For Additional Information:
Laura Rinehart, Public Information Officer
[email protected] or 571-233-1649
February 15, 2018
For Immediate Release:
Electrical Fire in Lovettsville Displaces Three Adults
Lovettsville, VA. – The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office determined Wednesday’s early morning fire in Lovettsville was accidental in nature, caused by an electrical failure involving an extension cord in the garage.
Just after 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 14th, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center began receiving 9-1-1 calls reporting a fire at a home in the 12700 block of Downey Mill Road. Fire and Rescue units from Lovettsville, Purcellville, Lucketts, Hamilton, Frederick Co. (MD), and several Command Officers responded.
Firefighters arrived on scene and reported heavy fire and smoke conditions coming from a one-story, single family residence. All occupants had safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of first responders and were located outside the home. Additional Fire and Rescue units were immediately requested to support both the safety of firefighters and rural water supply operations. Firefighters moved quickly to put out the fire on the exterior of the home before proceeding inside to extinguish the remaining fire.
There were no civilian or first responder injuries. The damages to the home are estimated at $480,000. The occupants of the home report that they were awakened by a family pet which alerted them to the presence of the fire. The home was equipped with functioning smoke alarms that sounded as the family was evacuating. The local chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the three displaced adult occupants of the home.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used as permanent wiring for any appliances. For more information on electrical safety visit www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call 703-737-8600.
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