An investigation into last night’s house fire in Sterling determined the fire was accidental, caused by an unattended candle.
Just before 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25th, 2022, firefighters from Sterling, Kincora, Ashburn, Moorefield, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) command staff were dispatched for a structure fire on Elm Tree Lane in Sterling. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a 2-story house with significant fire and smoke coming from the front of the home and all occupants located safely outside.
Firefighters quickly stretched a hose line to the 2nd floor to put out the fire and completed a primary search to ensure that all residents and pets had been accounted for. Once the fire was extinguished, several units remained on scene conducting overhaul operations and ventilating the structure as the LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office conducted their investigation.
The investigation determined the fire to be accidental, caused by an unattended candle and estimated damages at $305,600. A family of nine are displaced and are staying locally with family. There were no injuries to civilians; however, as a precaution, one firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation of a minor medical condition.
Members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System remind residents to stay vigilant and only use candles in a safe manner. Candles should be placed on a sturdy, nonflammable surface, away from children, pets and anything that can burn. Candles require constant supervision by an adult, and you must ensure that candles are completely extinguished before leaving the area. A safer alternative is using flameless candles that still look and smell like real candles.
Remember that smoke alarms are your first defense against home fires, protecting you and your family 24 hours a day. If your smoke alarms are not working, or over ten years old or you have questions about your smoke alarms, we can help! Our Smoke Alarm Program offers home safety inspections and smoke alarms to Loudoun County residents at no charge. Visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms or call 703-737-8600 for more information.