Press Release and Photos by PIO Dustin Sternbeck

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of a two-alarm house fire that occurred in Leesburg yesterday afternoon.

At approximately 5:37 p.m. on April 11, 2010, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported house fire at 725 Vermillion Dr in Leesburg. Responding personnel reported heavy smoke visible as they left their stations. The first arriving crew was forced to engage in a defensive operation due to the residence being fully involved.

The three story residence was a total loss and investigators have estimated damage at $750,000. Two residents and their family pet were at home at the time of the fire and were able to safely evacuate without injury. The homeowners were displaced and have made arrangements with family for temporary housing.

Two additional homes suffered minor damage as the heat from the house of origin was sufficient enough to melt siding off the exposure homes. The neighboring homes each received $5,000 in damage.

Crews remained on scene until shortly after 10 p.m. performing salvage, overhaul and extinguishing hot spots. There were no injuries reported to civilians or emergency personnel.

STATter911 also has the story here (thanks for the hat tip on the videos Dave)