Fire at Data Center Construction Site Caused by Welding Accident: Fire Marshal

Loudoun County firefighters have put out a fire at a data center construction site at 21263 Smith Switch Road.

First reports came at 10:12 a.m. Crews responded from Ashburn, Kincora, and Sterling, according to Loudoun County Fire & Rescue. They were followed by additional units from Sterling, Arcola, South Riding, Fairfax County, and Metropolitan Washing Airports Authority.

The fire was limited to the roof and roofing materials. Construction workers escaped the roof safely as the fire started. Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital to be checked out, according to Loudoun County.

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire to be accidental due to the welding of roof structure components from inside the structure, which ignited nearby combustibles (stored roofing materials). The contractor has estimated the damages range from $75,000 to $100,000.

Data Center Knowledge is reporting the building is expected to house an Amazon Web Services data center.

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