Two Leesburg structure fires that happened an hour apart Tuesday were caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, the Fire Marshal’s Office said Wednesday.
A statement from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said that the two-alarm fire on Sunset Course Terrace started around 12:20 p.m. and spread to two adjacent townhomes. Two residents were evaluated for smoke inhalation and one was taken to the hospital, and crews located a deceased dog in the home. Five people were displaced from the three homes and are being assisted by the Red Cross. Damages were estimated at just under $1 million dollars.
The second blaze was at the Leesburg Apartments at 75 Plaza St. NE. Crews responded there at 1:45 p.m. and found fire on the exterior of the first-floor apartment spreading to the second and third floors. Nine residents were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. No one was hurt. Damages in that fire are estimated at $135,000.
Fire officials provided these tips to prevent smoking-related fire:
• Smoke only outdoors and dispose of smoking materials in a deep, sturdy ashtray placed on a stable surface that won’t tip over…