Cause of Fire Determined, Firefighter Injured Fighting Blaze

Officials have determined what caused a fire that broke out Saturday night in Herndon, destroying a home and displacing a family of five.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Saturday at approximately 10:35 p.m., in the Herndon area of Fairfax County. The single family home is located 412 Queens Row Street, near the corner of Trinity Gate Street, close to the entrance of Runnymede Park.

In a statement issued Monday, firefighters said they encountered "heavy fire and smoke coming from the roof and attic of the two-story home" upon arrival. 

The statement said firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes - though, unfortunately, one firefighter sustained "non-life-threatening injuries" while fighting the blaze.

The firefighter was reportedly transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and has since been released.

Two adults and three children were home when the fire broke out, and were able to evacuate the home themselves, the statement indicated.

All five occupants have been displaced.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. 

"The fire originated on the front porch with combustibles too close to a heat source," the department's statement indicated.

The house sustained extensive damage, which the department reported Monday is estimated at around $200,000.

Locals on Herndon Patch's Facebook page said neighbors immediately came to the family's aid, and all five members of the family stayed overnight with various neighbors.

In our initial article on the fire, Patch user Ruth Tatlock commented, reporting that Red Cross volunteers arrived at about 2 a.m. and stayed for two hours.

She said, all day Sunday, neighbors were pitching in, helping to sort through debris at the house.

"Salvaging has been going on all day. Everybody [is] pitching in. Queens Row and Trinity Gate is a very special place!" she said.

According to neighbors on our Facebook page, the children are three girls, aged 10, 8 and 5.

John Przybysz, Jr. posted, "Sounds like they lost pretty much everything. They only had time to get themselves out. The fire moved fast."

Many say "the 412 house" - as it was located at 412 Queens Row Street - held fond memories for everyone on the block.

Facebook fan Leslie Dodson said, "Although I have so many wonderful memories of house 412, I'm extremely grateful to hear that the present owners were able to escape without injury."

"And I too am thankful for all of the wonderful friends and neighbors in Windyn/Hunters Creek -- past and present -- who have shared the news and who are on hand to support the family," she continued.

Claudia Dodson said, "My heart sank when I heard the horrific news, but at the same time, was gratefully uplifted to hear that the current owners were safe. The 412 Queens Row neighborhood has and will always hold a special place in my heart."

Did you see the commotion over the weekend due to the fire? Tell us in the comments.

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