Extension cord to blame in Aldie house fire

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office investigation has determined that yesterday’s house fire in Aldie was accidental, resulting from a failed extension cord.

At approximately 6:15 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident reporting smoke inside their home in the 24000 block of Stewart Town Lane in Aldie. Fire and rescue units from Aldie, Kirkpatrick Farms, Arcola, Dulles South, Leesburg, and Prince William County responded to the scene and, on arrival, found a small fire burning in the crawl space of the home.

Firefighters cut a hole in the floor to access the fire in the crawl space and ensure it was completely extinguished. Four occupants of the home, and four pets, were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. There were no injuries to the civilians or first responders.

The LCFR-FMO determined the fire was accidental and caused by a failure in an electrical extension cord located in the crawl space of the home. Damages to the home and its’ contents are estimated at $74,000.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2019 – 2023, electrical fires were responsible for an average of 31,647 home fire per year. These fires can be prevented by following some simple steps:

• Ensure all appliances are using the proper type of wall receptacle outlet. Plug ALL major appliances such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, stoves, air conditioners, space heaters etc., directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
• Do not use extension cords and power strips in place of permanent wiring as they are only intended for temporary use. Inspect cords regularly and immediately unplug and replace those with any damage or fraying.
• Electrical work should be done and inspected by a qualified electrician and meet local permitting requirements. Immediately call a qualified electrician if you have frequent issues with blowing or tripping circuit breakers, observe sparks, discoloration, or a burning smell near outlets, or feel a tingling sensation when touching an electrical appliance.
• The LC-CFRS Smoke Alarm Program offers free home safety inspections to all residents. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the smoke alarm hotline 703-737-8093 or visit loudoun.gov/smokealarms.

Take a moment to complete the NFPA Electrical Safety Checklist to ensure that your home is protected against electrical fires. To obtain additional information on fire prevention and life safety, go to loudoun.gov/FireMarshal or contact Public Education Manager Lisa Montalvo at 571-258-3222.