Fire Marshal’s investigating cause of Sterling house fire

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office continues investigating the cause of Wednesday night’s house fire in Sterling that displaced a family of five.

Just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a residence on fire in the 100 block of Applegate Drive in Sterling. Fire and rescue units from Sterling Park, Cascades, Kincora, Fairfax County, and members of LCFR command staff were dispatched and responded to the scene.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the single-family home. Immediately, a Rapid Intervention Task Force, as well as the Emergency Rehabilitation unit and Air unit, were requested to bring additional firefighters and logistical support for firefighting operations to the scene. First responders confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated and were outside of the home.

Fire crews immediately initiated a coordinated fire attack from both the interior and exterior of the home, quickly bringing the fire under control. Upon entry, firefighters determined the fire had spread to both floors of the home and the attic. Fire and rescue units remained on scene for an extended period of time overhauling the structure to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and assisting the LCFR-FMO with their investigation.

Four adults and one child have been displaced and are staying locally with family. There were no injuries to either civilians or fire service personnel. The LCFR-FMO continues its investigation and has estimated damages from this incident at approximately $694,000; with $434,000 attributed to the structure and $260,000 in contents.