At 6:49 p.m., on Monday, August 21, 2023, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a house fire with people possibly trapped in the 17300 block of Smokey View Court in Round Hill.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units from Round Hill, Philomont, Purcellville, Hamilton, Loudoun Heights, Leesburg, Moorefield, and Mt. Weather were dispatched to the scene. Additionally, a Tanker Task Force was requested to bring water to the scene, as this area does not have fire hydrants. Numerous command staff and Fire Marshal’s Office personnel also responded to the incident. Upon arrival, firefighters found visible fire from the front of the house, smoke from the eaves, and requested additional resources. While most of the fire was involving the garage area of the home, fire was quickly extending into other areas of the home to include the attic. It was also determined that all occupants were out of the home. Crews deployed handlines and began an exterior attack on the fire, then transitioning inside the home to extinguish the rapidly advancing fire on multiple floors and the attic. Due to the significant involvement of fire in the home, crews identified the possibility of a partial collapse.
The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation by the LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office. A total of six residents were displaced and are staying locally with family. The damages are estimated at $999,240, which includes $624,525 in structural damages and $374,715 in contents. No civilian injuries were reported, however two firefighters were transported to area hospitals and evaluated. Working smoke alarms were present and sounded as designed, alerting those inside and neighboring homes.
To learn more about smoke alarms, home escape planning and other important fire safety information, visit loudoun.gov/fire or call the LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600.