Two Sterling residents were injured after an early morning house fire that fire marshals determined was caused by unattended candles.
Just before 2:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center started receiving 911 calls for a house fire on North Fillmore Avenue in Sterling. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units from Sterling Park, Cascades, Kincora, and Fairfax County were dispatched to the incident.
Engine 611 from Sterling arrived on the scene and reported a single-family home with active fire and smoke showing from the rear of the structure. Additional units were dispatched to assist including a Rapid Intervention Task Force, the LCFR Rehabilitation Unit and the Mobile Air Unit.
All occupants were confirmed out of the house as firefighters quickly worked to locate and extinguish the fire. Crews extinguished the fire on the first floor and exterior of the home as additional crews checked for fire extension and searched for the homeowners’ missing pets. One cat was found deceased and two currently remain unaccounted for. The family dog is being cared for by personnel from Loudoun County Animal Services. The two occupants who were home at the time of the fire were both treated and transported for minor burn injuries. One firefighter was transported for evaluation after the fire. Three occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire to be accidental, resulting from unattended candles. Damages are estimated at $498,168 ($311,355 structure and $186,813 contents).
Fire officials 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.
For additional fire prevention and life safety information visit loudoun.gov/fire or call 703-737-8600.