Sterling House Fire Hospitalizes Resident, Kills Pets: Authorities

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — One person was hospitalized after a house fire in Sterling on Monday morning, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials said. Authorities have not announced what could have caused the blaze.

The victim, who authorities only described as an adult, is in critical condition. Two dogs and one cat died in the fire, fire department officials said.

The fire broke out around 4 a.m. on Monday at a single-family home on Thrush Road in Sterling. Firefighters noted fire and smoke emitting from the back of the home when they arrived on the scene and requested backup.

Some first responders worked to extinguish the blaze from the outside, while rescue units searched the home, according to the fire department's report. The rescue units pulled the unconscious victim from the home along with the unresponsive pets.

Paramedics at the scene provided medical aid before taking the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. Loudoun County Animal Services responded to the scene to assist the cat and the two dogs, though they did not survive.

Authorities have not publicly announced what could have started the fire.