An accidental fire that began in a Merrifield apartment caused an estimated total of $187,500 in damages on Friday, Dec. 9, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Units from the department responded to the fire, which was in the 2700 block of Merrilee Drive in Merrifield, at approximately 2:48 p.m. on December 9.

When they arrived on the scene, firefighters found a fire that was contained and extinguished by the building sprinkler system. The fire was located in an apartment on the 6th floor. An occupant of the apartment discovered the fire when he returned home. The buildings sprinkler and alarm system activated simultaneously as the occupant notified 911.

There were no reported civilian injuries. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported to a local hospital. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined. Fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by a malfunction a portable batter charger used for charging electronic devices. According to the department, the device overheated and ignited ordinary combustibles close to it.