Fire Sprinklers Keep Fire In Check

At approximately 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 MCFRS units were dispatched for an initial report of an auto fire that was changed to a dumpster fire and, finally, was upgraded to a dumpster fire next to the building as units arrived on the scene of 15780 Shady Grove Road. Units from Fire Station #32 arrived on scene and found fire showing from a dumpster attached to the building.

Firefighters from PE732 extinguished the dumpster/compactor fire while other units deployed to the interior of the building to check for extension. Crews gained entry into rear of the store to find an interior fire that was being controlled by the activation of four fire sprinkler heads. There was considerable smoke conditions throughout the building as well.

Three truck companies remained on scene for a total of two hours to assist with smoke removal from the impacted stores. There were approximately 50 firefighters were on scene.

All occupants of the store safely evacuated along with neighboring businesses. There were no injuries and initial damages were estimated to be $5,000. This total is expected to increase after appraisal of inventory and length of store closing. Fire Sprinklers save lives and property.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Overcoming Challenges - HVAC Fire S.Glen Road

The below video and photos are from an incident earlier this morning in the 10700 block of S. Glen Rd. MCFRS units arrived on the scene to find a fire involving a propane-fed HVAC unit free-burning on the roof.

Challenges were immediate as firefighters encountered buried fire hydrants and access issues. Undeterred, firefighters advanced hose lines and ladders thru the snow to attack the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished.

MCFRS crews have had to overcome many weather related challenges on S Glen Rd ie unplowed driveway, hydrants buried pic.twitter.com/cGlSKeJPuS

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 26, 2016

Vehicle Fire at Springbrooke Nursing Home

BY: Battalion Chief Mark Davis

Shortly after 6:30 am this morning, units from Fire Stations 12 and 24 were alerted for a truck on fire next to a building. Units arrived on scene to find a pick-up truck on fire next to a nursing home. The fire was beginning to extend to a trash enclosure but was stopped as soon as the first fire hose was placed in operation by firefighters. 

The nursing home staff did a great job of sheltering the occupants in place and evacuating the dining room area - which was the part of the structure most threatened by the fire. 

Of special note: There is an increase in vehicle fires during these heavy snow events - the vehicles often overheat because of snow blocking the normal air flow paths to the motor and drive train. Trucks plowing heavy snow often get into trouble when hydraulic components overheat or fail and hydraulic fluid ignites. 

Apartment Fire 5114 Dudley Lane

On Sunday (2/1/2015), at approximately 3:10 a.m., MCFRS units responded for a reported building fire at 5114 Dudley Lane in Bethesda. A guest at the nearby Pooks Hill Marriott (across street) called 911 to report the fire as it was first visible on the outside of the building.

Units arrived on the scene to find fire coming from the dryer vent exhaust on one side of the four story building.  The visible fire was quickly extinguished.  While checking for extension of the fire, crews found considerable fire in the void spaces -- duct work in walls, ceiling & floors and concealed areas -- on the 2^nd and 3rd floors in between several apartments.  The initial alarm assignment eventually reached two alarms plus a task force which brought approximately 150 firefighters to the scene.

Smoke alarms did sound and residents safely self-evacuated with no resident injuries reported.  As well sprinklers activated and protected several living spaces in the building.

Fire Investigators conducted an origin and cause investigation and concluded the fire was accidental with the probable cause being a blocked dryer vent overheating which caused combustibles to ignite.

The Red Cross also was on scene and assisted several families.  Fire Inspectors posted three occupied apartments, 1 model unit and the leasing office as unsafe.  Two firefighters sustained minor injuries.  Damage estimates were $600K to the structure and $400K to contents.