Firefighter injured while battling box truck fire

One firefighter suffered minor burns to the forearm, while battling a box truck on fire on Saturday, Aug. 28. The firefighter was transported to the hospital for treatment. During this call, one civilian was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Just after 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a vehicle on fire at the 45000 block of Ocean Court in Sterling.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Sterling Park, Kincora, Dulles South, and Moorefield were dispatched to a box truck on fire next to a building. Units arrived to find the box truck with visible smoke. The fire had not reached the building.

The fire was knocked down and the call was upgraded to a hazardous materials response along with command officers due to the impact to the batteries in the fire. Units remained on scene to prevent the numerous Lithium batteries from reigniting. 

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office investigation into the incident determined the fire was accidental, due to battery failure. Damages are estimated at $400,000 with $300,000 for the cargo and $100,000 for the box truck.

The FMO reminds the public that if a fire is discovered move to a safe distance away from the fire and call 9-1-1.  For additional fire prevention and life safety information,  visit Loudoun.gov/fireprevention or call our Public Education Manager Lisa Braun at 571-258-3222.