Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Officials Learn Cause of Early Morning Fire Call

Volunteer firefighters responded to an activated fire alarm on Diana Drive this morning.

UPDATE: According to Woodbridge Fire Chief Shawn Rowland the fire on Diana Drive had an unusual source; the investigation revealed an oily rag in a basket that spontaneously combusted. Within minutes the entire house was filled with smoke, and within another few minutes, the home would have gone up in flames.

The smoke alarm saved the house from much more serious damage. Rowland said the family was extremely grateful that their home had been saved.

Dec. 26: Do Volunteer Firefighters ever have a restful night's sleep? Early this morning the Woodbridge Police dispatcher sounded the alarm for a fire call. The temperature was below freezing at 27 degrees as the volunteers scrambled to the firehouse.

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At 3:01 a.m. the Woodbridge Fire Department was called to Diana Drive for an activated fire alarm with indications of smoke in the basement and first floor.

At 3:11 a.m. first responders confirmed that there was smoke inside the house as firefighters assembled outside.

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At 3:15 a.m. firefighters were staging at Blue Trail and Diana Drive as more trucks arrived.

Firefighters entering through the garage report the smoke was "medium thickness."

Around 3:17 a.m. Chief Rowland requested a Bethany Tanker and a second alarm for Woodbridge Firefighters.

At 3:25 a.m. firefighters found the source of the fire and canceled the mutual aid from Bethany.

At 3:53 a.m. the house was completely ventilated.

At 4:20 a.m. all fire units returned to the firehouse.

NOTE: We will have more information today when it becomes available.


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