HERNDON, Va. (WUSA) — Nobody noticed the flames until it was too late. Until the fire was too strong to stop from burning five townhouses in. One after the other. Stunned neighbors watched in disbelief.

“It was horrible. It was horrific. The flames were shooting so high I thought the trees were on fire,” said neighbor Delbra Anderson who was jolted out of her trace to think of knocking on the doors of people who were in the fire’s path. It raged around 11:00 in the 13,000 block of Shea Place in Herndon.

via WUSA9.com | Washington, DC | Fire Rips Through Five Herndon Townhouses.

Photo from WUSA9

According to fire investigators, the Ashnut Lane townhouse fire was accidental. Improper disposal of smoking materials on the rear deck caused the fire.

Two-Alarm Herndon Townhouse Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at approximately 11:50 p.m., in the Herndon area of Fairfax County. The townhouse is located at 13196 Ashnut Lane.

Firefighters encountered fire and heavy smoke coming from two floors in the rear of a three-story middle townhouse unit upon arrival. A second alarm was struck, bringing over 60 firefighters to the incident scene. Firefighters conducted an offensive fire attack that limited damage to the two adjacent townhouse units. Crews also conducted a rapid search of the structure, ensuring the safety of the occupants. Additionally, there was major fire damage to the roof of the townhouse. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes.  Red Cross support was declined by the family. A total of four adults have been displaced.  There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $125,000.

The fire is under investigation.