Crime & Safety

Quick-Thinking Family Saves Two in House Fire

The Five Oaks Road fire started around the chimney

Erin Cook and her two daughters, Maggie and Grace, were just leaving Mosby Woods Elementary School after last night's basketball practice when 9-year-old Maggie spotted sparks on a nearby roof. The family's quick thinking may have saved two Five Oaks Road residents from burning in the house fire.

Firefighters arrived around 8:15 p.m. to find a couple uninjured and outside of the home. Alerted by her daughter, Erin had parked her car and raced inside 9875 Five Oaks Road to warn the residents of the fire, according to neighbor Lesli Kraiger. She found both inside, unaware of the danger. Together they left the burning home.

The fire started around the home's zero clearance chimney and spread into the attic, according to Fairfax City Fire Chief Dave Rohr. Oakton, Merrifield, West Annandale and Tyson's Corner firefighters responded. A Fairfax City battalion chief was on the scene.

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