Contractor’s Spark Cited in Fire at Historic Hillsboro Home

STAFF REPORT

Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office determined Tuesday morning’s fire on Charles Town Pike in Hillsboro was accidental.

According to the report, a contractor working in the building inadvertently started the fire when a spark from a saw ignited insulation inside the wall. 



Damages to the home, built in 1858 as the Methodist Episcopal Church South, are estimated at $619,350. 

Two adults have been displaced and are staying locally with family. 

The fire was reported shortly after 09:30 a.m. Dec. 27. Fire and rescue units from Loudoun Heights, Purcellville, Round Hill, Hamilton, Leesburg, and Lovettsville were dispatched to the scene. The first arriving units, from Loudoun Heights, reported a significant amount of smoke coming from a two-story stone structure. All occupants were found to have self-evacuated prior to the arrival of the initial units.A Rapid Intervention Task Force and a Tanker Task Force also were dispatched, bringing additional units from Philomont, Hamilton, Leesburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill. Crews drafted water from a pond on Highwater Road. 

One occupant was treated and released on scene. One first responder was transported to a hospital for evaluation and released.