Huntington Community Center closed indefinitely after fire

The Huntington Community Center is located at 5751 Liberty Drive. 

A fire broke out yesterday afternoon at the Huntington Community Center, causing an estimated $93,750 in damage and leaving the center closed for the time being. 

Firefighters responded to a report of an alarm at the center around 5:30 p.m., and when they arrived they found a fire in the kitchen, according to a fire department press release. The blaze was quickly extinguished, and everyone inside the building had already evacuated safety when crews arrived, the fire department said. No injuries were reported.

The fire, which was ruled accidental, began after an employee left a plastic tray was left on top of a stove burner in the kitchen. The flame from the stove was turned on and ignited the tray, triggering the fire. 

The building will be closed until a full assessment of the damage is made, according to Ben Boxer, a public information officer for Fairfax County.

Programs usually held at Huntington will be moved to the Gum Springs Community Center, according Boxer, and no cancellations are expected. The county is providing transportation to Gum Springs for those who need it. Anyone with questions regarding transportation assistance is asked to call 703-704-6700.