Fire At Ashburn Home Injures 1 Person, Displaces People, Pets

ASHBURN, VA — A house fire in Ashburn injured one person and displaced three people and two dogs Thursday morning, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

After 9 a.m. Thursday, units responded to the 21000 block of Awbrey Place in the Broadlands neighborhood. Firefighters found a heavy blaze coming from the garage of a two-story single-family home. Two people home at the time safely evacuated after being alerted by smoke alarms. One of the residents had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries.

As some firefighters were tackling the heavy fire in the garage, others checked for extension into the home. Crews remained on scene for overhaul after the fire was completely out. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal's Office identified the cause of the fire as improperly disposed smoking materials in the garage. Damages were estimated to be $800,000.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue touted the benefits of smoke alarms, which helped residents safely escape before firefighters arrived. The fire department recommended installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways close to sleeping areas and on every level of the home.

From April to October, firefighters from stations around Loudoun County will canvass neighborhoods to help with smoke alarms and fire safety education. Visits may occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in weekends and include free smoke alarm assessments and information about fire safety and home escape planning. Firefighters will test smoke alarms, help with battery replacement and replace smoke alarms at no cost if they're not working properly or are beyond the 10-year lifespan.

Loudoun County residents may also request a free smoke alarm assessment at loudoun.gov/smokealarms or by calling the smoke alarm program hotline at 703-737-8093.