An Arlington, Va., home exploded Monday night after a man inside fired several rounds from a flare as police prepared to serve a search warrant, authorities said.
The explosion happened after 8 p.m. in the 800 block of N. Burlington Street, Arlington County Police Department said on Xnoting that firefighters were trying to put out the blaze and that residents should avoid the area, part of a densely populated suburb with parks, restaurants and schools.
Police were first dispatched to the home around 4:45 p.m. after a report of shots fired and found the resident had fired a flare, Ashley Savage, spokeswoman for the Arlington County Police Department, said by phone. Officers obtained a search warrant but had not yet entered the home when the resident fired more shots and the explosion occurred, Ms. Savage said.
“We have not been able to access the home at this time, so I do not have suspect status,” Ms. Savage said, noting that “the male was believed to be in the residence at the time of the explosion.” The investigation into the explosion continues, she said.
Officers said there were “minor injuries” but no one was taken to hospital.
One video published on social networks It appears to show a vehicle with a flashing blue light approaching a house when a loud explosion suddenly blows off the roof. Within seconds, the building appears to crumple to the ground and catch fire, sending debris flying through the air and setting off a nearby car alarm.
As of 10:30 p.m., firefighters were still working to extinguish the fire and the damage was unclear, said Nate Hiner, a spokesman for the Arlington County Fire Department.
Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents the region, said on X that he was monitoring the situation. “This is very, very scary, and my deepest gratitude goes out to the emergency services who are working to secure the area and keep everyone safe,” he said.