Four occupants displaced after early morning fire in Aldie

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined this morning’s structure fire in Aldie that ultimately displaced four occupants was accidental, caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery tool stored in the garage. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Damages are estimated at $679,000.

At approximately 3:17 a.m., the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a reported structure fire in the 40900 block of Richland Meadow Place in the Little River District. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Brambleton, Dulles South, Aldie, Kirkpatrick Farms, Kincora, Ashburn, and numerous command staff responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews found a single-family home with a large volume of fire coming from the garage and upper levels of the home. Initial crews deployed multiple handlines and made an offensive fire attack, advancing to the seat of the fire and up to the attic, while simultaneously searching for any possible victims.

A Rapid Intervention Taskforce was subsequently requested, bringing additional firefighting resources to the scene. After roughly 20 minutes of firefighting, the bulk of the fire was extinguished, and crews began salvage and overhaul operations. Fire damage was limited to the garage, attic, and exterior of the home.

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, smoke alarms, construction tools and equipment, toys and even cars. Community members are reminded about the importance of using lithium-ion batteries correctly. If damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode. Visit our website to learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, as well as view additional fire and life safety information.

All occupants had exited the structure prior to the arrival of fire and rescue units and noted working smoke alarms initially alerted them to the fire. Protect your family by ensuring you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. LCFR’s Smoke Alarm Program offers free home safety inspections to all residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated, we will replace them for free and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information, call the smoke alarm hotline 703-737-8093 or visit our website.