Faulty charging cable blamed for Herndon apartment building fire

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

Authorities say a faulty charging cable was to blame for a fire in a Fairfax County Fire apartment building that left nine residents hospitalized Thursday.

The fire happened around 5:30 p.m. at a three-story, garden style apartment in the 800 block of Park Avenue in the Herndon area.

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Investigators say that prior to the arrival of firefighters, the occupants of one apartment - a mother and three young children - self-evacuated by tying sheets together and climbing down an improvised rope to safety.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

Officials say three residents were rescued and nine were transported to the hospital. Two of the nine transported sustained life-threatening injuries. No firefighters were injured.

In total, eleven apartments were determined to be uninhabitable, and 44 residents were displaced. The Red Cross was on scene assisting residents. Damages are estimated at approximately $287,500.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department