At approximately 2:14 AM, Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Loudoun County Emergency Communication Center (ECC) received a 911 call reporting an explosion and fire in a residential structure in the 42000 block of Running Creek Square in Leesburg. While units were enroute to the scene, the ECC received multiple calls indicating a significant fire and upgraded the call to a house fire with people possibly trapped. While enroute, units requested a rapid intervention taskforce due to the large black smoke visible. First arriving units with the assistance of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all occupants were out of the homes in the entire row of townhomes.
On arrival, fire and rescue crews found heavy fire showing from the rear of the home and through the roof. Fire was also venting from windows on all three levels in the front of the home and an offensive exterior fire attack commenced. Due to the large volume of fire present, a second alarm was requested. An aggressive fire attack and the use of non-combustible siding significantly aided in preventing the spread of the fire to other townhomes.
Fire and rescue crews remained on the scene assisting with fire suppression, salvage, and overhaul. The townhomes on either side of the main townhome suffered smoke and water damage. All three homes are uninhabitable. A total of 13 occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross or staying with friends. One occupant with minor burns and one firefighter with minor injuries were transported to the hospital. The firefighter has been released from the hospital. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office.
The presence of working smoke alarms played an important role in waking and notifying residents to exit the home. The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System encourages residents to take a few moments to practice their home escape plan, ensure everyone in the home knows two ways out of each room, and to check that smoke alarms are installed and working properly. If you’re not sure if your home is protected, visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms or call 703-737-8093 to access our free smoke alarm resources. To obtain additional information on fire prevention and life safety, please visit Loudoun.gov/FireMarshal.
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