Fatal Loudoun Fire Caused By Smoking Materials Prompts Fairfax County Warning

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue put out a warning about improperly discarded smoking materials after a fatal fire in Loudoun County Tuesday.

The Ashburn fire broke out early Tuesday morning, spreading from one home to others. One person was found dead in a home, and two people who evacuated went to a burn center for treatment. The blaze displaced nine adults and two children, according to a report from the fire department.

The fire marshal's office said that the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Authorities estimated that the fire caused $4 million in damages.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said two county fires have been caused by improperly discarded smoking materials in 2022. In both incidents, the fires started outside the homes. Other smaller fires were caught early, preventing significant damages.

One of Fairfax County's fires happened on Feb. 18 in the Newington area. A resident had discovered a fire on the back patio and evacuated. There were no injuries, but five residents were displaced. Damages were estimated to be $162,500.

The second significant fire happened in Lorton on Feb. 28. A resident had discovered the fire in the back of the home and evacuated. There were no injuries. Fire investigators determined smoking materials discarded in a flowerpot caused the fire. Three residents were displaced, and damages were estimated to be $125,000.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue says fires caused by improperly discarded smoking materials are preventable. The fire department shared the following tips to safely throw out smoking materials without a fire risk:

• Never dispose of cigarette butts in potted planting soil. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
• Never flick cigarettes into mulch or shrubbery. Dispose of them in a suitable ashtray or bucket with sand.
• Ensure designated outside smoking areas have an appropriate fireproof container, ashtray or bucket.
• Completely douse butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.