On Tuesday June 2 at approximately 3:40 a.m., Stafford County, Va. Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a reported fire in a single family home, located at 35 Vista Woods Road in the Garrisonville area of the county.
First arriving units from North Stafford Station 14 reported fire showing from the front of the one-story rambler with a two-story addition and extending through the roof. All occupants were quickly accounted for and an aggressive attack began on the fire.
Of the 18 occupants, 17 escaped unharmed after being alerted by a smoke alarm. One adult female suffered non-life threatening injuries when she escaped through a first floor window of the home. Stafford County paramedics transported the patient to the Stafford Hospital Center. There were no injuries reported to Fire and Rescue Department personnel.
"The fire is still under investigation," said Stafford Fire and Rescue Chief Rob Brown. "We cannot overstate the importance of having working smoke alarms in all homes, businesses and schools throughout our community. It is clear that an early warning device saved lives during this incident."
The Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.
In addition to severe damage to the home, four automobiles and a recreational vehicle that were parked at the home were damaged, as well as the exterior siding of a neighboring home.
Stafford Fire Marshals are currently on scene continuing the investigation. Damage estimates and the cause of the fire are undetermined at this time.
