Community seeks donations for fire victims
Investigators said a dryer is to blame for a fire that damaged four homes and displaced 15 people early Wednesday morning.
A preliminary finding indicates that the fire probably originated in the electric clothes dryer in the laundry room located in an exterior attached shed in the rear of one townhouse and spread to the other three.
Further forensic testing of the dryer is needed to accurately determine the ignition source; however, improper venting and overloading of lint is a consideration.
Damage to the four townhouses is estimated at approximately $500,000.
-Manasssas City fire and rescue statement
An ATF agent assisted Manassas fire investigators in the case. Officials were sifting through remains of burnt homes after flames had been extinguished.
The blaze damaged a total of four homes on Maury Lane in Manassas’ Georgetown South neighborhood. Two homes were total losses, according to city spokeswoman Patty Prince.
Dryer fires are common, but there are things you can do to prevent them.
“When I’m done [repairing a dryer], I usually turn it on, go outside and make sure the air is coming out strong,” said Jerry Jarskiewicz owner of Apple Appliance Repair in Stafford.
Dryer vent houses and get clogged with lint and that can lead to fires, added Jarskiewicz,
The fire comes near Christmas, and that makes it an esepecially trying time for the displaced families that may have lost Christmas gifts in the blaze.
Georgetown South Community Manager Meg Carroll told Manassas Local her office, and a local church is collecting donations for the victims:
The Georgetown South Community Council (GTSCC) office is coordinating the donations and their subsequent equitable distribution. One of our close church partners, Grace United Methodist passed on the idea that the best way to help would be in the form of cash, checks and gift cards. This way the fire survivors could purchase what they need as they need it. At this time we have no way of storing large donations.
When you see the range of ages of the survivors you may be tempted to buy some toys given the holiday season. My advice: give in to the temptation. In at least one case, a resident has been told her insurance will cover only 80% of the repair and restoration to her house.
This is a woman who had created such a beautiful home full of treasured pieces of furniture and memorabilia that is irreplaceable, nevertheless she says she is happy just to be alive. . Donations can be sent to the Georgetown South Community Council office at 9444 Taney Road Manassas, VA 20110. Checks can be made payable to: GTSCC. Please make some reference that the donation is for the fire survivors.
Donations can even be dropped off on the weekend in the drop box in front of the Center. Those affected by the fire from all of the four homes include: 3 adult males, five adult females, three males ages 19 to 20, one 15 year old female, three boys ages 4, 9 and 11 and two girls ages 2 and 3.
