Hot Ashes Sparked House Blaze On Christmas: Loudoun Fire Officials

ASHBURN, VA — Improperly discarded fireplace ashes caused a Christmas Day house fire on Janneys Corner Court in Ashburn, according to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office.

About 3:54 p.m. Monday, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a fire in the 43000 block of Janneys Corner Court in Ashburn. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Moorefield, Brambleton, Ashburn, Dulles South, and Kincora, as well as command staff, were dispatched.

Firefighters worked to extinguish flames in a two-story, single-family home with a fire in the attached garage. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire in the garage and their check for spread to other areas of the home found the interior door to the living area was closed, preventing the spread of the fire.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by fireplace ashes that were placed in a combustible container.

Damage is estimated at $50,000 total — $40,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents of the garage. No occupants were displaced and there were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.

Fire officials reminded residents to dispose of fireplace ashes in metal containers with a lid and to not place items on top of ashes. Also, the simple act of closing a door during a fire can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and can even save your life if you become trapped and unable to escape the fire.

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