Candle Causes Bethesda House Fire

On Thursday, May 5 at approximately 4:23 p.m. MCFRS units responded to the 6100 block of Bradley Boulevard for a reported house fire. Battalion Chief 702 was the first to arrive on scene and reported smoke showing from the second floor.

Two occupants were home and the time of the fire and escaped without injury. Firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire in a second floor bedroom.

Fire Investigators reported to the scene to conduct an Origin and Cause investigation. The two occupants of the home indicated that a candle was lit and burning on the dresser in the bedroom. Physical exam in the room confirmed the fire originated at the candle and spread to nearby combustibles. The fire is listed as Accidental.

Damages were estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $15,000 to the contents. The home had smoke alarms but they did not operate. Two adults and two children have been displaced as a result of the fire.

MCFRS would like to remind all residents to check your smoke alarms regularly and please follow these safety tips while using candles in the home:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations, etc.).
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows. Blinds and curtains can easily ignite.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Votive and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• Avoid candles with decorative items embedded in them.

For more tips go here: Candle Safety

Seven People Displaced In Early Morning Bethesda Duplex Fire

At approximately 3:20 a.m. this morning, MCFRS units responded for multiple reports of an apartment fire in the 4300 block of Sangamore Road in Bethesda. Firefighters arrived on the scene and reported fire coming through the roof of a two-story duplex apartment.

Crews engaged in fire suppression activities as well as assisting residents down the stairs and out of the building. The fire was quickly brought under control.
The fire appears to have started in the ceiling and attic area above a bathroom. An occupant of the unit heard crackling noises and smelled a little bit of smoke about the same time neighbors also saw fire coming from the attic and called 911.  Smoke alarms did not activate as there apparently was not enough smoke in the living space area to activate the alarms.

Damages are estimated at approximately $200,000.00 to the structure and $50,000.00 to the contents. The cause appears to be electrical in nature though it is still under investigation. A total of 45 firefighters were on scene. There were no reported injuries to residents or fire and rescue personnel.

A total of seven people (two families) have been displaced as a result of the fire. Red Cross is on scene assisting those who were displaced.

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.