Purcellville, VA. - Loudoun County Fire Officials determine cause and offer safety tips after Friday night’s house fire displaces a family of two.
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020, Loudoun County’s Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from a resident stating that their home was on fire in the 200 block of East G Street in Purcellville. Fire and rescue units from Purcellville, Round Hill, Hamilton, Philomont, Leesburg, Ashburn and Loudoun Heights were dispatched to the incident along with accompanying Command Officers. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find active fire in the rear of the home with possible fire extension to the inside. The homeowners were located safely outside.
Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire in the rear as additional crews checked for any extension to the interior of the home. Crews discovered fire had begun to spread into the walls and floor joist areas and worked quickly to extinguish the remainder of fire.
One resident was evaluated by paramedics on the scene and one firefighter was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation. Two residents were displaced from their home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire was accidental due to hot ashes from the fireplace igniting nearby combustibles in and around the fireplace. The damages are estimated at $200,000.
It is important to note that the occupants were alerted to the fire by multiple smoke alarms which activated in the home. The smoke alarms allowed the family precious moments to remove themselves from danger and call for help, avoiding potential injury and more extensive damages.
Each year Loudoun firefighters respond to devastating fires caused by improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, grills, fire pits and even cigarette butts. Residents must use caution when disposing of fireplace ashes or any hot materials in or around your home. It is critical to soak ashes thoroughly with water, in a metal container with a lid, and allow them to cool for 48 hours. The metal container should be kept outside, a safe distance away from your home or any other structure By taking these additional measures, you can help ensure these items are appropriately extinguished and do not pose a fire hazard to you or your neighbors.
For additional fire prevention and safety information, visit www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call 703-737-8600.
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