Lansdowne House Fire Causing 2 Injuries Traced Back To Lithium-Ion Battery

LANSDOWNE, VA — A significant Lansdowne house fire causing more than $1 million in damages Saturday was traced back to a lithium-ion battery pack, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. There were two reported injuries.

Before noon Saturday, units responded to the 19000 block of Kipheart Drive and found heavy smoke and fire visible from the first floor of a single-family home. Due to advanced fire conditions, firefighters set up defensive operations to protect adjacent homes and tackled the bulk of the fire. Once conditions improved, firefighters started interior operations to fully put out the fire and begin overhaul. Despite heavy fire and smoke, firefighters contained the blaze to the originating home and limited damage to nearby homes.

Smoke alarms alerted residents before they discovered the fire on the first floor. One resident was evaluated on the scene for a minor injury. One firefighter had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

The fire caused an estimated $1,252,152 in damages. Two residents were displaced and are receiving American Red Cross assistance.

Units from Lansdowne, Ashburn, Moorefield, Kincora, and Leesburg, as well as multiple command and safety officers assisted with the fire response.

An investigation determined the fire's origin was a lithium-ion battery pack residents had plugged in to charge. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said residents should handle lithium-ion batteries carefully, as damaged ones can catch fire or explode. The fire department recommends only using the battery that is designed for the device and never allow the battery to charge while unattended or near anything that can catch fire. Residents should stop using or charging any batteries immediately if they notice an odor, too much heat, a change in color, or odd noises.

The fire department also stressed the importance of working smoke alarms, which alerted the residents in this case. Loudoun County residents can request a free smoke alarm assessment online or by calling the hotline at 703-737-8093. Personnel will test existing smoke alarms, check batteries, help with replacement, identify the locations of smoke alarms and provide recommendations for more smoke alarm locations if needed.