Smoke Detectors Alerted Residents in Woodbridge Townhouse Fire to Evacuate

Smoke detectors save lives. Smoke detectors save lives. We say this often in the fire and rescue service because we witness it.

On the evening of May 28, 2024, Prince William County Fire and Rescue System units were dispatched to a structure fire on the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace (Woodbridge) for a report of a townhouse fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing prompting the need for a 2nd alarm. Fire attack limited the spread of the fire.

Thanks to working smoke detectors, the home’s occupants were alerted, then able to evacuate the home before units arrived. One occupant was transported to a nearby medical facility with a non-life-threating injury. A total of 3 townhomes (2 with fire damage, 1 with water damage) were posted unsafe to occupy by the Building Official. A total of 4 adults were displaced. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

• Put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area.
• Put alarms on every level of the home.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Your family is not safe if they can’t hear the smoke alarms.
• Test smoke alarms every month and replace 9-volt smoke alarm batteries at least once every year.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever. Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.