jerusalem Women Speak tours sponsored by the Partners for Peace. Also present will be Amal's brother Daher Nassar.
The long-term goal of The Tent of Nations is to prepare youth to make positive contributions to their future and society through the values of understanding, tolerance, and respectful coexistence.