Unattended Fire Pit Ashes Ignite Shed and Fence Fire in Virginia Beach

Firefighters contained the blaze, which was caused by discarded ashes from the previous night's fire pit use.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive wildfire consuming a residential area, with the flames and smoke dwarfing any visible structures or objects.A raging wildfire overwhelms a residential neighborhood, highlighting the power of uncontrolled flames and the importance of fire safety.Virginia Beach Today

Firefighters in Virginia Beach responded to a fire on Pinebrook Drive on Monday afternoon, where unattended ashes from a fire pit had ignited a blaze that damaged a shed and fencing on three adjacent properties.

Why it matters

Improper disposal of fire pit ashes is a common cause of residential fires, especially during dry conditions, and can pose a serious risk to nearby structures and property. This incident highlights the importance of safely extinguishing and disposing of fire pit remains to prevent such accidental blazes.

The details

The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. on Pinebrook Drive, and firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:04 p.m. to find a shed fire that had also spread to fence lines separating three adjacent properties. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the shed and affected fencing, bringing it under control by 4:13 p.m. and marking it out by 4:18 p.m. The cause was determined to be unattended ashes from a fire pit used the previous night, which had been discarded near the fence line.

  • The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:04 p.m.
  • The fire was brought under control by 4:13 p.m.
  • The fire was marked out by 4:18 p.m.

The players

Virginia Beach Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and extinguished the fire on Pinebrook Drive.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for residents to properly extinguish and dispose of fire pit ashes to prevent accidental fires, especially during dry conditions. Homeowners should allow ashes to fully cool before discarding them in a metal container away from any structures or flammable materials.