Fire and Rescue crews respond to Leesburg structure fire

At approximately 3:12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call for a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Clubhouse Drive SW, in Leesburg. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Leesburg, Hamilton, Lansdowne, and Purcellville responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, units located a small kitchen fire in the apartment that was quickly extinguished, and crews determined there was no extension. Unfortunately, due to damage from the extensive smoke conditions, the occupants of the residents were displaced.

The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire as being accidental due to unattended food on the stove. Damages are estimated at $60,000. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Six occupants are displaced, and the American Red Cross was requested to assist.

Smoke alarms were present but did not function as designed. While on scene, crews supplied a new smoke detector and installed it inside the residence.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. By following these important safety tips, you can help prevent these fires:

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your stovetop.

Additionally, the LCFR FMO reminds community members about the importance of working smoke alarms. Did you know that in the United States, approximately 80 percent of all civilian fire deaths result from home structure fires? The NFPA estimates that most of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented by the presence of a working smoke alarm.

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System 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.