Warehouse fire in Sterling ruled accidental due to improperly discarded smoking materials

At approximately 3:08 p.m. on Monday, April 22, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center began receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls for a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Acacia Lane in Sterling. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Kincora, Moorefield, Cascades, Sterling Park, Ashburn, Fairfax County, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, as well as numerous safety officers and command staff responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, fire and rescue personnel found a large warehouse facility with fire through the roof. Initial crews identified the primary building was a total loss and began working to contain the fire to the building of origin. A second alarm and a Rapid Intervention Taskforce were requested to bring additional firefighters to the scene. The fire was extremely difficult to extinguish due to the burning of the stored materials and the size of the warehouse. After approximately two and a half hours of firefighting, the scene was deemed under control.

The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause of the fire as being accidental due to the improper discarding of smoking materials. Damages are estimated at $2,250,000. No civilian injuries were reported, and one firefighter was evaluated on scene for minor heat-related injuries.

The LCFR FMO reminds community members about the importance of properly discarding all smoking materials and urges residents to exercise caution when discarding these items. These materials can cause devastating fires if disposed of improperly. 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 any structure. 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 the website or call 703-737-8093.