24 units evacuated at Purcellville apartments after staircase failure

Loudoun County issued an unsafe structure order for the Purcellville East Apartments on Thursday, displacing residents from 24 second-floor units. The complex at 110 to 120 N. 16th Street remains partially closed while officials assess the damage.

County inspectors confirmed that the stairwells leading to the second floors are unsafe, which renders those apartments inaccessible. The closure affects six buildings in total. First-floor units remained open, and 22 of the 24 impacted second-floor units were occupied at the time of the order.

The evacuation follows a Fire and Rescue call to the property on Oct. 25. During that response, officials observed damaged staircases and flagged the location for a deeper review. The Department of Building and Development conducted the follow-up inspection, which led to the formal emergency order posted on the building on Thursday.

Approximately 55 people have been displaced by the closure. County departments and nonprofit agencies are coordinating relocation efforts for the residents and their pets. Fire crews assisted occupants in gathering their belongings during the initial evacuation phase.

Building officials are now working with the property owner to repair the structural hazards. The county provided a dedicated phone line, 703-777-0420, for impacted residents to request assistance with relocation and other support services.