Market Station Fire Ruled Accidental

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office has concluded that the fire that occurred Saturday afternoon at Market Station in Leesburg was an accident.

The fire was caused by a cigarette that had been discarded from an upper level landing earlier in the day. The discarded cigarette ignited combustible wood roofing material below, and caused approximately $10,000 in damage, including to common bathroom space shared by tenants at Market Station. There were no reported injuries.

Fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Lucketts, Purcellville, Hamilton and Ashburn responded to the fire, and were on scene for about two hours. According to Mary Maguire, public information officer for the Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Services, extensive overhaul efforts were needed to ensure the fire did not travel through the roof area of the business complex, which is primarily made of wood. An employee from Tuscarora Mill Restaurant is credited with controlling the fire with an extinguisher after 911 was called.