Update: Victim Died Of Injuries Suffered In Sterling House Fire

STERLING, VA — A 47-year-old man from Sterling has died of injuries he suffered in a house fire on Monday morning.

Authorities identified the man as Jason Urchasko. Three pets, two dogs and a cat, also died of injuries they suffered in the blaze.

Fire officials said a lithium battery sparked the fire. The house, on Thrush Road in Sterling, did not have working smoke alarms. It sustained $351,000 in damage, according to the fire marshal's office.

"Two important safety messages should be taken away from this tragedy," Fire Chief Keith Johnson said in a news release. "Have working smoke alarms and use caution with these lithium batteries that are being used in more and more household products."

On Monday morning, firefighters pulled Urchasko and the three pets from the burning home, but they all died as a result of their injuries.

On Thursday afternoon, Loudoun firefighters visited the Thrush Road neighborhood to spread fire safety messages. The first responders also offered free smoke alarm assessments, Johnson said.

More information about Loudoun County's smoke alarm services is available online.