Loudoun County Government: Firefighter Injured While Battling Box Truck Fire On Saturday

Press release from the Loudoun County Government:

August 31, 2021

Just after 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call reporting a vehicle on fire at the 45000 block of Ocean Court in Sterling. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Sterling Park, Kincora, Dulles South, and Moorefield were dispatched to a box truck on fire next to a building. Units arrived to find the box truck with visible smoke. The fire had not reached the building. The fire was knocked down and the call was upgraded to a hazardous materials response along with command officers due to the impact to the batteries in the fire. Units remained on scene to prevent the numerous Lithium batteries from reigniting. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) investigation into the incident determined the fire was accidental, due to battery failure. Damages are estimated at $400,000 with $300,000 for the cargo and $100,000 for the box truck. The FMO reminds the public that if a fire is discovered move to a safe distance away from the fire and call 9-1-1. For additional fire prevention and life safety information, please visit Loudoun.gov/fireprevention or call our Public Education Manager Lisa Braun at 571-258-3222.

This press release was produced by the Loudoun County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.