No Injuries Reported, But Fire Claims Pets and Causes Nearly $500K in Damages
A Leesburg family of nine is safe but displaced after an accidental electrical fire tore through their home Friday evening, causing nearly half a million dollars in damage.
Loudoun County fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Lansdowne, Lucketts, and Purcellville responded to the fire just before 6:15 p.m. on February 14 in the 800 block of Wage Drive. When crews arrived, flames and heavy smoke were pouring from the first floor of the split-level home. Fortunately, all family members had made it out safely and were waiting outside when firefighters arrived.
Crews quickly attacked the fire, which had spread from the first floor into the attic. While they were able to knock it down, firefighters spent additional time salvaging belongings and ensuring no hot spots remained.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital with a minor injury and later released. Tragically, the family lost a cat and a reptile in the fire. Loudoun County Animal Services assisted at the scene.
Fire marshals determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical failure in a power strip that powered a reptile tank. Smoke alarms in the home worked properly, alerting the family in time to escape. The home sustained an estimated $480,000 in damage—$300,000 to the structure and $180,000 in lost belongings.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family as they navigate the aftermath of the fire.
