Accidental fire displaces two Leesburg families

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is encouraging residents to use caution when using outdoor fireplaces, portable fire pits, fire bowls, and chimeneas after today’s early morning fire in Leesburg.

Just after midnight, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received several calls reporting a house fire in the 100 block of Catoctin Circle in Leesburg. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Leesburg, Lansdowne, Hamilton, and Ashburn, along with units from the Leesburg Police Department, responded to the incident.

Firefighters arrived to find a duplex-style home with smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. Both units were evacuated prior to the arrival of first responders. Fire crews used hoselines to attack the fire in the rear as crews moved inside to search for and extinguish any additional fire. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours overhauling and assisting the LCFR-FMO. 

A total of nine residents were displaced from the duplex, four adults and five children, who were assisted by the American Red Cross. One resident received medical care on the scene and was transported to a local area hospital for further evaluation. One feline was found deceased, and one feline remains missing.

The LCFR-FMO investigation determined the fire was accidental, originating on the deck, as the result of a heat source igniting nearby combustibles. The damages to the entire structure are estimated at approximately $182,000, with the bulk of the damage to the unit of fire origin and $32,000 of the damages to the adjacent unit. 

The LCFR-FMO reminds residents to follow simple safety precautions when utilizing these outdoor burning appliances:

• It is unlawful to utilize these devices within 15 ft of any apartment buildings, condominiums, commercial businesses, health care facilities, housing for the aged or housing for the physically and/or mentally impaired.
• It is not safe to use these appliances within 15 ft of any structure, including single family homes, townhomes and duplexes.
• By law, an adult who has a means of extinguishment readily available must attend any fire.
• Prior to lighting the fire, evaluate wind conditions to see if it is safe and where the smoke will be blowing. 
• Place the appliance on a level, non-combustible surface, such as stone, brick, or concrete. If placed in grass or on any other combustible surface, place a fire-resistant pad underneath the appliance and monitor it closely.
• Be aware of nearby combustible materials, such as decks, plants, or other outside decorative material so they do not ignite due to radiant heat.
• The appliance is to be used within the manufacture’s specifications to include the use of a sturdy screen to contain sparking or flying embers.
• Soak ashes thoroughly with water and always let ashes cool before disposing of them into a closed metal container. The metal container should be kept outside, a safe distance away from your home or any other structures.

For more fire and life safety information, contact the LCFR FMO at 703-737-8600 or www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.