Potomac House Fire Displaces Family Of Four

At approximately 2:02 p.m. on Monday, June 13 MCFRS units were dispatched for a house fire initially reported to be in the 12700 block of Maidens Bower Drive in Potomac.

Battalion Chief 703 arrived on the scene, with a corrected address of 14001 Gorky Drive, and reported a large two story single family house with heavy fire showing in an attached two car garage that was rapidly spreading to the rest of the home.

It was quickly determined that none of the occupants were home thus there was no life safety issue. Due to the large volume of fire, firefighters initiated an aggressive exterior attack to extinguish the fire. Large amounts of water were required for firefighting operations which necessitated several nearby hydrants being utilized. While the fire was brought under control quickly, the extensive damage resulted in most of the house collapsing.

Fire Investigators were called to the scene and have initially determined the fire appears to have started in the garage and appears accidental in nature. Due to the extensive damage, Fire Investigators will need to bring in heavy equipment to remove debris to assist in making a final determination as to the origin and cause of the fire.

Approximately 65 firefighters were on the scene with no injuries to personnel reported. The family of four was unharmed though, sadly, two family dogs perished in the fire. As a result of the extensive damage, the family has been displaced.

Damages were estimated to be approximately $1.1 Million.