ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Fire investigators said an unattended candle is most likely to blame for an accidental fatal fire in Alexandria.
A fire spokesperson has released few details on the victim, but said in a tweet a man was found dead inside the burning home on Arell Court.
Assistant Chief of Operations Lawrence Schultz said from the scene Saturday morning only one person was in the townhouse at the time of the fire.
"We’ve located one person and we believe that’s the only person that was supposed to be in the house at this time," said Schultz.
Schultz said all three floors were heavily on fire as crews arrived on the scene just after 9 a.m. Schultz said neighbors called 911 when they saw the flames.
"There were actually several calls that came in from people in the neighborhood," said Schultz.
Conditions were also cold for the firefighters, many of whom had to stay wrapped in blankets when they weren't inside the house.
While the fire was mostly contained, department spokesperson Raytevia Evans said one home next door did have damage to the attic and the residents were displaced.
Evans said the case is being investigated by both Alexandria fire and police.
The case remains open pending the results of the autopsy.