WASHINGTON – Two Alexandria fires were intentionally set at residences over the weekend, and police are searching for the suspects.
A single-family home located at 7407 Beulah St. caught fire at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, causing more than $55,000 in damage and displacing four adults and two children.
The blaze, which investigators say started in a second floor bathroom, was intentionally set, according to Fairfax County Fire officials.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control in about 10 minutes and all occupants escaped unharmed before firefighters’ arrival.
On Sunday, another intentionally set apartment fire left more than a dozen people homeless and caused $500,000 in damage, according to Fairfax County fire officials.
The fire happened at the three-story Morningside Apartments on Zircon Drive at about 2 p.m. Sunday.
Fire crews rescued several people from a balcony during the blaze.
Three women were taken to an area hospital and are expected to be OK, says Capt. Randy Bittinger of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Three dogs rescued during the fire are expected to be fine, too, he adds. No other injuries were reported.
Fairfax County Fire officials say six apartment units were affected by the blaze. Investigators say the fire was intentionally set on the terrace level, but police do not know who set the fire or why.
The fire displaced 11 adults and four juveniles. The Red Cross says it is helping 28 people with temporary shelter.
It is not yet clear if the two cases of arson are connected.
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