Four-Alarm Blaze Torches Construction Site Outside Washington, D.C.
Owner declares mixed-use project in Alexandria, Va. “destroyed”
About 150 firefighters from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a four-alarm fire at a construction site outside Washington, D.C., on Feb. 8. The mixed-use development in Alexandria, Va., dubbed “South Alex,” was declared “destroyed” by the property owner Combined Properties. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
CBG Building Co. is the contractor on the project, which broke ground in 2018. Completion was scheduled for 2021. South Alex was planned as a 400-unit mixed-use apartment community, split across two-five-story buildings. The first floor was planned as retail space, including a 20,000-sq-ft Aldi grocery store.
By 2 p.m. on Feb. 8, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue declared the fire contained.
“We are extremely grateful for the local first responders from several jurisdictions who worked diligently to control the fire and the area around the project site,” according to a statement released by CBG Building Group. “At this moment, it appears that the fire has been contained. The response teams will be following their protocol for the next 24 hours, remaining on site and ensuring the fire is out. The safety of everyone involved continues to be our highest priority.”
One firefighter and one civilian were transported to the hospital for checks of “minor injury,” according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.
In a statement from Combined Properties, Sri Velamati, president and CEO of Combined Properties said the company aims to move forward with the development. “We have long been a part of this community and are deeply committed to rebuilding and fulfilling our commitment to this neighborhood,” according to the statement. “We are extremely grateful for the firefighters, police and other first responders who have been battling this blaze, and we are cooperating with officials as they try to determine the cause.”
Looking for quick answers on construction and engineering topics?
Try Ask ENR, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask ENR →
