A Purr-fect Rescue on Hudson Avenue By Truck 716's Crew

By: BC Mark Davis and Lt. Rob Furst

Captain David Barcenas and Tillerman Kyle Holder were able to save two cats that were trapped in an apartment fire on Saturday evening on Hudson Avenue in Takoma Park Fire Station 2's area. After 10 or so minutes of oxygen, via a non-rebreather mask, the four-legged creatures were turned over to their owner - who was elated to see the furry little faces. A job well done by Truck 716! Next up...a trip to the vet's office.

We are also pleased to report that all humans escaped the fire without injury!

Look Before You Lock

When temperatures rise, so does the risk of an unimaginable tragedy – children accidentally left in hot cars.

Nationally, nine children have died in cars as a result of the heat which is a 350 percent INCREASE from this time last year. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is teaming up with Safe Kids Worldwide to prevent child deaths and injuries in hot cars.

When outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only minutes even with a window rolled down two inches. With sustained and record-breaking temperatures predicted in the region, families are reminded that one of the greatest dangers is leaving a child in a car unattended on a hot day. Children’s bodies do not acclimate to the heat as well as adults and can overheat easily. Infants and children under four years old are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.

Hard Facts
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. Children can also sustain injuries from hot cars that can include permanent brain injury, blindness, loss of hearing and kidney failure. Heatstroke tragedies often occur when there has been a change in a family’s daily routine, a parent leaves a child in the car “for just a minute” unaware how quickly the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels or after a child gets into an unlocked vehicle to play unbeknownst to the parent or caregiver and can’t get out.

Top Tips
These tragedies are preventable. Avert and reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT:

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child unattended in a car, not even for a minute. Make a habit of looking in the vehicle – front and back – and keep keys stored out of a child’s reach and car doors locked when the vehicle is not in use to prevent children from getting in on their own.
C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

A Special Project In Honor Of Memorial Day

By: Firefighter Robert Orner

      Fire Station 34 B-Shift

Last Thursday, Fire Station 34-B took on a special project in honor of Memorial Day. The crew took recycled fire hose and crafted it into an American Flag to hang in the station.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on this project but most of all....

Thanks to ALL who have served in our U.S. Armed Forces and have given the Ultimate Sacrifice!

We Support OUR Troops, Worldwide! 

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season!  Fire Chief Scott Goldstein of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.


• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.


• No grilling allowed on apartment or condo balconies! 


• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.  NEVER use gasoline!


• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.  Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.


• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.


• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill  repaired by a professional, if necessary.


• Remember to keep your grill clean!  Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.


• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.


• REMEMBER!  Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. 

MCFRS Kicks Off Annual Summer of Safety Campaign

This weekend, Fire Chief Scott E. Goldstein will launch the “101 Days of Summer of Safety” campaign. On a daily basis and through Labor Day, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) will provide critical tips which, if practiced, will enhance the safety and welfare of our residents. Follow us and we will lead you toward safer habits to help protect you, your children, and your pets from the dangers which may come from sun exposure, leaving unattended pets and children in motor vehicles, recreational water activities, barbeque grilling and outdoor eating, heat-related emergencies, traveling the roads, and much, much more.

Fire Chief Goldstein’s campaign goal is to raise the collective awareness of our community in a fun, interactive and engaging format. Stick with us all summer and see what you may learn! It just might save your life. Are you in?

Follow us here and on our Social Media platforms using #mcfrsSOS all summer long!

Splash into Summer SAFELY!

Chances are many of you will be headed to the beach or pool today. As part of our "101 Days of Summer Safety" program, today will focus on pool/water safety.  

Did you know that drowning is the second leading killer of children ages 14 and under? The women and men of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service urges you to follow these important tips to ensure safety around the water this weekend:

Never leave children unattended around any body of water (bathtubs, pools, ornamental backyard ponds, etc.).
Small children don't think of water as a danger and, by nature, are very curious. Being left alone in or around water without supervision can be fatal. Do not leave water or any other solutions unattended in buckets or other containers - a child can drown in as little as two inches of water.

Learn to swim. But remember - even good swimmers can drown.
Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision of children and never swim alone.

Learn CPR.
Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost by having to wait for Emergency Medical Services to respond and administer CPR. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible brain damage or death.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.
Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Watch out for the "dangerous too's"
...too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.

Always have a phone
Keep a phone (cell or cordless) by the pool or nearby when engaged in recreational water activities so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Know where your children are at all times.
Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by phone calls, chores or conversations. If you leave the pool area, take the child with you.

Don't rely on substitutes.
The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Not As Easy As It Looks

Yesterday, Captain Ivan Browning and the shift at Station 28-B conducted a little hazardous materials training. The exercise involved using what is referred to as a Hazmat Level A suit. Level A protection is utilized when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required.

A Hazmat team trainee was required to dress out in the Level A suit and then perform a dexterity drill using the humat on the engine company. Disconnect, remove from engine, put back on engine, re-connect and recite the emergency procedures action.

Not as easy as it looks with all of the gear on! See photo album below.

Not Your Average Driver Training

By: Lieutenant Tom Cleveland, Jr.
       Fire Station 34 A-Shift

Yesterday, personnel from Fire Station 34 (Milestone) A-Shift took advantage of the beautiful weather to drill with a future Engine driver. So off we went to Seneca Creek at Davis Mill Road and Huntmaster Road.

The scenario involved drafting from an alternate water source in non-hydrant area. This is important as there are areas of the county that do not have a fire hydrant close by. We must train all new drivers to be ready for any scenario they may encounter on a fire scene.

MCFRS on Social Media

Looking for MCFRS on your favorite social media platform? Well, look no further than below.

Click on the various links below to check us out. Please forward and share.

MCFRS on Social Media

      
   

And out latest addition..........SnapChat!

Scan to join.

Tradition, Pride and Integrity

By: Lieutenant Dave Anderson
       Fire Station 16 - A

Silver Spring Fire Station 16 has decided to spruce the back stairs up with some station pride. The bottom stairs boast "Tradition", "Pride" and "Integrity." The top stairs state: "you are about to become part of something greater than yourself, welcome to Co.16."

Firefighter Bill Naugle from 16B came up with the concept, was the driving force behind this project and saw it through until it was complete. Thanks to Firefighter Naugle for his total dedication!

Congratulations To Our College Graduates

This past week was one of excitement and satisfaction for four of our own, and their families, as they earned degrees from the University of Maryland system. All of this coursework done while balancing family life and a fire service career.

Congratulations to:

• Lieutenant Kirk Ney earned a BS in Fire Science with a minor in Emergency Management


• Captain Mike Porter earned a BA in History


• Captain Robert Hornbacher earned a BS in Public Safety Administration


• Assistant Chief John Van Gieson earned a Masters, Professional Studies in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Well done all! A tremendous accomplishment! Congratulations!

Asst Chief Van Gieson & wife Dr. Ajija Van Gieson

Capt. Hornbacher (L) & Lt. Ney

Montgomery Village Townhouse Fire

On Thursday, May 19th at approximately 2:23 p.m., MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported town house fire in the 7800 block of Yankee Harbor Drive in the Montgomery Village area of the county. Units from Laytonville Fire Station 17 arrived on the scene and reported fire showing from the front bedroom of a middle of the row, three story townhouse.

None of the six adult occupants of the townhouse were home. Smoke alarms sounding from inside the townhouse alerted a passerby who called 911.

Firefighters found and quickly extinguished a fire in one of the bedrooms. A residential fire sprinkler in the hallway activated and kept the fire in check prior to fire department arrival. The fire sprinkler in the bedroom malfunctioned and did not operate.

In addition, firefighters found and rescued a dog that was in the home. Oxygen treatment was administered by personnel to help revive the dog (see photo in album below).

Fire Investigators responded to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. After investigation and interviews, with two occupants that were at home prior to the fire starting, it was determined that the fire was accidental in nature.

Damages were estimated at $150,000.00 to the structure and $20,000.00 to the contents. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. A total of six adults and one dog have been displaced as a result of the fire.

Bike To Work Day Friday. Use Your Head And Wear A Helmet!

Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. MCFRS would like to remind all of you participating in this wonderful event to Use Your Head and Wear A Helmet!

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, helmet use has been estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50 percent, and the odds of head, face, or neck injury by 33 percent.

So, please enjoy Bike To Work Day safely! Our fire and rescue personnel do not wish to meet you by "accident" tomorrow!

More safety tips below from the University of Utah.

Update On Two New Aerial Tower Trucks

Currently, MCFRS has two new aerial tower trucks that are in the process of being built. These will replace units in the MCFRS fleet that are due to be replaced.

In the photos below, you can see there has been fantastic progress on the new Pierce towers with the installation of wiring, shelving, trim and other components. Next week, it is expected that similar type of installation work will continue and the aerial ladder sections are to be scheduled for assembly.

The units aerial ladder will be 100 feet in length and it is anticipated that the units could be delivered by late summer.

National Emergency Medical Services Week: May 15 – 21, 2016

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.

Community Risk Reduction Weekend - A Whole Lot Of Safety Going On!

This past weekend, May 14-15, was designated by the State Fire Marshal, the Maryland Chief’s Association and the Maryland State Fireman’s Association as a Statewide “Community Risk Reduction” weekend for fire departments across the State.

You may have seen our personnel in your neighborhoods to include athletic and park venues, as well as grocery, home improvement, and big box stores. There were also several community events to include health fairs, a fiesta, and a grand opening. These were fantastic opportunities for our firefighters to meet the residents we serve, provide safety information, and answer any questions posed.

Of particular note was a door to door effort in the Leisure World community in which 200 homes were checked and over 40 smoke alarms installed! In addition, 20 neighbors from the Bethesda area learned CPR at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Saturday morning. At Fire Station #34, our child passenger safety program checked and correctly installed 24 car seats to ensure young children, infants and newborns will be better protected while travelling in their parents autos.

Below you will find a variety of photos of our personnel out and about during the Community Risk Reduction Weekend.

New Glenmont Fire Station #18 Update

Construction of new Glenmont Fire Station #18 is progressing along nicely! If everything continues to go according to plan, the new station could be up and running sometime in November of this year.

The old Fire Station #18 was demolished several months ago as the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) was building a new intersection at Georgia Avenue and Randolph Road and the old station was located on the planned intersection site. This replacement fire station will be located on a different site but in proximity to the service area of the current station.

Currently, Fire Station #18’s units and crews are operating out of the old Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad station located on Grandview Avenue.

Below are photos showing construction progress.

A Safer Home Is Just A Click Away

As part of MCFRS’ on-going commitment to innovation and building a safer County, the Community Outreach Section of the Division of Volunteers Services & Community Outreach has launched a new, on-line tool designed to efficiently manage and streamline requests for home safety and smoke alarm checks for County residents.

Most fires in the home are preventable and the effects can be devastating.

It’s important that you know how to reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home and how to keep yourself, your family and your home safe from fire. This new tool will provide residents with a fast and convenient way to request a home safety visit.

What is a home fire safety visit?
Representatives from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home and offer advice on how to make your home safe and where appropriate smoke alarms should be located and installed for free.

Who is eligible?
Residents of Montgomery County may request a free home safety visit. The installation of free alarms is targeted to high risk individuals that include older people and senior citizens, individuals with mobility, vision or hearing impairments and residents who may have a disability or be economically challenged.

The on line tool can be easily accessed via desktop, web or mobile device. Go here to learn more: Schedule a Home Safety Evaluation 

Community Risk Reduction Weekend! Know The New Smoke Alarm Law

This weekend, May 14-15, has been designated by the State Fire Marshal, the Maryland Chief’s Association and the Maryland State Fireman’s Association as a Statewide “Community Risk Reduction” weekend for fire departments across the State.

Fire departments across Maryland will be engaged in community outreach, education and canvassing neighborhoods to provide smoke alarm and fire safety information and education. The focus of the campaign is to increase awareness regarding Maryland’s new Smoke Alarm Law (effective January, 2018) and to remind all residents that smoke alarms older than 10 years need to be replaced with new ones.

All MCFRS personnel and stations, to support the State’s campaign, will be engaged in community outreach and education at every opportunity over the course of the weekend. You may see our firefighters in your neighborhood to include athletic and park venues, as well as grocery, home improvement, and big box stores.

If you happen come across one of our firefighters, you will more than likely receive the below handout. Please take a brief moment to review this important, and potential lifesaving, information.

We also want to remind every Montgomery County family to plan and practice your escape routes together to help ensure everyone knows how to get out safely in the event a fire occurs in your home. Go here to learn more: Home Fire Escape Planning

Have You Seen This Sphere Of Interest?

Have you seen this sphere of interest? Notify local authorities if you find it!‪

Maryland Updates Smoke Alarm Law

Maryland’s new smoke alarm law requires the replacement of all BATTERY-ONLY operated smoke alarms with units powered by sealed-in, 10-year long-life batteries.

Homeowners have until January 1, 2018 to comply with the new law.

Please check out more below:

For a pdf or Word copy of this, please EMAIL HERE

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Accepting Applications for Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit)

Closing Date: May 23, 2016

TODAY, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) begins accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit). Applications will be accepted until May 23, 2016 at midnight.  MCFRS Firefighter/Rescuers receive outstanding benefits, including a 20-year retirement with no age limit, group health and life insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and paid sick leave. This recruitment will be used to establish eligibility for a Recruit Class that will begin in December, 2016. Applications will only be accepted on-line.

The Firefighter/Rescuer I position is an entry level position. Applicants must:

1. Be 17 ½ years of age to apply and 18 years of age at time of appointment
2. Possess a high school diploma or GED within two months from time of application
3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
4. Possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (non-provisional at the time of appointment)

Based upon service needs, hiring preferences may be given to those applicants who possess one or more of the following at the time of application (subject to verification):

• Veterans and veterans with disabilities
• Paramedic (National Registry Paramedic)
• Residency in Montgomery County
• Multi-lingual skills (Spanish, Amharic, Chinese; French, Korean, Vietnamese, American-Sign             Language)
• Two years employment in a customer service related field
• Bachelor’s degree
• Thirty or more college credits (from an accredited college or university)

The hiring process includes a written exam, oral interview, background screening, medical exam, and the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).  Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to take the written examination, which is tentatively scheduled for June 16, 17 and 18, 2016.

For important information regarding the hiring process, critical dates and information, prospective applicants can visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/MCFRS-recruiting/application.html


Montgomery County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. It is the policy of Montgomery County to conduct all employment activities in a manner that will ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, or political affiliation. 

MCFRS Significant Incident Map - April 2016

A new feature here at MCFRS. Click on the icons and learn more about a significant incident that occurred in April. You may even find videos and photos embedded within the icon. You will also find links to more information in many as well.

This is another layer in the significant incident map since March. Once you go into the map, you can click the March box which will then layer those incidents in with the April below.

 

Candle Causes Bethesda House Fire

On Thursday, May 5 at approximately 4:23 p.m. MCFRS units responded to the 6100 block of Bradley Boulevard for a reported house fire. Battalion Chief 702 was the first to arrive on scene and reported smoke showing from the second floor.

Two occupants were home and the time of the fire and escaped without injury. Firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire in a second floor bedroom.

Fire Investigators reported to the scene to conduct an Origin and Cause investigation. The two occupants of the home indicated that a candle was lit and burning on the dresser in the bedroom. Physical exam in the room confirmed the fire originated at the candle and spread to nearby combustibles. The fire is listed as Accidental.

Damages were estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $15,000 to the contents. The home had smoke alarms but they did not operate. Two adults and two children have been displaced as a result of the fire.

MCFRS would like to remind all residents to check your smoke alarms regularly and please follow these safety tips while using candles in the home:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations, etc.).
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows. Blinds and curtains can easily ignite.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Votive and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• Avoid candles with decorative items embedded in them.

For more tips go here: Candle Safety

In Remembrance - Chief John W. “Jack” Hartley

At 10 a.m. this morning, family, friends, and the entire fire and rescue community will gather to pay their respects and say goodbye to an incredible man - Chief  “Jack” Hartley.

If you will be in and around the Bethesda and Rockville corridor later this morning through the afternoon, be aware that traffic may be heavy due to the services associated with laying to rest a man who served his country in World War II, and his community for 66 years as a member of the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad.

Rest in Peace Chief!

Chief John W. “Jack” Hartley

On Thursday, April 28, 2016 John W. Hartley of Montgomery Village, MD died at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD. Jack was the son of the late William J. Hartley and Freida L. Nedermeier. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.

Jack was born on September 23, 1926 in Bethesda, MD. He was a lifelong Montgomery County resident, a World War II veteran where he served in the Pacific Theatre, and a 66 year veteran of the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad.

He joined the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in 1949 and quickly rose in the ranks. He became a sergeant in 1951, and assumed every rank the squad had, becoming Chief in 1974.

Over the course of 66 years, Jack faithfully served the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and, most notably the Bethesda-Chevy Chase communities at-large. During his extraordinary length of volunteer service, he assumed many operational ranks and elected positions, chaired and served on numerous committees, acted as a delegate to the Maryland State Fireman’s Association and the Montgomery County Volunteer Association. Since 1949, Jack oversaw both the design and maintenance of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase headquarters and its apparatus fleet of rescue squads and ambulances. He served for over 30 years on its Board of Directors.  For many years, he selflessly assisted neighboring fire and rescue departments with mechanical knowledge and volunteering to work on heavy duty apparatus.

His lifelong devotion to the fire and rescue community is unparalleled and epitomizes the term “continuous and faithful service.” Jack’s love for and influence on his family, friends, and the entire Fire and Rescue community will be remembered and greatly missed.

The family will receive friends at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD on Thursday, May 5, from 6pm-9pm, where a service will be held on Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. Internment at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad at the above address.

Live Hazardous Materials Practical Training

Yesterday (5/4/16) we broadcast a live, via Periscope, Hazardous Materials practical training exercise from our Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA)​. The exercise involved crews practicing techniques to mitigate the release of anhydrous ammonia. Captain Carl Mauney provides commentary to explain what is occurring.

Ladies Night Out Events A Success

On Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 MCFRS hosted a total of three Ladies Night Out events for women who might be interested in pursuing a career with MCFRS. One session was held Friday night and two on Saturday (morning and afternoon) at our Public Safety Training Academy.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein was on hand at each of the three sessions to welcome the participants.

A total of 122 enthusiastic women participated in one of the three, 4 hour sessions. The participants were split into groups and rotated among a total of twelve stations that simulated various aspects of the skills needed to perform the duties of firefighter.

The twelve stations were:

1) Stair Mill/Hose Drag
2) Forcible Entry
3) Maze/HazMat
4) Ladder Raise/Extension
5) Equipment Carry/Dummy Drag
6) Swift Water Rescue
7) Paramedicine/Mega Code
8) High-Rise Climb
9) Rappelling
10) Vehicle Extrication
11) Mock PT/Fitness and Nutrition
12) Ceiling Breach and Pull

Each session culminated in a live demonstration of what an actual response to a building fire would look like.

Below, you can find photos and videos from the Saturday morning session that ran from 8 a.m. until Noon.

Kensington Apartment Fire

On Monday, May 2, at approximately 12:44 p.m. units from Kensington Fire Station #5 were dispatched for a report of smoke in an apartment unit in the 3300 block of University Boulevard, W. Paramedic Engine 705 arrived on the scene and found an active fire in a terrace level apartment bedroom and quickly requested additional resources.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and contain it to the apartment of origin. Crews made an attempt to evacuate occupants from the building using the local alarm system but were unable too due to a non-functioning alarm system.  Code Compliance was requested and reported to the scene.

Fire Investigators were also requested and conducted an Origin and Cause investigation. The cause was determined to be accidental and electrical in nature.

Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene with no injuries reported. A female occupant of another apartment was transported to a local hospital for a checkup. Damages were estimated at $100,000 to the structure and $50,000 to the contents. Several families were also displaced as a result of the fire.

It's National Arson Awareness Week

This week, May 1 – 7, is National Arson Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Prevent Wildfire Arson — Spread the Facts Not the Fire.”

Wildfire's can take place on underdeveloped wildland or uncultivated land comprised of forest, brush or grassland.

Back in March, Montgomery County experienced several brush/wildfire type of fires. These fires were not classified as arson though. Of particular note were two days in which two large brush/wildfire type fires occurred. You can learn more about those fires below:

Germantown And Boyd's Brush Fires Keep Up County Firefighters Busy

Up County Brush Fires

To learn more on how you can prevent wildfires, please go here: National Arson Awareness Week

You can also go here as well: You Can Prevent Wildfires