Department Promotions

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is pleased to announce the following promotions.  Congratulations and be safe in your new assignments!

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Captain:

William D. Kinna

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:

James T. Bise

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

Brett E. Johnson

Joseph H. Skinner III 

Smoke Alarm Makes a Difference for Bethesda Family

Fire Department Credits Operating Smoke Alarm and Quick Thinking Residents

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue was dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday to the 5800 block of Kingswood Road in Bethesda for the report of a house fire. First arriving units reported heavy smoke from the second floor of the single family home with fire extended into the attic and requested additional units. The home’s occupants had evacuated after being alerted to the fire by the home’s smoke alarms.  

The fire was extinguished a short time later and one firefighter received minor injuries and was transported to

a local hospital for evaluation. Montgomery County Fire Investigators were requested to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Investigators confirm that the fire originated on the second floor of the residence and have listed the fire as accidental.

Firefighters were ultimately able to locate, chase and retrieve the family’s cat who was hiding in the basement. Damage estimates to the home are $500,000 to the structure and $250,000 to contents. Four adults, one child and a cat were displaced by the fire.

“This incident serves as a reminder of just how important smoke alarms are. Had the smoke alarms not been working, we would be reporting on a much more serious fire,” said Fire Chief Lohr. “We know unequivocally that the early warning provided by smoke alarms translates into saved lives and I urge all residents to ensure that their smoke alarms are working.” 

Videos From After The Fire Outreach

Personnel from MCFRS went door to door on Thursday in a Leisure World apartment complex checking residents smoke alarms, handing out safety information, as well as answering any questions or concerns after Wednesday’s fatal fire.

Learn more about the fire here (photos): Fatal Fire in Silver Spring

Below, are two videos from the other day.  In the first video Captain David Pazos explains the After the Fire program and reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms.

The next video shows Master Firefighter Dave Newman interacting with a local resident and what typically occurs when we knock on the door.  

After the Fire in Silver Spring

After the Fire in Silver Spring, a set on Flickr.

Personnel from MCFRS went door to door in a Leisure World apartment complex checking residents smoke alarms, handing out safety information, as well as answering any questions or concerns after yesterday’s fatal fire.

A few non-working alarms were found and taken care of. Residents were very happy to have us there!

Fatal Fire in Silver Spring

Montgomery County Fire Investigators have determined the origin of this afternoon’s fatal fire in the 15700 block of Interlachen Drive in Silver Spring and are releasing the name of the victim who perished in the fire. Units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were dispatched about 12:20 p.m. to a residential high-rise building located in the Leisure World community for the report of a building fire.

Montgomery County Fire Investigators were dispatched to the scene and have determined that the fire originated in the enclosed balcony/sunroom area of a 9^th floor unit. Fire sprinklers activated in the unit and kept the fire from extending more significantly in the building.

Investigators have released the name of the deceased victim, Debra Yuhas Lee, age 63. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is listed as undetermined at this time. Damage estimates were $150,000. 

This is the third fire fatality in Montgomery County this year and each victim has been in their 60’s. Units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue will be in the Leisure World community on Thursday distributing fire safety tips and information.  

                                                                        

                                                                      

Kitten Rescue

Kitten Rescue, a set on Flickr.

By: Lieutenant Sam Villani

On Monday, September 23, 2013, Tower 703 assisted Montgomery County Animal Control in the Fallsgrove section of Rockville with a stranded kitten. The kitten had fallen into the deep part of a dry storm sewer drain, and could not get out.

When Tower 703 arrived the animal control officer, Jennifer Gill, had Tower 703’s crew remove the manhole cover and assist with attempting to retrieve the kitten. Normally in order to enter a below grade confined space a specialty team would be needed- and doing so would have likely scared the kitten away. So we collectively decided to try using food that was graciously donated by Avalon at Fallsgrove employees, and a combination of a small animal net and a utility bag and webbing to rescue the kitten.

After fifteen minutes of configuring the food with the bag and the net, Master Firefighter Chris May safely netted the kitten and brought it to safety.

Battalion Chief Promotions

Fire Chief Steve Lohr is pleased to announce the following promotions to the rank of Battalion Chief effective October 6, 2013.

Captain Beth Sanford and Captain Dorcus Howard Richards will be permanently promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief.

Captain Chris Stroup will be temporarily promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief.

Congratulations to each of these employees for a job well done as they prepare for their new duties and

responsibilities.

Public Safety HQ Open House

Public Safety HQ Open House, a set on Flickr.

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 an Open House was held at the Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg from 11 AM until 4 PM. Initial estimates from our partners in public safety, Montgomery County Police, indicate roughly four thousand people showed up for this introductory and FREE event.

Attendees were treated to a variety of demonstrations by both MCFRS and MCP highlighting the tools, and high skill sets, Police Officers and Firefighters use just about every day. As well, Fire Trucks and Police Units were available for close up viewing and, in some cases, jumping aboard! Additionally there was a variety of safety information available to take home.

Several other County Agencies also participated and there were a few rides and games that many of our younger visitors ended up enjoying tremendously. If the many smiles were any indication, a fantastic time seemed to be had by all!

Public Safety Headquarters Open House This Weekend!

Come on out and see us at the Public Safety Headquarters Open House this weekend!  Learn more below.

Public Safety HQ Open House by Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue

Apartment Fire 9/11/13

Apartment Fire 9/11/13, a photo by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue on Flickr.

Apartment Fire on 9/11/13 Box 0202 – 600 block of Kennebec Ave - Company 2 units arrived on scene to find fire in a top floor apartment. Fire quickly controlled with no injuries. One adult displaced with damages estimated at $10K for the structure and $5K for the contents.

Click on above photo to see more photos.

It's Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept 15 - 21, 2013)

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week!  Below, please find some resources and information we hope you find useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carseat and Parent Info ( NHTSA)

Car Seat Fact Sheets

•  Selecting the Right Car Seat (PDF, 699 KB)
•  Installing Your Child's Car Seat Tightly (PDF, 1.21 MB)
•  Check Your Child's Car Seat! (PDF, 1.69 MB)

Car Seat Inspection Station Locations

To schedule an appointment call 240-777-2223. There can be a 2-3 week wait so plan ahead. Please contact Emilie Crown, Program Manager, at 240-777-2467 for any other issues. Need to have a car seat installed/checked/inspected? Montgomery County residents may click here to schedule an appointment.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am - Noon

1st Saturday of the month 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

By appointment only at SAFE KIDS Montgomery County MD, Child Safety Seat Inspection Station
14111 Georgia Avenue (behind 7-11), Aspen Hill, MD 20906

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Thursday Evenings 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

3rd Saturday of the month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

By appointment only at Criswell Chevrolet
503 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

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Wednesdays 8:00 am - Noon

2nd Saturday of the month 8:00 am - Noon

By appointment only at Great Beginnings Children's Store
18501 North Frederick Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

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Child Seat Laws & Seat Check Information

•  MD Child Safety Seat Law (PDF)
•  Inspection Station Flyer (PDF)
•  Directions to Seat Checks (PDF)
•  5-Step Booster Seat Check (PDF)

Our goal is to ensure that the children of Montgomery County are properly secured in car seats and seat belts while traveling. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children under 15. The inspection stations are sponsored by the Montgomery County Fire Rescue and SAFE KIDS Montgomery County. Montgomery County Car Seat Inspection Stations are for Montgomery County Residents only. Non-county residents are welcome to participate in Fitzgerald Auto Mall's monthly (no appointment needed) seat check in Rockville. Call Montgomery County's Child Passenger Safety Hotline, 240-777-2222 to get the next date and phone numbers for other inspection sites.