A fire caused by an electrical or mechanical malfunction in a vehicle inside a garage caused $930,800 in damage and displaced a family of seven in Aldie early Thursday.
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue responded to the fire in the 25,000 block of Fishermans Pond Court at 2:46 a.m. after a family member discovered the vehicle burning in the garage, immediately closed the door, and called 911.
“By closing the door, the rate of fire spread was slowed, letting the residents escape safely outside. Working smoke alarms were present and sounded, further alerting residents and neighboring homes to the emergency,” a news release said.
No injuries occurred as units from Kirkpatrick Farms, Aldie, Dulles South, Prince William County, Fairfax County, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority–Dulles worked to put out the blaze. They used a deck gun, a device that delivers large amounts of water at higher pressures than handheld hoses, to get the fire quickly under control.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined the fire was accidental. Damages included $563,000 in structural damage, $337,800 in contents, and $30,000 for vehicles.
The American Red Cross is assisting the two adults and five children.
Having a home escape plan is important. Here’s what Loudoun County Fire and Rescue recommends families do:
- Draw a map of your home. Mark two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Pick a meeting place that’s a safe distance away. Maybe a tree, light pole, or mailbox.
- Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year. Practice at different times of the day and night.
- Teach kids how to get out of the house without your help.
- Close doors as you leave to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
Feature image courtesy Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
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