MANASSAS, Va. — A family of five narrowly escaped a devastating fire in the early morning hours Friday on Weems Road in Manassas, with four people now being treated at a burn center in D.C.
The fire, which broke out just before 5:30 a.m., quickly consumed the single-family home, with flames visible from both the first and second floors when fire crews arrived. According to the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department, the family members, who were trapped on the second floor, were forced to make an escape through windows to save themselves from the blaze.
Firefighters rushed to the home after receiving reports of the fire and burn victims, but by the time they arrived, the family had already self-evacuated. There were no smoke detectors found inside the home.
Loved ones identified the parents as Sharon and Victor Calvillo, who were in the house with their 17-year-old, 15-year-old and 13-year-old children. A relative described the father's heroic rescue of his children.
"Without even thinking, he sprints straight to that door," Eric Calvillo, the children's cousin, said. "No clue if there's even ground underneath him. But he gets to the bedroom, grabs her, throws her back to his bedroom, goes into the next bedroom to get [his son], and he tries to get out of that bedroom but by then, everything was in flames. He hops out of the window still holding on to the window sill. It was scorching hot. He grabs [his son], drops him down and he hops out."
The mother and daughter also jumped out from the second floor and landed on the air conditioner unit.
Four of the family members, suffering from burn injuries, were transported to the burn center in D.C. for specialized care. The fifth family member, Victor Calvillo Jr., was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He said his parents remain in the ICU in critical but stable condition. His brother remains hospitalized while his sister was released.
"I just know there was a fire that started in the living room and it spread upstairs," Victor Calvillo Jr. said.
Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire, and officials have stressed the critical need for smoke detectors in every home. Without the protection of working detectors, the family had no early warning of the fire, putting them in greater danger.
The Manassas community has rallied around the family, but this fire serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of fire safety. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the home suffered significant fire and smoke damage, particularly on the second floor where the fire was most intense.
"This was a generational home," Eric Calvillo said. "I stayed here a lot for my childhood. I have a lot of memories with my cousins and my brother."
As the investigation continues, fire officials are urging residents to check their smoke detectors and ensure they are properly installed and working.
Family members have put together an online fundraiser to help with the family's housing and medical bills. Those wishing to donate can do so here.
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