The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) Fire Marshal’s Office determined that a lightning strike was the cause of a fire yesterday afternoon that displaced a Sterling family.
At 4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2022, the Loudoun County Emergency Communication Center (ECC) received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire after lightning struck a residence on Rusty Blackhaw Square in Sterling. Firefighters arrived to find a three-story townhome and observed smoke coming from the roofline. Three adult occupants were located safely outside. Fire and rescue units quickly located and extinguished a small fire in the attic. Crews remained on scene to search for additional fire spread and ventilate the structure.
The LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office has classified the fire as natural, due to a lightning strike and estimated damages at $75,000. Three occupants were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Smoke alarms were present and functional but did not activate as fire and smoke was confined to the attic space.
Take a few moments to ensure the smoke alarms in your home are installed and working properly. If you’re not sure if your home is protected, visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms or call 703-737-8093 to access our free smoke alarm resources.