WASHINGTON — Four dogs died Thursday in a townhouse fire in the Springfield area of Fairfax County, Virginia.

A small appliance on a kitchen counter caused the $50,000 blaze, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Fire units responded to the three-story, end unit home in the 6400 block of Wainfleet Court just after 6 p.m.

A woman inside the home escaped without injury.

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