Loudoun County, VA (JK) – A Lovettsville house fire that displaced five residents was caused by the failure of an energized electrical cord, according to the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office. The July 11 fire on the unit block of North Berlin Pike was ruled accidental.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames spreading from a rear deck into the one-story home. Crews extinguished the fire and confirmed no one was inside during a search of the residence. Three people were evaluated at the scene but did not require hospitalization. Damage to the home and its contents is estimated at $416,166. Five occupants are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
Investigators also determined the home did not have working smoke alarms. Fire officials are reminding residents to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their homes and to use extension cords safely by avoiding overloads and not using them as permanent wiring.
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