14 Residents Displaced, More Than $1M In Losses After House Fire In Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – Three Loudoun County homes were damaged in an early-morning house fire on Tuesday, displacing 14 residents and resulting in more than $1 million in damages, according to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Fire Marshal’s Office says firefighters from multiple units responded to Fortitude Terrace in South Riding at around 12:46 a.m. Tuesday after several emergency calls. They found significant smoke and fire coming from the garage and exterior of a two-story, single-family home. The fire quickly spread to the roof and attic of the house, the Fire Marshal’s Office said, and crews used a crane to spray the fire on the upper part of the house before allowing crews inside the building. The fire was mostly contained after about 30 minutes, fire authorities said.

The Fire Marshal’s Office reports that the blaze began as an accidental electrical fire in the home’s garage, near a chest freezer. Ultimately, 14 people from both the house where the fire originated and a neighboring home were displaced, with one person suffering minor injuries.

Losses are estimated to be $1,094,312.

Firefighting crews from around Loudoun County as well as Fairfax County responded to the scene, the Fire Marshal’s Office reported.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue is reminding residents of how to prevent electrical fires, including having all electrical work done by professionals, ensuring appliances are using the right type of wall plug, inspecting cords regularly and not overusing power strips and extension cords. An electrical fire safety checklist can be found here.

The county provides more fire prevention and safety information on its website.