[Archived] Alexandria Fire Department, ATF Complete Investigation of September 2 Warehouse Fire

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2013

Fire marshals from the Alexandria Fire Department, working in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) have completed their investigation into the six-alarm fire that occurred at 801 S. Pickett St., Alexandria Virginia on Monday, September 2.

After conducting interviews and completing a thorough scene examination, all accidental causes for this fire have been eliminated. This fire has been determined to be incendiary in nature and a person of interest has been identified. The estimated fire loss to the structure and contents for this incident is approximately $6 million. The case has been forwarded to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a judicial disposition.

The ATF NRT is composed of members with a variety of specialties and expertise. The ATF also financed various crucial assets and resources that otherwise may have been difficult to obtain in a timely manner. These resources were needed to determine an origin and cause for this major fire and the investigation was completed within just one week.

Alexandria Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel is available to answer questions about this incident tonight, September 10, at 8 p.m., in Market Square, 301 King St. For more information, contact Tony Castrilli, Director of Communications and Public Information, at 703.888.7166 or tony.castrilli@alexandriava.gov .