ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Albemarle County Fire Rescue and the Charlottesville Fire Department responded to a townhouse fire in the 700 block of Merion Greene on Tuesday, February 25 at approximately 5:30 p.m. The first fire crews arrived about 10 minutes after dispatch and found flames coming from the roof. The fire displaced a single resident, who was uninjured and is receiving assistance from friends and the American Red Cross.

The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause, but officials believe it started in the chimney before spreading to the attic.

Fire officials are reminding residents to have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional, keep flammable materials at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves, and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving home or going to sleep.