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.

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.

Seven Year Old Everyday Hero Honored For Making The Right Call

Earlier today a seven-year-old Silver Spring girl, who recently called 911 to help her Dad, was honored as an “Everyday Hero” and met the MCFRS call taker/dispatcher, Amanda Poore, who took her 911 call. Jenna made the right call and got help to her home quickly.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein praised Jenna for her quick thinking, calm demeanor and remembering her home address as she made her 911 call on Sunday, February 28. Chief Goldstein then presented Jenna with a medal and plaque in recognition of her outstanding effort and potentially lifesaving call.

Jenna was then treated to a tour of the MCFRS dispatch and communication area by Amanda.

MCFRS utilized Periscope to live stream the even and you can view the replay below along with other videos of the event.

Also below is an audio of Jenna’s 911 call.

MCFRS wants to know that, if needed, can you make the right call? When calling 911, know what to expect. Learn more here: What to Expect When You Call 911

As well, make sure your child knows their home address – or two if mom and dad live in different homes. Here is an activity for your child that we hope helps:  "Learn Your Address!" Activity for Kids

BC Kevin Frazier Provides An Update On Windjammer Way Townhouse Fire

The latest on the Gaithersburg townhouse fire, on Windjammer Way, from last night. Video was recorded a little after 12 p.m. on today's date.

Gaithersburg Townhouse Fire Leaves One Dead

Around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported townhouse fire in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way in Gaithersburg. Firefighters arrived on scene and found heavy fire conditions in a two-story, middle of the row townhouse.

Two occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm, exited the home and called 911. Firefighters were made aware that there was one other occupant of the home, who resided in the basement, who was unaccounted for.

Firefighters engaged in firefighting operations as well as escorting neighbors out of their homes next door. A second alarm was called for bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Ultimately, the bulk of the fire was knocked down, brought under control, and mostly contained to the townhouse of origin.

Shortly after midnight, the body of an adult male was found among the debris in the basement.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and MCFRS Fire Investigators are working with Montgomery County Police Homicide detectives – which is standard procedure with a fire death. Due to the extensive damage, and partial collapse of the first floor, investigators are currently awaiting the arrival of engineers to stabilize the structure for fire investigation operations.

Red Cross is on scene and assisting the occupants and neighbors who have been displaced as a result of the fire.

Damage estimates are pending. Over 100 firefighters were on scene and there were no reported injuries to fire department personnel or residents.

Gaithersburg House Fire – Two Dogs Rescued

On Wednesday, March 9 at approximately 2:30 p.m., MCFRS units were dispatched to 7 Quantum Place in Gaithersburg for the report of flames coming from the rear of a house. Units arrived on scene and reported that fire was showing from the roof a two story single family home.

Crews were able to quickly bring the fire, originating in a second floor bedroom, under control. Firefighters also rescued two family dogs who were home at the time of the fire. The family, two adults and two children, were not home at the time of the fire.

At the time of the fire a construction company was performing remodeling work on the first floor of the home.  Around 2:30 p.m. one of the workers smelled smoke and alerted his co-workers who proceeded to check the house. Eventually they made their way to the second floor and found smoke in the master bedroom after which they exited the home.

Fire Investigators were summoned and initiated a cause and origin investigation. It was determined that the fire was electrical in nature, likely associated with a ceiling fan.

During the course of operations, two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals for a checkup. Damages were estimated at $200,000.00 to the structure and $50,000.00 to the contents of the home. The family of four and their dogs were displaced as a result.

Townhouse Fire in the 9900 Block of Brookridge Court

At approximately 6:15 AM on Thursday, February 18, MCFRS firefighters were dispatched to a report of a townhouse fire in the 9900 block of Brookridge Court in Montgomery Village. There were multiple 911 calls to the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center reporting the fire.

Units responding reported heavy smoke in the air approaching the area. Firefighters arrived on scene and found heavy fire evident in a middle of the row townhouse on the first and second floors. Additional units were quickly requested to assist.

In addition, firefighters encountered an adult female (resident) outside upon arrival. She was evaluated and eventually transported to a local hospital for a checkup.

The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the townhouse of origin. Firefighters also encountered a frozen fire hydrant, snow piles blocking fire lanes and icy conditions. Approximately 75 firefighters responded to the scene.

Initial investigation determined that the area of origin may be a couch on the first floor in the living room. Smoke alarms did activate however investigators believe the townhouse was unoccupied at the time of fire. Investigation is ongoing at this time and the source of the fire is currently undetermined.

Damage is estimated at approximately $225,000.00. Red Cross was requested and is currently assisting a neighbor. Video and photos below.

Blood Drive in Honor of Officer Noah Leotta

Please join the Montgomery County Police Department in giving the gift of life by donating blood in honor of Officer Noah Leotta.

Date:                              Friday, January 29, 2016

Location:                       Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters –

                           100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg – First floor conference  room.

Hours:                             8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sign Up Required:        Online or call Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

Red Cross personnel and equipment will not be able to serve walk-in appointments.

Fire Chief Goldstein Practices What He Has Been Preaching

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein took five minutes of his time in the Lakelands community late this morning to practice what he has been preaching - by clearing snow from around a snow covered fire hydrant.

The photos below are before and after photos of the fire hydrant.  As you can see, the fire hydrant is almost totally hidden by the pile of snow around it.  More than likely, a good amount of the snow was pushed over the hydrant as a result of snow plows doing their job.

As a reminder - please clear snow from around your nearest fire hydrant if you are physically able to do so.

If you need help finding a potentially hidden fire hydrant, you can go HERE to look it up on line.

Derwood House Fire

This morning at a little after 5 am, MCFRS Units were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 5900 block of Willow Knoll Drive in Derwood.

First arriving units encountered heavy fire to the rear of a two story, single family home.  All occupants were safely out of the home as they awoke to a combination of a working smoke alarm and smoke in the home.

Firefighters quickly initiated an exterior attack to extinguish a large bulk of the fire and then transitioned to interior operations to extinguish the remaining fire located on the first and second floors.  The fire was quickly brought under control.

Approximately fifty (50) firefighters were on scene.  One adult and two children were displaced as a result of the damage to the home.  Firefighters did rescue one guinea pig though another guinea pig unfortunately succumbed to its injuries.  

Cause of the fire appears to be misplaced fireplace ashes in a combustible container on the back porch/deck.  Damage to the home and contents is estimated to be approximately $300K ($250K to home and $50K to contents). 

Later today, firefighters from Gaithersburg Fire Station #28 will return to the neighborhood to go door to door handing out safety tips and offering to check smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

Related Safety Tip: Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety

Smoke Alarm Saves!

At a townhouse fire earlier this morning on Knoll Mist Lane, a smoke alarm alerted two sleeping children, in the basement, who then escaped with no injury! Cause - unattended cooking. Area was the 1st floor kitchen. Damage estimated at $100k with one family, two adults and two children, displaced. Approximately 45 Firefighters responded to extinguish the fire.  

Chief Goldstein Speaking at PSTA Groundbreaking

It was a great day to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) yesterday.  The new training facility will replace the current PSTA which was built in 1973.

The training facility construction will include: 

119,334-gross-square-foot (GSF) Academic Building
4,850-GSF Fire Residential Training Building
11,300-GSF Fire Commercial Training Building
12,000-GSF High Bay and Fire Training Support Building
15,386-GSF Apparatus Building
6,000-GSF Canine Training Building
12,000-GSF Multi-use Cityscape Structure Training area
2,075-GSF Department of Transportation Vehicle Training Support Building
2,095-GSF Fuel Facility. 

Video and photos from the day below.

Gaithersburg Plane Crash and House Fire

On Monday, December 8 at approximately 10:43 AM, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were alerted for a house on fire due to a plane crash.  Incoming units arrived on the scene to find a plane that had crashed in the front yard of 19737 Drop Forge Lane and fire coming from the house located at 19733 Drop Forge Lane. 

Firefighters initiated simultaneous attacks on the fire and an initial search was conducted in 19733 for reports of possible people trapped inside.  Quickly deteriorating conditions, including compromised structural integrity, necessitated almost immediate evacuation of fire and rescue personnel from the home.  Exterior fire extinguishment efforts continued.

In addition, firefighters were simultaneously checking the downed plane and located three victims who were pronounced deceased on the scene.

Fire investigators arrived on the scene and assisted MCPD and NTSB with the investigation.  It was determined the house at 19733 caught fire as a result of the plane crash next door.  Two other houses received structural damage only as a result of the crash. 

After the fire was extinguished and the house was stabilized, a search resumed for the reported missing individuals in 19733.  All three were located together and removed. 

In total there were six fatalities:

Three occupants of 19733 Drop Forge Lane; a 36 year old female, a 3 year old male and a 7 week old male.

Three occupants of a Phenom 100 EMB-500 aircraft.

Physical damage estimates:

19733 Drop Forge Lane with damage estimate of approximately $400K 

19740 Drop Forge Lane received approximately $150K in structural damage; no fire, occupants escaped without injury 

19737 Drop Forge Lane (immediately next door) received approximately $50K in structural damage; no occupants were home at time 

Phenom 100 EMB-500 aircraft valued at $3.7M

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks During Cold Weather

Cold temperatures may prompt families to turn to drastic measures to heat their homes. Even traditional alternative heating sources, such as a fireplace or space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly. As temperatures drop in your community, some simple tips can help keep families safer.

Winter months in particular are the peak time for house fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, with most incidents due to improperly ventilated or malfunctioning heating sources. Families can better protect themselves by having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. In addition, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and experts at Kidde recommend the following heating safety tips:

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional annually.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Have qualified professionals install fuel-burning appliances and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters in enclosed spaces. Keep doors open to the rest of the house to help promote proper ventilation.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool to avert the buildup of carbon monoxide, especially at night while families sleep.
• Do not run a fuel-powered engine, such as a vehicle or generator, inside the home or in an attached garage or carport. CO fumes can seep into the home through air intake valves, baseboards, doors and windows.

Fire Prevention

• Ensure that space heaters meet the latest safety standards, which would include having an automatic cut-off device and protective guarding around the heating coils and burners.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, and keep them at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or before going to sleep. Keep children and pets away.
• Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors could explode. Keep all flammable materials away.

Rookie Firefighter/EMT Delivers Baby Boy

By: Captain Ivan Browning

On Wednesday morning, October 22, at 8:52 AM Paramedic Engine 717 and Ambulance 728 were dispatched to the intersection of Woodfield Road and Brink Road in Company 17's area.  Montgomery County PD was on the scene with a husband and wife in which the wife was in active labor.  PE717 arrived first to find a female with contractions in a very short timeframe apart from each other and began initial patient assessment and care.

FF1 Jared Morris and FF2 James Taylor arrived on the ambulance, gained the pertinent information and quickly loaded the patient in A728 where they initiated transport to a local hospital.  FF1 Morris took assumed patient care and initiated all the necessary steps per department protocol.  At approximately two minutes prior to arriving at the emergency room, FF1 Morris noticed crowning and continued with the delivery protocol.  As FF2 Taylor was backing into the ER bay, the newborn baby boy began to cry and Mother and Son were transferred to an awaiting ER staff.

A job well done for a Firefighter/EMT with less than two months in the field!  The shift at Fire Station 28 celebrating by presenting Firefighter Morris with a celebratory balloon suitable for the occasion.

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Ivan Browning

Car Into House

MCFRS Units were dispatched to the 19600 block of Clubhouse Rd., near Ridgeline Dr., in Gaithersburg for a report of a car into a house with entrapment.

Units arrived to find two occupants in a car that had crashed into a townhouse.  The striking vehicle crossed Club House Road and hit a fire hydrant before crashing into the townhouse.  The driver was trapped but was quickly extricated.  Both patients were evaluated with one adult male transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and one adult female transported with non life threatening injuries.

There was one adult female occupant at home who was on a couch when the car crashed into house.  She was not injured though the structural damage was significant which has resulted in her having been displaced.  The address was corrected to the 9900 block of Ridgeline Drive.

Click on photo below for more: 

Chief Lohr Presents Citations for Bravery

On Friday, August 8 Fire Chief Steve Lohr presented several citations for bravery.  The recognition was related to a tragic two-alarm fire that occurred on January 8, 2014: Young Child Dies in Two-Alarm Fire 

Fireworks: What You Need to Know and a List of Public Displays

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its

‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

As you prepare to celebrate Independence Day with family picnics, outings to the beach and neighborhood barbecues, take steps to prevent these festivities from turning into tragedies. Each Fourth of July, hundreds of children are permanently disfigured due to burns by fireworks. Here's what you should know:

• Each year, fireworks in the United States cause approximately twelve deaths, 2000 serious eye injuries, and 5000 other injuries (including amputated fingers). 

• Although many people mistakenly believe that sparklers are safe, sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly hot enough to melt gold)! 

• In Montgomery County, all fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. 

• Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes, and party poppers are the only exception to this law. 

Maryland's Fireworks Laws:

• Fireworks include any firecracker, skyrocket, or Roman candle. Toy caps are only permitted if the explosive content is under .25 grains and they are designed so the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in use. 

• In Maryland, private use and possession of fireworks, including sparklers, is illegal and carries a $500 fine. 

• It is against the law to sell fireworks in Maryland, and carries a $1,000 fine. 

• Public fireworks displays require proper permits and insurance. 

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Below is a list of public displays that we are aware of:

Germantown Glory at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Germantown

Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington. Both fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration is at Montgomery College - Rockville Campus located at 51 Mannakee Street.

Takoma Park 125^th Celebration - Takoma Park Middle School 7611 Piney Branch Rd

City of Gaithersburg Celebration - Montgomery County Fairgrounds located at 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg. 

Town of Poolesville - Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland.

Public Safety Headquarters Open House This Weekend!

Come on out and see us at the Public Safety Headquarters Open House this weekend!  Learn more below.

Public Safety HQ Open House by Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue

Fire Officer Promotions Announced

Fire Chief Richard Bowers is pleased to announce the following fire officer promotions within MCFRS:

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief:

• Francis W. Doyle

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Captain:

• Christopher S. Whitehead
• Donald L. Yingling  
• Paul C. Gross

Best wishes to all of those promoted and, as always, stay safe!