Arlington man, 77, dies in apartment fire

Arlington County police and fire officials are investigating a two-alarm fire that left a 77-year-old man dead.

Frederick Cole died from injuries suffered in a Thursday night apartment fire at Prospect House, 1200 N. Nash St., where he lived. The high-rise condominium building is in Fort Myer Heights, just north of Arlington National Cemetery.

"I got up right away when I heard the noise," said Pat Thomas, who is staying in a Prospect House apartment while visiting family. "It was nerve-racking because it took so long. … But it was handled very well."

The initial alarm sounded at about 11:16 p.m. Thursday, and firefighters from the Rosslyn station arrived about two minutes later, said Lt. Gregg Karl with the Arlington County Fire Department. About 50 to 60 firefighters were eventually on scene. None were injured.

"They got the fire knocked down relatively quickly," Karl said.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke billowing from the building. Fire damage was contained to Cole's second-floor apartment, though nearby areas also saw smoke and water damage. The building is still structurally sound, Karl said.

Cole was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He lived alone, Karl said.

Firefighters are investigating the incident with the Arlington County Police Department. The cause of the fire has not been determined, Karl said. The fire does not appear suspicious, according to a police statement.

The investigation is ongoing.

Investigators are asking anyone with information on the fire to call Detective John Donaggio at (703) 228-4167 or Deputy Fire Marshall Paul Frank at (703) 228-4644.