Improperly discarded smoking materials determined cause of Sterling structure fire

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office determined Saturday’s house fire in the 21000 block of Parc Dulles Square in Sterling was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

At approximately 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Kincora, Cascades, Sterling Park, and Ashburn, as well as units from Fairfax County, were dispatched to a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews located a fire on the 3rd  floor balcony, threatening to extend into the 3rd floor apartment. Fire and rescue personnel quickly extinguished the fire on the balcony before it extended to any other parts of the building. Ultimately, no occupants were displaced and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The LCFR-FMO investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damages are estimated at $25,000.

Improperly discarded smoking materials can cause devastating home fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the 2021 national estimates for residential building smoking fires and losses show there were 7,800 fires, 275 deaths, 750 injuries, and $361,500,000 in dollar loss. These fires are preventable by following a few simple tips:

• If you smoke, do so outside.
• Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished, every time.
• Ensure smoking materials are discarded in appropriate containers and clean them often. Never use plastic, potted plants, mulch, grass, leaves, or anything that can burn to extinguish smoking materials. Remember that mulch, potting soil, etc. is combustible and will burn quickly when exposed to heat.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Hot ashes can smolder for days.
• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray and be sure it is placed on a surface where it will not tip over.
• Place containers away from the house. Never place containers on front porches, decks, or just outside the door.
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. For smoke alarm information, visit https://www.loudoun.gov/819/Smoke-Alarms or call 703-737-8093.