Sprinklers Help Stop Spread Of Fires In Ashburn, Leesburg; No Injuries Reported

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Sprinklers helped stop the spread of two fires within 24 hours in Ashburn and Leesburg, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

The first fire happened around 10:23 p.m. Tuesday at a large automotive facility in the 42000 block of Loudoun Center Place in Leesburg. Firefighters encountered smoke in the parts room and a small fire already extinguished by an automatic sprinkler. There were injuries. Damages were estimated to be $15,000.

The fire marshal determined the fire was due to improperly stored alkaline batteries in a plastic bin on a shelving rack. In these faces, the fire department says batteries should be stored in original packaging to avoid potential electricity impacts.

The other fire happened around 4:35 p.m. Wednesday at a six-story apartment building at 22050 Eastside Drive in Ashburn. Firefighters had responded to a fire alarm and found smoke in the sixth floor hallway. Units found a small fire in a sixth floor apartment that was put out by the building's sprinkler system. There were no injuries.

The cause of the fire was an unattended candle, according to the fire marshal's office. The fire department encourages residents to not leave candles unattended and ensure they are on a non-combustible, stable surface. The fire caused damage in the originating apartment unit and water damage in four other units. Six adults and one child were displaced. Damages were estimated to be $125,000.

Units from Moorefield, South Riding, Arcola, Kincora, and Ashburn had responded to the apartment fire, and firefighters on scene had requested a full high-rise structure fire response.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said fires would have had a "high potential for catastrophic loss of life and property" without the automatic sprinklers. The fire department said the fire service industry is advocating for automatic sprinklers to be a requirement in more residential homes. It cites a National Fire Protection Association’s report that found fire deaths rates were 90 percent lower with fire sprinklers and hardwired smoke alarms, and firefighter injuries were 80 less with sprinklers.

Residents may find more fire prevention resources on Loudoun County Fire and Rescue's website.