Media Advisory

Firefighters Extinguish Fire in Abandoned House

For immediate release: February 3, 2012

WHEN:           February 3, 2012

WHERE:         5300 block of Polk Avenue

WHO:             Alexandria Fire Department

WHAT:            At 5:48pm, fire department units from Alexandria, assisted by Arlington and Fairfax County fire departments, were dispatched to a possible structure fire.  The 911 call reported an abandoned house in the 5300 block of Polk Avenue was on fire.  First arriving units found a three story house with a significant portion of the structure on fire as well as spreading into the woods.  The structure was located in a remote wooded area that delayed an initial attack by fire crews.   Firefighters made an exterior attack on the fire due to the deteriorated condition of the building.  The fire was contained to the structure within 30 minutes of arrival was declared extinguished at 7:42 pm.  One firefighter was taken to an area hospital with a minor injury.

 The structure has been vacant and was boarded up by the City for a number of years.  Fire investigators are investigating the incident, but have not released a cause at this time.  Damage is estimated at $50,000.

Firefighters extinguish the remaining fire in an abandoned structure in the 5300 block of Polk Avenue.	Firefighters extinguish the remaining fire in an abandoned structure in the 5300 block of Polk Avenue.