Updated
Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue sent out a press release with updated details on this mornig’s fire in Woodbridge:
The fire was reported by a neighbor who smelled smoke upon their return home.
Through further investigation, they discovered fire in a vacant unit and immediately called 911.
Red Cross was called to assist a neighbor, 1 adult, temporarily displaced due to sustained smoke damage.
Building Inspector was on scene and has posted the primary unit unsafe.
The origin of the fire was a second floor utility room; the cause electrical and has been determined accidental.
Original post
Five people were displaced overnight after a vacant townhouse caught fire.
Volunteer fire crews were called to the 2900 block of Williamsburg Court, just off Route 1 in Woodbridge shortly after two a.m. today. A fire that started on the first floor of the house quickly spread through the second floor and then into the attic, according to fire crews called to the scene.
A water heater collapsed on the first floor, and flames burned through the second floor of the house while fire crews were inside, we’re told.
Smoke damage was reported at several homes adjacent to the townhome that caught fire. The roofs of several homes were cut open to help ventilate the smoke, according to our source.
No one was injured. Five adults and two dogs are now in the care of the American Red Cross.
A fire marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze.
