A wind-driven fire consumed a townhouse in the 100 block of Rolling Trace in Falls Church Sunday. The blaze broke out around 12:30 in the afternoon.
Fire officials say the resident who was home at the time was able to escape.
There were five cats and five dogs inside the home. The homeowner said that so far only two of the dogs have been found. The rest of the animals are unaccounted for.
Neighbors said they saw heavy smoke billowing from the townhouse so thick it could be seen at a shopping center two miles away.
Homes on either side of the damaged house sustained significant fire and water damage, according to fire officials. The house where the fire started is a total loss.
Investigators said 10 people were displaced by the blaze. They’re looking at the possibility that a candle played a role in the fire.
