[Archived] Two Alarm Fire Causes Evacuation of Businesses.

For immediate release: April 5, 2013

WHEN: April 5, 2013

WHERE: 100 Block of East Del Ray Avenue

WHO: Alexandria Fire Department

WHAT: On April 5, 2013 at 3:08pm the Alexandria Fire Department responded to a two story commercial building in the 100 block of East Del Ray Avenue for a report of smoke coming from the basement boiler room. Arriving firefighters found moderate smoke conditions coming from a side stairwell leading to the basement. They also encountered smoke conditions on the first and second floors which initiated a request for a second alarm to assist with the fire. A number of businesses in the building including a restaurant and market were evacuated. The intersection of Mount Vernon and Del Ray Avenues was closed to all traffic for over 2 hours.

Firefighters located the fire concealed in a rear wall of the market. The fire was declared extinguished at 4:19pm.

Fire investigators determined the fire to be accidental and caused by an electrical malfunction inside the rear wall of the market place which caused smoke conditions in the basement, first and second floors of the building. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in fire and smoke damage to the building. There were no reported injuries.

For more information, contact Robert B. Rodriguez, Chief Fire Marshal / Community Services Officer / Alexandria Fire Department, at 703.746.5217 or Robert.Rodriguez@alexandriava.gov