Portable Heater Sparked House Fire In Downtown Leesburg: Authorities

LEESBURG, VA — A fire on Royal Street in downtown Leesburg displaced two people on Thursday, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue officials said. The fire marshal's office said a portable heater sparked the fire when it contacted combustible materials.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, authorities said. The two displaced residents are staying with family members in the area.

Fire department officials estimated that the fire caused $329,000 in damages. Their calculation included damage to the home and its contents.

The fire began just after 12 p.m. on Thursday on Royal Street in Leesburg. 911 callers said the house caught fire and there was plenty of smoke.

When firefighters arrived, they reported "heavy fire" at the back of the house. The two residents had already evacuated.

"Firefighters immediately worked to extinguish the fire in the rear and set up ladder operations for roof access," fire and rescue officials said on Facebook. "The bulk of the fire was extinguished quickly; however, crews spent an extended period of time searching for fire spread in the flooring and wall joists."

The fire department urged residents to turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep. They also said heaters should have three feet of space around them.