Accidental Kitchen Fire Damages Sterling Townhome: Fire Marshal

Ashburn VA

30 November, 2021

4:02 PM

Description

STERLING, VA — A fire caused $454,000 in damages to a townhouse in Sterling on Monday evening, the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office said in a news release. Authorities believe the blaze was caused by an stove-top burner that was left unattended. Loudoun County fire and rescue units from Cascades, Kincora, Sterling Park, Ashburn, Brambleton, and Leesburg were dispatched to the fire in the 46000 block of Ironstone Terrace around 8:45 p.m. on Monday. Units from Fairfax County also responded to help contain the blaze, authorities said. "When firefighters arrived, they reported a three-story townhouse with heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure and immediately requested a second alarm and Rapid Intervention Task Force," the fire marshal's office said in a report released on Tuesday. "After ensuring all residents were located safely outside, firefighters used multiple hoselines to extinguish the bulk of the fire from the exterior." Authorities said that some units then entered the home to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire was mostly contained to the original home, though a neighboring townhouse suffered some smoke and water damage. Two adults and four children were displaced by the fire. They are now being assisted by the American Red Cross, officials said. One firefighter was taken to an area hospital for evaluation after responding to the fire. He was subsequently released, according to an update from the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System. The total damage caused by the fire was estimated at $454,000, according to the fire marshal's office. Officials said the fire was caused by "a stove burner inadvertently left in the on position." On Tuesday, the fire marshal's office urged residents to be cautious when cooking. They provided the following tips to avoid kitchen fires: Remain in the kitchen while cooking. Always turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen. Keep potentially flammable or combustible materials, like oven mitts or curtains, away from the stovetop.Keep a three-foot safety zone around stoves and other heating appliances to protect children and pets.Use a lid to smother a fire that is contained to a pot or pan, then turn off the burner.Never pour water on a grease fire.If a fire starts in an oven, turn off the heat and close the oven door.Call 9-1-1 and leave the building if a fire is out of control" Remember, working smoke alarms save lives," the fire marshal's office said on Tuesday. "Smoke Alarms provide an early warning giving you more time to safely escape. Install smoke alarms on every level, outside the door of any sleeping area, and inside each bedroom." The Loudoun County Combined Fire & Rescue System offers free home safety inspections for all residents. Residents can schedule an inspection by calling 703-737-8093. More information about how to schedule an inspection, along with other fire safety tips, is available online.