Fire Displaces Family Of Five, Destroys Home In Ashburn

ASHBURN, VA — A family of five safely escaped from a burning home that ultimately was declared a total loss Friday night in the 20200 block of Birdnest Place, according to the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office. Officers believe the fire, deemed accidental, was caused by a faulty fireplace.

Around 8:30 p.m., officials received numerous calls reporting the fire. The first responders found the family (two adults and three kids), alerted by a smoke alarms, outside the home when they arrived. The Red Cross was on the scene to assist the family. Damage to the home was estimated to be $475,000. Two adjacent homes suffered $10,000 in damages apiece.

A neighbor started a GoFundMe page for the family, writing, ". . .They just moved in, this lovely family of five, the Elkhoueirys, about 6 weeks ago, from California by way of Qatar. They were just counting their blessings that they weren't in the LA fires right now. And then the unthinkable happened, a fire here, in their new rental home, the home that they had just furnished and were setting up for Christmas."

Loudoun County officials have tips to prevent such fires:

Per the National Fire Protection Association, Heating Equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Following these simple safety tips can reduce the risk of heating related fires in your home:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, such as the fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be completely cooled before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home or any structure.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries when needed.

• Lastly, remember to close your bedroom doors when going to sleep. A closed door can significantly slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Photos: Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office