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

In Remembrance - Chief John W. “Jack” Hartley

At 10 a.m. this morning, family, friends, and the entire fire and rescue community will gather to pay their respects and say goodbye to an incredible man - Chief  “Jack” Hartley.

If you will be in and around the Bethesda and Rockville corridor later this morning through the afternoon, be aware that traffic may be heavy due to the services associated with laying to rest a man who served his country in World War II, and his community for 66 years as a member of the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad.

Rest in Peace Chief!

Chief John W. “Jack” Hartley

On Thursday, April 28, 2016 John W. Hartley of Montgomery Village, MD died at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD. Jack was the son of the late William J. Hartley and Freida L. Nedermeier. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.

Jack was born on September 23, 1926 in Bethesda, MD. He was a lifelong Montgomery County resident, a World War II veteran where he served in the Pacific Theatre, and a 66 year veteran of the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad.

He joined the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in 1949 and quickly rose in the ranks. He became a sergeant in 1951, and assumed every rank the squad had, becoming Chief in 1974.

Over the course of 66 years, Jack faithfully served the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and, most notably the Bethesda-Chevy Chase communities at-large. During his extraordinary length of volunteer service, he assumed many operational ranks and elected positions, chaired and served on numerous committees, acted as a delegate to the Maryland State Fireman’s Association and the Montgomery County Volunteer Association. Since 1949, Jack oversaw both the design and maintenance of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase headquarters and its apparatus fleet of rescue squads and ambulances. He served for over 30 years on its Board of Directors.  For many years, he selflessly assisted neighboring fire and rescue departments with mechanical knowledge and volunteering to work on heavy duty apparatus.

His lifelong devotion to the fire and rescue community is unparalleled and epitomizes the term “continuous and faithful service.” Jack’s love for and influence on his family, friends, and the entire Fire and Rescue community will be remembered and greatly missed.

The family will receive friends at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, MD on Thursday, May 5, from 6pm-9pm, where a service will be held on Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. Internment at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethesda Chevy-Chase Rescue Squad at the above address.

Every 15 Minutes Program At Bethesda Chevy Chase High School

Units from Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and MCFRS Chevy Chase Fire Station #7 participated in an Every 15 Minutes Program today at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School.

Below are videos and photos from the morning activities. The top video is from our live Periscope of the event which provides a great demonstration of how we cut up a vehicle and extricate people trapped.

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.

Glen Echo's Annual Red Dress Ball Has Heart

By: Roger A. Marks, Firefighter

February is Heart month and every year Glen Echo's swing dance community, through the efforts of Flyingfeet Enterprises, hosts the "Red Dress Ball" dance that benefits the American Heart Association and women's cardiac health issues.

This year MCFRS Community Outreach (CO) added something new for the dance community to think about. As a follow-up to Trish Thompson's I-Team 4 series of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) stories the CO team was joined by crews from Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and Glen Echo Fire Department to offer dancers insight into the chain of survival via High Performance CPR and public access AED's.

The historic Spanish Ballroom, where the event was held, is part of the National Park Service (NPS) and has an AED available to occupants that is maintained by the NPS. Approximately 325 people were in attendance this year including staff and volunteers.

In addition, the public was introduced to Glen Echo's new Paramedic chase car (ALS711) staffed by PMIC Danny Kuan, and Firefighter Meghan Quinn. Ambulance 741 had a crew of 3 including Driver Craig Pernick, Charge EMT Jordan Hoefler, and Acting Active Derek Schlickeisen.

Participants were also treated to a demonstration of the Lucas Device which is a battery operated mechanical piston that delivers flawless chest compressions during CPR. While the participants watched this technology effortlessly perform compressions, they also had an opportunity to try their hand at manual compressions with visual feedback from Physio-Control's True-CPR device. Everyone came to understand just how hard it is to maintain good chest compressions for CPR. MCFRS CO had approximately 100 people engage directly with the on hand Fire-Rescue personnel or try the hands-on activity.

Staff also had Files of Life on hand as well as information about the Alert Montgomery system. Photos from the event are below.

After the Blizzard: 5 Tips to Stay Safe in Your Home This Winter

Fire Chief Goldstein was on FOX5 recently and provided FIVE tips to stay safe in your home this winter.

Teamwork!

This morning around 5 am, Engine 720, Ambulance 726 and the National Guard worked together on a medical call.

Just one small example of the coordination and effort between county and state agencies over the last few days.

Local Brownie Troop Earns First Aid Merit Badge

Bethesda Fire Station #20 personnel helped the young ladies earn the First Aid Merit Badge. Great job girls!

Photo Courtesy of Captain Penny Ingles

Reality Show Star Stops by Fire Station 6

By: Captain Marc Worton

       Fire Station 06 - B Shift

On Sunday February 1^st, the crew from Fire Station 6 in Bethesda had a guest stop by for some football and some stories. Parker Schnabel, the young man from the Discovery Channel show Gold Rush, was in town filming. He stopped by Station 6 and spent some time hanging out with the guys and watching some football. It was a pleasure spending time with him.

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.  

Townhouse Fire 10921 Brewer House Road

This morning at approximately 0130 hours, MCFRS units responded for a reported townhouse fire at 10921 Brewer House Road.  The 911 call was made by a neighbor who stated that she was awakened by the occupant of the address knocking on her door yelling fire.

Montgomery County Police arrived on the scene first and reported a fire and one adult male with severe burns.  Engine 726 arrived on the scene and confirmed significant fire coming from several windows in an end of the row, two-story townhouse and requested a 2nd alarm.  A fire attack was initiated from the exterior to dampen down some of the fire which then allowed for a transition to an interior attack to extinguish the fire.  The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. 

Click on above for more photos

The 73 year old male occupant of this address was located in a neighbor's townhouse with significant second and third degree burns over approximately thirty percent of his body.  He stated that he was awakened by the smoke alarm and observed fire in the front of the house.  He then attempted to extinguish the fire but could not. 

The occupant was transported Priority 1 to a local burn center with critical and potentially life threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition at the time of this writing. 

Approximately 75 fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene.  In addition, Medical Ambulance Bus 726 (MAB) was on scene for shelter and rehab due to the extreme cold.

The origin and cause investigation determined the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical failure or malfunction in a floor outlet. Damages were estimated at $350,000 to the structure and $100,000 to the contents of the home.  Two cats are also unaccounted for.

Firefighters will be returning to the neighborhood later this afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. to hand out safety information as well as offer to check smoke alarms to insure they are working. 

Always Ready to Help

Whether fighting fires or running EMS calls we always strive to assist the residents of Montgomery County in their time of need.  Yesterday, Bethesda Fire Station 6-B personnel took time to assist a senior resident who experienced a flat tire right across the street from Station 6 – and on a busy roadway. 

While not a situation they normally handle the crew felt it important to help, promptly changed the tire, and got the driver safely on their way.      

Photo Provided By Captain Marc Worton

Smoke Alarm Makes a Difference for Bethesda Family

Fire Department Credits Operating Smoke Alarm and Quick Thinking Residents

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue was dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday to the 5800 block of Kingswood Road in Bethesda for the report of a house fire. First arriving units reported heavy smoke from the second floor of the single family home with fire extended into the attic and requested additional units. The home’s occupants had evacuated after being alerted to the fire by the home’s smoke alarms.  

The fire was extinguished a short time later and one firefighter received minor injuries and was transported to

a local hospital for evaluation. Montgomery County Fire Investigators were requested to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Investigators confirm that the fire originated on the second floor of the residence and have listed the fire as accidental.

Firefighters were ultimately able to locate, chase and retrieve the family’s cat who was hiding in the basement. Damage estimates to the home are $500,000 to the structure and $250,000 to contents. Four adults, one child and a cat were displaced by the fire.

“This incident serves as a reminder of just how important smoke alarms are. Had the smoke alarms not been working, we would be reporting on a much more serious fire,” said Fire Chief Lohr. “We know unequivocally that the early warning provided by smoke alarms translates into saved lives and I urge all residents to ensure that their smoke alarms are working.” 

Lifeguards Honored with Everyday Hero Award For Saving Drowning Child

As summer temperatures rise and area pools see increased traffic, swimmers in distress are not always easily identifiable. Lifeguard Abigail Baruch Fry and Pool Manager Colleen Hamm were honored by officials from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service this past Saturday for their quick, decisive and life-saving actions on May 29th

when a 12-year old guest at the swimming pool was rescued from the bottom of the pool. The lifeguards immediately initiated the rescue, revived the child with CPR and the child was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and has since been released.  

Lifeguard Abigail Fry is a rising junior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and Colleen Hamm is a pool manager with Bethesda Aquatics who is currently applying to medical schools when she’s not saving lives. The 12-year old recently returned to the pool to receive swimming lessons, courtesy of his rescuers. Lifeguards from Bethesda Aquatics and Little Falls Swim Club receive extensive training to ensure they’re ready should duty call.  Video below is from WJLA Channel 7 report.

Cooking Safety Tips for Older Adults (Video)

It's a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove or leave items that can catch fire, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. Learn more about cooking safety...

Blood Drive In Honor of Two Fallen Firefighters From Webster, New York

BETHESDA-CHEVYCHASE RESCUE SQUAD will be hosting this event.  Please consider donating and help save lives!

Blood Drive In Honor of Our 2 Fallen Brothers from Webster New York by

Toys for the Holidays …Help Us Help Others

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and local fire and rescue departments will again be collecting toys for needy families and underprivileged children during the 2012 holiday season starting on December 5, 2012. For many years various Montgomery County volunteer fire and rescue stations have worked with local community groups, civic organizations and government agencies to make the holiday season a little better for area families.

All Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Stations will serve as drop off sites for new unwrapped toys, including those toys to be used for existing annual local volunteer fire department initiatives supporting neighborhood and local community holiday programs, as well as, the regional 2012 Toys for Tots Campaign in conjunction with the United States Marines.

Fire Departments throughout the metro region, including those in Montgomery County will be collecting toys for children during the 2012 holiday season. Toys may be dropped off until December 18, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!  Make sure it is a safe one!  

Photo Courtesy of Firefighter Howard Sperling

Moving On Up! Department Promotions Announced

Fire Chief Richie Bowers is pleased to announce the following promotions:

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief:

• David Polikoff

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

• Marcelo D. Ramos

The following personnel have been promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter:

• David W. Hensley
• Diarra E. Branch
• Kenneth M. Diffenderfer
• Marvin J. Robinson
• Robert J. Faas Jr
• Steven C. Laughman
• Timothy L. Anderson

Congratulations to all!

Day One Totals From The "Fill The Boot" Campaign

Yesterday, members of the MCFRS "A" Shift raised over $45,000.00 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the annual Fill the Boot campaign.  Money raised through the annual “Fill the Boot” campaign stays locally and is used to help support approximately 400 families in Montgomery County afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.

The photo on the right is of Captain Brock Cline, Bethesda Fire Station #26, taken at Old Georgetown and Democracy after returning from a call.

Germantown Fire Station #29 was the top station for the day with over $7,000 collected followed by Rockville Fire Station #31 (over $5,000 collected).

Keep up the great work all!  Thanks to all of you out there who have made donations.  Look for our firefighters at various intersections throughout the county today and tomorrow.