Virginia fire officials are crediting several factors that made a difference early Tuesday at a townhouse fire in Leesburg.
Armed with information from callers who reported significant fire, the rapid intervention task force was dispatched as the initial units were en route, Loudoun County Fire/Rescue officials said in a release.
Crews found heavy fire, but quickly determined that all residents were out of all the homes in the row. With flames venting from windows on all three levels in the front of the home, firefighters engaged in an offensive exterior attack.
A second-alarm was requested to bring additional resources to the scene.
"An aggressive fire attack and the use of non-combustible siding significantly aided in preventing the spread of the fire to other townhomes, officials noted, adding that a smoke alarm alerted the residents.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury and a civilian sustained minor burns. Both were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The fire, that remains under investigation, displaced 13 people as the adjoining homes sustained smoke and water damage, officials reported.
"The presence of working smoke alarms played an important role in waking and notifying residents to exit the home." officials said in the statement, adding that residents should take a few moments to practice their home escape plan, ensure everyone in the home knows two ways out of each room, and to check that smoke alarms are installed and working properly.
