Yesterday was one for the record books at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The area experienced unprecedented, prolonged winds that heralded one of the busiest days the department has experienced. From 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday, Fire and Rescue personnel responded to over 1,100 calls for help, almost three times the average number of calls for a 24-hour period.
Firefighters responded to 255 calls for downed power lines. There were approximately 56 calls for a tree falling into or onto a home, seven calls for house fires, eleven calls for building fires, and 210 outside fires. Additionally, throughout the day Fire and Rescue personnel responded to many noteworthy calls:
OCCUPANT RESCUED AFTER TREE FALLS INTO LAKE BARCROFT HOME
At approximately 3:47 a.m., on Friday, March 2, units were dispatched for a reported large tree into a house in the 3500 block of Highview Place in the Lake Barcroft section of Fairfax County. Upon arrival, crews quickly determined that one occupant was trapped under a tree that had fallen onto the home and into a bedroom. Crews worked quickly to stabilize the tree and remove the section which pinned the occupant to his bed. Following an approximately 30 minute extrication, the occupant was transported to an area hospital for observation and treatment of minor injuries. A building inspector was requested to evaluate the structural stability of the home. Damages were estimated to be approximately $80,000.
HUNTINGTON AVENUE HIGH RISE FIRE
At approximately 5:40 p.m., on Friday, March 2, units responded to the 2000 block of Huntington Avenue for reports of smoke showing from the 5th floor of a high rise apartment building. Crews were able to quickly locate and extinguish the fire.
TWO-ALARM HOUSE FIRE ON CHERRY ORCHARD COURT
At 3:23 p.m., on Friday, March 2, units were dispatched for reports of a house fire in the 7800 block of Cherry Orchard Court. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. A neighbor discovered the fire and called 911. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Three family pets perished in the fire. The fire originated on the outside of the home. The fire was accidental in nature. The cause involved a gasoline powered generator.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department News 