Improper Disposal of Smoking Materials Caused Two-Alarm Sterling Fire

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday that a two-alarm apartment fire in Sterling is believed to have been caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. The fire caused about $2 million worth of damage to the four-story structure and displaced 26 residents, according to a release from Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.

Fire-rescue workers were called to the scene on the 20500 block of Reserve Falls Terrace at about 7:40 a.m. Nov. 20. Units from Sterling, Lansdowne, Ashburn and Fairfax responded.

After initially attempting to extinguish the fire, crews were called by because of deteriorating conditions and concerned of structural collapse. Fire-rescue personnel remained on the scene for hours attending to hot spots. 

 The Red Cross was on the scene working to provide assistance to the displaced residents, two of whom were transported to Inova Loudoun Hospital at Lansdowne: one with possible smoke inhalation and a second for a minor medical emergency. No firefighter injuries were reported.