At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting the back of a building was on fire in the Unit block of West Washington Street in the Little River District. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units from Middleburg, Philomont, Fauquier County, Fairfax County, and Prince William County responded to the scene, as well as multiple command officers and a safety officer. Units arrived on scene to find a two-story commercial building with fire showing from the rear of the building. A Rapid Intervention Taskforce was requested which brought additional units to the scene to support firefighting operations.
Crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack, deploying hose lines, locating, and extinguishing the fire on the first floor of the building within approximately 15 minutes. A primary and secondary search of the structure and neighboring structures revealed no additional life safety hazards.
During the incident, a member of the Middleburg Police Department was struck by a vehicle and sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office investigation classified the fire as accidental, resulting from an unspecified electrical event originating from a commercial-style power strip located in what used to be a kitchen. Damages to the structure are estimated at $607,200. One occupant was displaced as the structure is commercial in nature.
To protect your family from electrical fires, ensure that all electrical work is done and inspected by a qualified electrician in accordance with all local permitting requirements. Immediately call a qualified electrician if you experience any of the following:
- Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
- A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
- Discolored or warm wall outlets
- A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Sparks from an outlet
Take a moment to complete the National Fire Protection Associations Electrical Fire Safety Checklist to ensure that your home is protected against electrical fires. To obtain additional information on fire prevention and life safety, please visit Loudoun.gov/FireMarshal.