10/21/2025
responded to two separate fires in the Little River and Catoctin Districts overnight. Fortunately, no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported in either incident.
At 9:23 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke and fire coming from a home in the 24000 block of Yellow Poplar Place in Aldie. Fire and Rescue units from Kirkpatrick Farms, Dulles South, Aldie, and Brambleton, as well as the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department and several command and safety officers responded.
Firefighters arrived to find a two-story single-family home with fire on the first floor. A Rapid Intervention Task Force (RIT) was requested to bring additional resources to the scene and support firefighter safety. Once inside, firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire; however, firefighters confirmed smoke alarms were present and working upon arrival. The Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR-FMO) determined the fire was accidental, due to unattended candles. Damages are estimated at $450,000. Two adults and one child have been displaced.
Several hours later at 1:16 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, units from Purcellville, Philomont, Round Hill, Lovettsville, Hamilton, and Leesburg, as well as several command and safety officers, were dispatched to a structure fire in the 37000 block of Chappelle Hill Road in Purcellville. Units arrived on scene and found an approximately 20x20 storage building on fire. A RIT was requested along with a Tanker Task Force to provide additional water supply. Crews were able to control the fire and secure the gas from the underground propane tanks. The LCFR-FMO determined the fire was accidental, resulting from the chimney of a fuel fired appliance igniting nearby combustibles. Damages are estimated at $400,000. No occupants were displaced.
Fire officials remind community members to stay vigilant and only use candles in a safe manner. Candles should be placed on a sturdy, nonflammable surface, away from children, pets and anything that can burn. Candles require constant supervision by an adult, and you must ensure candles are completely extinguished before leaving the area. A safer alternative is using flameless candles that look and smell like real candles. It’s also critical to ensure you have working smoke alarms. LC-CFRS offers a program where residents can request a free smoke alarm assessment. To learn more about the program and to make a request, visit our website or call our Fire and Life Safety Hotline at 703-737-8093: https://www.loudoun.gov/819/Smoke-Alarms
Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 3756
Volunteering with the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System