The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR FMO) has arrested Jose Hernandez, 28, of Leesburg, for his alleged involvement in two separate incendiary fires that occurred in the 800 block of Edwards Ferry Road NE. Hernandez was charged with two counts of Burning or Destroying Dwelling House, etc. (§ 18.2-77.) and is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
The first incident occurred at approximately 3:41 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024. The Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a structure fire. Fire and rescue crews arrived at the scene to find a small dryer fire on the second floor of a residential building. The LCFR FMO determined that the fire was incendiary in nature, causing an estimated $1,500 in damages. Fortunately, no civilians or firefighters were injured, and no one was displaced. Fire alarms were present and functioned as intended.
The second fire was reported at approximately 9:21 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Upon arrival, fire and rescue crews discovered the remnants of another dryer fire in the laundry room of the same residential building. This fire was also determined to be incendiary, with damages estimated at $2,500. Again, there were no reported injuries or displacements, and fire alarms operated correctly.
Following a thorough investigation, FMO investigators identified Hernandez as the suspect and took him into custody without incident.
