Glen Echo House Fire Displaces Family Of Five

On Thursday, July 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m. MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house fire in the 6700 block of Rannoch Road in the Glen Echo area of the county. First arriving units reported smoke showing from a two-story, single family home.

Upon further investigation, firefighters reported the fire was in the basement with some extension to the first floor. Additional firefighting resources were requested and dispatched. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished.

A family of five was home at the time and safely evacuated. They reported the home lost power and shortly thereafter smelled a slight burning odor. A short time later, smoke became heavy in the basement and they called 911.

Approximately 75 firefighters were on the scene. Crews were rotated frequently during operations and overhaul due to the high temps and heat index which was well over 100°. MCFRS was assisted by mutual aid crews from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, National Institutes of Health Fire Department, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Fire Department. One firefighter was transported with a heat related illness to an area hospital for a checkup.

Investigation determined the cause of the fire to be electrical and accidental in nature. Damages were estimated at $150,000.00 to the contents and $50,000.00 to the structure. Two adults, three children and two dogs have been displaced as a result of the fire. Firefighters will be going back out to the community later today and going door to door offering to check smoke alarms and provide safety tips.