Crime & Safety

Clifton Basement Fire Displaces Two Adults, Two Children

Smoke alarms alerted two Clifton adults and two children - now displaced - after a townhouse fire on the morning of Wed. July 10. Damage at the home at 13677 Wildflower Ln. is estimated at $25,000, and investigators determined the cause to be a faulty electrical outlet in the basement laundry room. 

Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the basement windows of the two-story, middle unit town home. 

"There was extensive damage to the basement and some smoke damage to the upper floors," according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.  

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Stationwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

No one was injured in the blaze. Red Cross support was offered, but the family employed other resources. 

Fairfax County Electrical Safety Tips
  • Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
  • Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
  • If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker, smell bad, or make noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.   
  • The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).  This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity come together.  An electrician can install a GFCI for you.
  • All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”
  • When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
  • Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.
  • Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
  • Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.
  • Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Stationwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Fairfax Station