Electrical Fire Causes $2.7 Million Damage In Western Loudoun

LEESBURG, VA — A fire in a metal building caused about $2.7 million in damages and no injuries Saturday in western Loudoun County, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

Around 3:35 a.m. Saturday, units responded to the 13000 block of Loyalty Road in a rural part of the county, where firefighters found a blaze in a metal building. A tanker task force was brought in to provide an ongoing water supply and additional firefighting resources.

After more than an hour of firefighting, crews had extinguished most of the fire with an exterior-based attack. Units remained for several hours to conduct salvage and overhaul operations.

The fire marshal's office determined the cause of the fire was an issue in an electrical power distribution panel.

There were no displaced residents or injuries.

Units from Lucketts, Hamilton, Purcellville, Leesburg, Lovettsville, and Frederick County, Maryland assisted with the response.

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

• 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.
• Use a qualified electrician to do electrical work 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.
• Take a moment to complete the National Fire Protection Association’s Electrical Safety Checklist to ensure that your home is protected against electrical fires.