Smoking Materials Spark Sterling House Fire, Causing 70K In Damage

STERLING, VA — A fire broke out at a home in Sterling on Thursday. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials said a closed door slowed the spread of the fire and limited the damage.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, authorities said.

The fire broke out around 2 p.m. on Thursday at home in the 200 block of East Juniper Avenue in Sterling.

When firefighter arrived on the scene, they reported smoke showing from the garage of the two-story home. First responders quickly extinguished the blaze, the fire department said in a report.

"While on the initial 911 call, our ECC dispatchers directed the residents to close the interior door to the garage as they evacuated, limiting fire and smoke from spreading to the interior of the home," the fire department said. "The simple act of closing the door can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped and unable to escape the fire."

Investigators determined that the fire was caused accidentally by smoking materials that were not properly discarded. The blaze displaced two adults and caused $70,000 in damage, authorities said.

The fire department urged residents to smoke outside whenever possible. Cigarettes should always be fully extinguished, soaked in water before disposal, and left in a sturdy ashtray.