(Updated at 4:30 p.m.) Firefighters from Arlington, Fairfax County and Alexandria are on scene of a high-rise fire in Bailey’s Crossroads, near the Arlington border.
The fire was reported around 10:00 a.m. at the Skyline Plaza condo tower at 3705 S. George Mason Drive. A second alarm — including a “strike force” and multiple ladder trucks and medic units from Arlington County — was dispatched to the scene.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says a power transformer caught fire next to the building, but smoke from the blaze wafted inside the structure. Dominion Power has been working with firefighters to cut power to the transformer and the building, according to scanner traffic.
The bottom floors of the 26-story tower filled with smoke and firefighters have been working to evacuate the entire building, including at least a dozen residents who have called to request assistance when evacuating, according to scanner traffic. At least one injury has been reported from a resident falling down a flight of stairs.
Evacuees are being housed in the other tower of the condo complex, the fire department said. The American Red Cross is responding to the scene to assist displaced residents.
The response has prompted the Arlington County Department to “[bring] in some units from our regional partners to maintain Fire/EMS coverage in Arlington County while the incident in Fairfax is ongoing.”
UPDATE transformer fire in the 3700 block of South George Mason Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads area: smoke has migrated into building. NO fire in building. Crews working to assist all residents out of building. Also working to clear smoke. #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/Oo1O2kkiS5
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 1, 2019
We have multiple units assisting @ffxfirerescue with this incident. We are moving resources within the County and bringing in some units from our regional partners to maintain Fire/EMS coverage in Arlington County while the incident in Fairfax is ongoing. #mutualaid https://t.co/dyvBbiKrOt
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) April 1, 2019
UPDATE transformer fire in the 3700 block of South George Mason Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads area: did go to 2nd Alarm to bring personnel resources to assist with evacuation and smoke removal. Residents being sheltered in neighboring building. #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/F7pN4FpfKs
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 1, 2019
#DCsBravest Engine 2 & Truck 4 enroute to assist our neighbors across the river @ArlingtonVaFD to fill in at their Station 1 as they assist @ffxfirerescue battle an apartment fire. Mutual aid is a key to success in the DMV.
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) April 1, 2019
Just called @DominionEnergy and its’ official says they need to bring up 2 transformers from Richmond. No timeline yet on how long it will take to get power restored to the hundreds of units bc fire damage is so extensive. https://t.co/LVSBq3qn4b
— Tim Barber (@ABC7TimBarber) April 1, 2019
Photos via @ffxfirerescue
