The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) responded to two separate structure fires over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
At approximately 9:49 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 9-1-1 call for a reported house fire in the 200 block of North Cottage Road in the Algonkian District. Fire and Rescue crews from Sterling, Kincora, and Moorefield, as well as Fairfax County, arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the townhome and subsequently requested a Rapid Intervention Task Force to bring additional firefighters to the scene. Crews were able to quickly locate and extinguish the fire on the second floor and in the attic and worked diligently to complete salvage and overhaul operations. A total of five occupants were displaced and there were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR FMO) investigation determined the fire was accidental, due to an electrical malfunction in a bedroom closet. Damages are estimated at $431,200. Smoke alarms were present and functioned as designed.
At approximately 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Loudoun County ECC received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a reported house fire in the 17700 block of Leeland Orchard Road in the Catoctin District. Fire and rescue crews from Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, Ashburn, Moorefield, Lansdowne, Kincora, Round Hill, and numerous command staff responded to the scene. Crews arrived on scene to find a two-story, single-family home with fire showing from the basement level windows and subsequently requested a Rapid Intervention Task Force and rehab unit. An interior attack was initiated to extinguish the fire and search for any trapped occupants. The basement fire extended to the first floor and interior crews deployed additional hose lines to fully extinguish the fire on both floors. A total of seven occupants were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. One occupant was evaluated by EMS personnel but denied transport to an area hospital. No firefighter injuries were reported. The LCFR FMO investigation determined the fire was accidental, due to combustibles too close to a heat source. Damages are estimated at $661,056. Smoke alarms were present and functioned as designed.
The LCFR FMO reminds community members about the importance of working smoke alarms. Did you know that in the United States, approximately 80% of all civilian fire deaths result from home structure fires? The National Fire Protection Association estimates most of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented by the presence of a working smoke alarm. The LC-CFRS offers a free program where residents can request a smoke alarm assessment, during which fire and rescue personnel will visit your home to check your smoke alarms, as well as provide additional fire safety information. To make a request, complete the online form on our website or call our Fire and Life Safety Hotline at 703-737-8093. For more fire prevention and life safety resources, visit our website.
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