Hot Ashes From Grill Sparked $750K Ashburn House Fire: Officials

ASHBURN, VA — Improperly discarded ashes from a grill started a house fire in Ashburn that caused $750,000 damage, Loudoun County Fire officials said. Five residents were displaced by the blaze, which was reported just before 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. Several 9-1-1 calls reported the fire in the 22,000 block of Taylorstown Hunt Court.

Callers saw flames coming from the rear and second story of the home. Fire and rescue units from Brambleton, Kincora, South Riding, Arcola, Ashburn, and Leesburg were dispatched to the scene, then were joined by units from Ashburn, Sterling Park, Brambleton and Fairfax County. The first engine on scene confirmed that all the residents were safely out of the house.

Firefighters used hoselines to attack the fire in the rear of the home and used Ashburn’s ladder truck to extinguish the fire from above. Once the bulk of fire was knocked down, firefighters went inside the structure to fight the fire. However, conditions quickly deteriorated and due to the danger of structural collapse, firefighters were withdrawn and continued fighting the fire from outside, the fire department said in a release. Eventually firefighters were allowed to re-enter the house and extinguish any hotspots.

A resident told firefighters he was awakened by his security system but found no hazards. Shortly thereafter he heard a loud noise and smoke alarms began sounding. He and his family evacuated and called 9-1-1.

Due to extensive fire and water damage in the house, the residents are displaced and staying with family. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported.

Investigators with the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire was accidental, caused by improperly discarded grilling ashes on the rear deck of the home. The $750,000 damage estimate includes damages to the house as well its contents.

The fire department reminded residents of grill safety tips:

• Keep grills at least 15 feet away from any structure and flammable materials.
• Soak wood chips, pellets, charcoal briquettes and ashes with water and always let ashes cool before disposing of them into a closed metal container. The metal container should be kept outside, a safe distance away from your home or any other structures.
• Smoker boxes that are used when grilling should also be treated with caution, emptying their contents carefully into the closed metal container and ensuring the box cools away from any flammable materials.

For more information visit www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.