Residents of Fairfax County witnessed a severe two-alarm fire that engulfed two townhomes on Gladys May Lane in the Franconia area Sunday night. As reported by DC News Now, large flames and billowing black smoke were visible as the fire department received multiple calls after 9 p.m. Firefighters worked to contain heavy flames shooting from the homes and noted that a significant portion of the fire was located in the basement, with a possible gas feed contributing to its spread.
According to WJLA, the fire has led to several residents being displaced, and while a gas explosion is suspected to have preceded the inferno, officials have stated that it's too early for them to definitively confirm these details. The extreme cold weather posed extra hurdles for the firefighters, who were reported to have experienced difficulties with the water supply while attempting to extinguish the blaze.
The collaborative effort between Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Alexandria, and Prince George’s County firefighters was crucial in responding quickly to the emergency. No injuries were reported as of Sunday evening. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department took to social media with a post stating, "Our firefighters have the bulk of the fire under control." They continued working tirelessly to mitigate the gas-fed fire in the basements of the residences. Washington Gas was also called onto the scene to assist, as highlighted in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Facebook post.
Social media visuals showed the townhomes engulfed in intense orange flames, with fire pouring from windows and the roof. Fire officials have not yet determined the cause, leaving affected residents uncertain about their immediate future.
