Portable Heater Caused Fire at Clifton Home

A portable heater set too close to flammable objects in a bedroom caused the on Popes Head Road in Clifton, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said yesterday. 

Firefighters were able put out the fire in about 50 minutes. Damages are estimated at $80,000, and two residents are now displaced from their home, but have declined help from the Red Cross. There were no working smoke alarms in the building, the Fire and Rescue Department said.

Firefighters entered a side door to rescue a man who had apparently rushed back into the burning home. The man had life-threatening injuries and was medevaced to the Washington Hospital Burn Center. A firefighter was also treated for minor face lacerations.