Updated: Fire Strikes Storage Facility, $1.6M in Damage

Update: According to a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue news release, the fire at Public Storage, 2921 Centreville Rd., began at about 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27.

The fire caused about $1.6 million in damage. Investigators concluded the cause was accidental, and a halogen lamp placed too close to combustible materials was the cause of the fire.

"Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from several open storage units located on the first level of the main building upon arrival," the release said.

The Hazardous Materials Response Team was called to the scene, totaling about 70 emergency responders. The fire spread quickly to many individual storage units and to the second floor of the main building, which collapsed.

Of the 200 storage units in the building, about 75 had varying amounts of damage, including smoke, fire and water damage. Because of the damage to the buildings structural integrity crews were pulled out of the building to attack the fire from the outside.

It took firefighters several hours to bring the fire under control. After the fire was put out, personnel remained on scene to perform overhaul and salvage operations and to douse flare-ups. One adult received a non-life threatening injury and was treated at the scene.

Halogen Lamp Safety Tips from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department:

• Always buy a certified lamp such as the Underwriters Laboratories or CSA International, as they provide standards to ensure safety
• Keep combustible materials at least three feet from halogen lamps and consider not using them in areas where they might be tipped or overturned.
• Never place lamps near windows, beds, or an area where fabric may hang near the top of the lamp.
• Before using the light, ensure you are using the recommended bulb; the wrong bulb can cause the lamp to shatter.
• Shut off the lamp when you leave the room or area.

Original post: Shortly before noon on Sunday several storage units at the Public Storage facility at 2921 Centreville Road in Herndon caught on fire. No injuries have been reported. 

Dan Schmidt of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department said Sunday afternoon the fire was brought under control. About 60 firefighters were called to the scene. The cause of the fire was unknown and damage estimates had not been determined.

*Photos sent in by Karen McCoy.