STAFFORD, Va. — Seven people were helped by the Red Cross after a fire damaged their home Tuesday in Stafford County, Virginia.
Units with the Stafford County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to Rita Lane, just off of Walnut Drive, for reports of a structure fire from neighbors at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
Once at the scene, firefighters saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the front porch and roof of a single-family residence.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in 30 minutes, according to fire officials. Crews had to utilize rural water operations due to a lack of hydrants in the area.
Seven people were able to escape the house after hearing the smoke alarms before firefighters arrived. These residents received assistance from the American Red Cross.
The fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal's Office.
The Fredericksburg Fire Department, Fauquier County Fire and Rescue, and Quantico Fire and Emergency Services also assisted on the scene.
Sage that was left burning on a piece of cardboard unattended is what caused a fire at an apartment complex in Largo, Maryland Monday night, according to the Prince George's County Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal.