Apartment Fire In Leesburg Caused By Smoking Materials: Report

LEESBURG, VA — An apartment fire in Leesburg on Monday morning caused an estimated $30,000 in damages, according to a news release from the Loudoun County Fire Marshal. Authorities said the fire was started by an improperly discarded cigarette.

Before 3 a.m. on Monday, a 911 caller said a fire on their balcony was spreading into their apartment. The caller evacuated the building and pulled a fire alarm on the way out to alert other residents, according to the news release.

First responders were dispatched to the apartment building on Heritage Way in Leesburg. When they arrived, firefighters saw smoke and fire coming from a balcony on the third floor.

Firefighters extinguished the fire within 20 minutes of their arrival, according to the news release. No firefighters or residents were injured in the fire, authorities said.

Two people and two animals were displaced by the fire. The Fire Marshal's Office determined the blaze was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, and resulted in about $30,000 in damages.

The Fire Marshal's Office told residents to only smoke outside, to use a sturdy ashtray that won't tip over, and to test smoke alarms monthly. More fire safety tips are available on their website.