The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined Tuesday morning’s fire on Charles Town Pike in Hillsboro was accidental.
A contractor working in the building inadvertently started the fire when a spark from a saw ignited insulation inside the wall. Damages to the home are estimated at approximately $619,350. Two adults have been displaced and are staying locally with family.
Fire safety advocates recommend that when using tools that have the potential to create sparks, it is advisable to have a fire extinguisher readily available and to consider monitoring the area even after work is complete
Shortly after 09:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, fire and rescue units responded to a structure fire in the 36900 block of Charlestown Pike, in the town of Hillsboro. Loudoun County firefighters and EMS personnel from Loudoun Heights, Purcellville, Round Hill, Hamilton, Leesburg, and Lovettsville were dispatched along with command and safety officers.
The first arriving units, from Loudoun Heights, reported a significant volume of smoke coming from a two-story stone structure, a former church converted into a residence. All occupants were found to have self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the initial units.
Based upon the conditions, a Rapid Intervention Task Force and a Tanker Task Force were dispatched bringing additional units from Philomont, Hamilton, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill. As this area of Loudoun County is not served by a pressurized water hydrant supply system, units set up a water supply by drafting water from a pond on Highwater Road to supply units at the scene.
Firefighters found active fire in the attic space above a vaulted ceiling and inside the walls. Crews remained on scene for an extended period extinguishing the fire and performing overhaul operations. One occupant was treated and released on scene. One first responder was transported for evaluation and released.