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.

House Fire 12200 Block of Turley Drive

On today's date at approximately 1:40 PM MCFRS units responded to the 12200 Block of Turley Drive, North Potomac, for a report of a fire in the basement. Units arrived on scene and found a working basement fire in a two story, single family home. Firefighters quickly gained access to the basement and extinguished the fire.

The family of seven was home at the time of the fire. An occupant of the home had been using a stove in the basement prior to the fire and 5-10 minutes after the family member returned upstairs, the basement smoke alarm began sounding. All occupants safely evacuated the home.

One firefighter sustained a minor burn injury to the hand.

The family of seven was displaced and is now staying with family in the area. Damages were estimated to be $175K to the home and $50K to the contents. The fire is listed as undetermined.

MCFRS would like to remind all residents that working smoke alarms can save your life!