Fort Belvoir FES (E463, E464, T463, BC463) and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at approximately 8:40 p.m. in the Lorton area of Fairfax County. The townhouse is located at 7677 Sheffield Village Lane.

Firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the two-story home upon arrival. The Incident Commander struck a second alarm as there was risk the fire would spread to other adjoining townhouses. Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the fire scene. The occupants were home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed. It took firefighters approximately 15 minutes to bring the fire under control. Two adults and three children have been displaced. Red Cross is assisting the family. There were no injuries.

The townhouse is a total loss. Additionally, two adjacent townhouses each received approximately $15,000 in damages.

According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental. An electrical anomaly in an attached shed containing an electrical panel caused the fire.