Alexandria warehouse fire causes $5M in damages
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) — A commercial warehouse fire broke out in early January, quickly escalating to a 3-alarm fire, bringing more than 100 firefighters from the Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) and causing millions in damage.
The incident was reported at about 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 2 at 4407 Wheeler Ave. No civilians were injured. One firefighter sustained a minor injury but was treated and released on the same day.
On Jan. 24, AFD stated that the fire marshals’ initial investigation revealed the fire was accidental and electrical. Its investigation spanned three days, and it got assistance from the Arlington County and Fairfax County fire departments; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the George Mason University and Fairfax City Fire Department Drone Team.
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While the investigation was ongoing, firefighters continued to address hot spots and extinguish debris. They were able to identify a room in the warehouse as where the fire started. There, they found several electrical components.
The building’s fire alarm system and smoke alarms were activated during the incident.
The building was condemned due to the fire.
“Among the businesses affected by the fire is Jeffery’s Catering – a key provider for the Meals on Wheels program. The owners have made the necessary arrangements to continue services in an alternative location,” AFD stated in a press release.
The fire caused about $1.5 million in structural damage and an additional estimated $3.5 million in damage to impacted businesses located in the commercial strip warehouse.
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