The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR-FMO) is reminding residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms after three civilians were injured in Friday night’s house fire in Sterling.
At 8:21 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, fire and rescue units from Sterling Park, Kincora, Moorefield, Fairfax County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority responded to a structure fire in the 45,000 block of Old Ox Road in Sterling.
Fire crews arrived to find fire showing from the front of a single-family house and reports of one person still inside. Firefighters made entry, quickly extinguishing the fire, and rescued one occupant who had become disoriented and overcome by smoke. The individual was promptly treated by EMS and transported by ground to Med-Star Washington Hospital Center for further medical attention. A second resident and a bystander were also treated and transported to Reston Hospital. No first responders were injured.
The LCFR-FMO investigation determined that the fire was accidental, due to an unspecified electrical event in a cord behind the couch. Damages are estimated at 138,663 ($130,200 - Structure, $8463 – Contents). Residents are reminded to always use caution when using extension cords and surge protectors, for additional electrical safety information, please visit the National Fire Protection Association.
The most important safety precaution residents can take against fire is having working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms function twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to provide precious moments needed to safely escape a fire and call 911. “The best chance for survival during an emergency is to be prepared and to have a plan – this plan includes checking your smoke alarms. It’s critical that these life-saving devices are checked and tested frequently to ensure they’re working properly,” said Deputy Chief Micah Kiger of the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office. “We recommend that smoke alarms are placed in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. CO alarms should also be installed on each level and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Early warning can provide the lifesaving seconds you may need to escape!”
Remember, smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. To keep smoke and CO alarms in optimal condition:
- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly.
- Clean away any dust or debris from the alarm.
- Replace batteries according to manufacturer’s recommendations (alkaline versus 10-year lithium).
- Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years OR if the alarm does not respond properly when tested.
The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s Smoke Alarm Program offers free home safety inspections to all residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated, we will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the smoke alarm hotline 703-737-8093 or visit loudoun.gov/smokealarms.
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