Fire Destroys Purcellville Barn, Injures Firefighter On Tuesday

PURCELLVILLE, VA — A fire broke out at a barn in Purcellville on Tuesday morning, according to the Loudoun County fire department.

Authorities said one firefighter suffered a minor injury fighting the blaze and received treatment at a hospital. No other people or animals were injured, the fire department said.

Officials with the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office said the fire caused $401,280 when it destroyed the barn. Authorities believe the fire was caused "by an unspecified electrical event from wiring exposure on the second floor of the barn."

The fire started around 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the barn in the 18000 block of Silcott Springs Road in Purcellville. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire within 90 minutes of arriving, authorities said.

On Wednesday, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials urged residents to contact an electrician if they experience any of the following problems:

• 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

"To protect your family and pets from electrical fires, ensure that all electrical work is done and inspected by a qualified electrician in accordance with all local permitting requirements," the fire department said in a news release. "When performing electrical work remember to obtain all required permits from Loudoun County Building and Development."