Officials: Surge protector caused Annandale apartment fire that killed dog

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the 7900 block of Charles Thomson Lane around 9 p.m. for a fire in an apartment building.

A neighbor had heard smoke alarms in a nearby apartment and went to investigate. They saw smoke coming from the apartment and saw that the door was “partially charred.” That neighbor then pulled the fire alarm, evacuated and called 9-1-1.

When units arrived, there was visible smoke and fire. The fire had started in an apartment on the third floor.

No firefighters or civilians were injured, but one dog died in the fire.

The fire displaced nine adults and four children, who received assistance from the Red Cross.

Fire investigators said that the fire was accidental.