Electrical Fire Displaces 2 Families In Lovettsville: Fire Department

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — An electrical fire broke out at a home in Lovettsville over the weekend, the Loudoun County Department of Fire and Rescue said.

First responders evaluated one person at the scene for a medical emergency, but they did not need to be taken to the hospital, authorities said. No other injuries were reported.

The fire displaced four adults from two families, the fire department said. The Fire Marshal's Office estimated that the blaze caused $150,000 in damage.

The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at a home on East Broad Way in Lovettsville. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found smoke showing from a two-story building that had been converted into two apartments, the fire department said.

Firefighters determined that there was an active fire on the second floor and attic and found that the four residents had already evacuated.

Fire crews used hose lines to extinguish the fire from the inside. First responders stayed on the scene after the fire was out to ventilate the apartments.

Investigators with the fire marshal's office said the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the attic's wiring. There were fire alarms in the building, but they did not immediately activate since the blaze began above the living spaces.

The fire department urged residents to have a qualified electrician perform an electrical work in their home. They also said residents should call an electrician if they notice any of the following:

• Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Discolored or warm wall outlets
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Sparks from an outlet