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Yesterday's warehouse fire in Sterling found to be due to improperly discarded smoking materials. Details below:Warehouse Fire in Sterling Ruled Accidental Due to Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials
At approximately 3:08 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center began receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls for a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Acacia Lane in Sterling. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) units from Kincora, Moorefield, Cascades, Sterling Park, Ashburn, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department, as well as numerous safety officers and command staff responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, fire and rescue personnel found a large warehouse facility with fire through the roof. Initial crews identified the primary building was a total loss and began working to contain the fire to the building of origin. A second alarm and a Rapid Intervention Taskforce (RIT) were requested to bring additional firefighters to the scene. The fire was extremely difficult to extinguish due to the burning of the stored materials and the size of the warehouse. After approximately two and a half hours of firefighting, the scene was deemed under control.
The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) has determined the cause of the fire as being accidental due to the improper discarding of smoking materials. Damages are estimated at $2,250,000. No civilian injuries were reported, and one firefighter was evaluated on scene for minor heat-related injuries.
The LCFR FMO reminds community members about the importance of properly discarding all smoking materials and urges residents to exercise caution when discarding these items. These materials can cause devastating fires if disposed of improperly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the 2021 national estimates for residential building smoking fires and losses show there were 7,800 fires, 275 deaths, 750 injuries, and $361,500,000 in dollar loss. These fires are preventable by following a few simple tips:
- If you smoke, do so outside.
- Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished, every time.
- Ensure smoking materials are discarded in appropriate containers and clean them often. Never use plastic, potted plants, mulch, grass, leaves, or anything that can burn to extinguish smoking materials. Remember that mulch, potting soil, etc. is combustible and will burn quickly when exposed to heat.
- Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Hot ashes can smolder for days.
- Use a deep, sturdy ashtray and be sure it is placed on a surface where it will not tip over.
- Place containers away from any structure. Never place containers on front porches, decks, or just outside the door.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. For smoke alarm information, visit our website or call 703-737-8093.
View this press release on our website: www.loudoun.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=9090
Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System
Loudoun County Government
This large incident also required numerous support units. SVFC's Canteen 611 along with support units Arcola Volunteer Fire Departmenttment and LCFR REHAB 623 provided many bottles of water and Gatorade, and snacks, to firefighters and other personnel, and SVFC Utility 618 responded to bring more cases of water bottles. Additionally, SVFC volunteers came in early to staff Engine 611 Bravo, which then went in service on a station fill due to the numerous units that responded to the fire.
Good Job Brothers💯
That smoke was visible for miles!
Thank y’all for all you do!! Y’all are amazing!!
Great work to all those involved in working this fire. We were following your progress from a distance.
Thank you!
Thank you!
News story about the earlier large structure fire in the Sterling area today.
400 people evacuated during fire in Sterling, Virginia
www.wusa9.com
There is no word on what caused the fire or how long it will take for crews to extinguish the flames.not the best picture to use as some might think Dulles International Airport was on fire. WUSA9 could have use a photo from the actual site.
It's National Volunteer Week, and a great time to volunteer with the SVFC. Get started by visiting join.sterlingfire.org today!
Wonderful! Congrats to all!
Congratulations and thank you for all you do in our community everyday!!