1 Person Unaccounted For After 3-Alarm House Fire In Sterling

STERLING, VA — One person remains unaccounted for following an early-morning, three-alarm house fire in Sterling, according to Loudoun County fire officials.

Loudoun County fire crews responded to a home located in the 20000 block of Riptide Square around 1 a.m. after receiving a call about a structure fire with possible entrapment, officials said in a news release.

Upon arrival, crews discovered two townhomes were on fire and that flames had spread to a third structure. Due to the size and rapid spread of the fire, several structural collapses were reported, hindering firefighter access.

After roughly an hour of firefighting, the blaze was deemed under control and crews began performing salvage and overhaul operations.

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office are still working to account for all residents and remain at the scene investigating.

One firefighter was taken for evaluation after a minor injury, officials said. Eight residents were displaced after the fire, with several receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Residents on Riptide Square may experience intermittent gas and electrical service disruptions until Washington Gas and Dominion Energy can restore service, officials said.