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Two fires hit Leesburg apartment building
In less than 24 hours, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to two separate fire incidents at the Manor Apartments in Leesburg. Both fires, which have been determined to be accidental, resulted in an estimated $45,000 damage. A total of 25 people from 11 apartments have been displaced, and the American Red Cross is providing housing and assistance.
The first fire occurred Sept. 30. Around 5:56 p.m., a 911 call was received for an apartment fire at 28 Fort Evans Road in Leesburg. Fire and rescue crews arrived on the scene to find fire and smoke in two apartments on the second floor of Building #2. Working quickly, the fire was extinguished, containing the fire to one of the second-floor apartments.
A total of four residents, three from one unit and one from a second unit, were displaced as a result of this incident. Departmental staff worked with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to provide temporary accommodations and other immediate needs for the displaced residents.
The fire, which caused an estimated $15,000 in damage, is believed to have started in a ceiling exhaust fan.
The second fire occurred Oct. 1 around 8:32 a.m. and resulted in an estimated $35,000 damage. Fire and rescue personnel were again called to the scene of 28 Fort Evans Road, Building #2, where an employee of the apartment complex reported smelling smoke. Upon investigation, firefighters discovered fire smoldering in the insulation in the attic of the building. This fire is believed to have been caused by re-energized wiring that may have been damaged during the Sunday fire.
Power was ordered shut off by the fire department, and this action required the relocation of 21 additional people from nine additional apartments. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is working with these residents and providing temporary housing for them as well.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office and the Loudoun County Office of Building and Development have issued correction orders to the apartment complex management to correct the electrical problems before the residents can return.
There were no injuries as a result of either of these incidents.
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