Three displaced after accidental Leesburg house fire

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — Three people were displaced after an accidental house fire in Leesburg on Friday, according to Loudoun County Fire-Rescue.

Firefighters said crews responded around 1:30 p.m. to reports of a house fire in the 100 block of Mayfair Drive, where flames and smoke could be seen billowing from the first floor of the three-story building.

According to firefighters, all occupants safely escaped, and no one was hurt.

The cause of the fire was deemed accidental and caused by an overheated extension cord connected to a space heater.

The house sustained roughly $65,000 in damage and an additional $15,000 in smoke damage to the unit next door.

“As we move into fall and winter, we want to warn residents of the dangers associated with electrical fires and the use of certain heating appliances,” said Chief Fire Marshal Micah Kiger. “In this instance, a light-duty extension cord was used to connect a space heater to an outlet. The cord overheated, quickly igniting nearby combustibles and starting the fire. These fires are preventable by following several key safety measures.”

•  “Ensure all appliances are using the proper type of wall receptacle outlet. Plug ALL major appliances such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, stoves, air conditioners, space heaters, etc., directly into a wall receptacle outlet.

•   Do not use extension cords and power strips in place of permanent wiring as they are only intended for temporary use. Inspect cords regularly and immediately unplug and replace those with any damage or fraying.

•   Always clear a 3-foot space around portable space heaters, keeping anything that can burn a safe distance away. 

•   Always turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.”