4 Residents Displaced In Loudoun County Fire Tied To Electrical Cause

STERLING, VA — Four people were displaced from a Sunday night fire in Sterling, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, units responded to multiple 911 calls about a house fire. The first responding unit found a single-family home with smoke showing from the front. A rapid intervention task force was requested to bring additional firefighting resources to the scene. Firefighters quickly located and put out a fire on the first floor.

Smoke alarms were working and alerted the residents to the fire. There were no reported resident or firefighter injuries.

A fire marshal's office investigation determined the fire involved an accidental electrical event with outlets in a first floor bedroom. Four people were displaced, and damages were estimated to be $270,336. Units from Sterling, Cascades, Kincora and Fairfax County assisted with the response.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue provided the following tips to help prevent electrical fires:

• Electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician and meet local permitting requirements. Immediately call a qualified electrician if you have frequent issues with blowing or tripping circuit breakers, observe sparks, discoloration, or a burning smell near outlets, or feel a tingling sensation when touching an electrical appliance.
• Ensure all appliances are using the proper type of wall receptacle outlet. Plug all major appliances directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
• Do not use extension cords and power strips in place of permanent wiring.
• Inspect cords regularly and immediately unplug and replace those with any damage or fraying.
• Take a moment to complete the National Fire Protection Association’s Electrical Safety Checklist to ensure that your home is protected against electrical fires.
• Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and test them regularly. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue offers free smoke alarm assessments to Loudoun County residents to ensure all homes in the community have these life-saving devices. Visit the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue website to learn more and schedule your free assessment.