Final Results - What Is Your Favorite Fire Truck Color?

Last Friday we asked a survey question: What Is Your Favorite Fire Truck Color?

We had 480 views with 245 actually completing the survey. Well, the results are in and you will find them below.

Looks like the color MCFRS Red wins in a runaway!

In the future, look for more surveys as well as a few quizzes to test your knowledge!

Barn Fire At The Woodmont Country Club

At 10:57 PM on Thursday, February 11 MCFRS Units were dispatched to the Woodmont Country Club, 1201 Rockville Pike, for the report of a structure fire. Units arrived on the scene and encountered heavy fire in a large (approximately 300'x60') two story maintenance barn. First arriving units quickly called for a second alarm.

Crews went to work from outside the structure, protecting exposures as well using 'ladder pipes' & tower ladder, and quickly contained the fire to the barn. Due to roof collapse and environmental issues it was decided that the fire would be allowed to burn out in a controlled burn. A fire watch was then established to monitor.

More than 75 firefighters responded to the scene and there were no reported injuries. Due to the frigid conditions, wind chill was reported to be seven degrees at the time, the Medical Ambulance Bus (MAB) was on scene to provide an immediate on-scene firefighter shelter and rehab from the cold.

Due to the unsafe condition of the barn, an Origin and Cause investigation by Fire Investigators will be delayed until circumstances allow. Damage estimates will also be assessed at that time though the total dollar loss is expected to be significant.

Videos and photos from the scene are below.

House Fire in the 9500 Block of Biltmore Drive, Silver Spring

At approximately 5:45 PM on Sunday, January 31 MCFRS was notified by a monitoring company, via an automatic/monitored alarm in the home, that there was a smoke alarm activation at a home in the 9500 block of Biltmore Drive in Silver Spring.

Crews from Silver Spring Fire Station #16 responded and upon arriving on scene, found fire in the basement of the two story home.  The fire was in the laundry room with some extension to the first floor.  Additional units were requested and responded.

Two adults and one child in the home were alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm and evacuated. 

In addition, firefighters were able to quickly locate, and use, the nearest fire hydrant as neighbors had previously shoveled and cleared around the hydrant located at Biltmore Drive and E. Franklin Avenue.  Well done neighbors!

The fire was quickly extinguished.  One adult occupant did suffer a little smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital for a checkup.  There were no firefighter injuries.

Cause of the fire was listed as accidental as a result of an overheated clothes dryer. Damages were estimated to be approximately $135K.  The family was displaced as a result of the damage to the home.

Recently, MCFRS has responded to several fires involving clothes dryers.  Learn a few tips to help prevent this: Clothes Dryer Cleaning Day – Preventing A Potential Fire In Your Home!

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

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.

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. 

Garage Fire 3600 Block of Tarkington Lane

At approximately 8:30 AM this morning (Jan. 22), MCFRS Units were dispatched for a reported auto fire in the garage in the 3600 block of Tarkington Lane in the Leisure World community.

First arriving units found heavy fire showing from the garage of a one-story duplex home (see video below).  Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.

Two occupants of the home exited safely and sustained no injuries.

The garage and auto were a total loss.  There was some minor water damage to the home but the occupants were not displaced as a result.

One firefighter did sustain a minor injury.

Damage estimates to the car, garage and contents were more than $50K total.  At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined.

   

2015 #1 Top Large Loss Fire

The #1 Top Large Loss Fire of 2015 occurred on 2/1/15, 5114 Dudley La, Bethesda, approximately $1M damage.  Below are the details as posted on the blog:

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.  

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

Leisure World Apartment Fire

On September 15, 2015 at approximately 3:15 pm, MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported apartment fire in the 3600 block of Gleneagles Dr. within the Leisure World community.  Truck 725 arrived on the scene and reported fire showing from the 1st floor along with heavy smoke conditions.  Additional units were requested immediately.

Prior to fire department arrival a few nearby workers upstairs felt the heat, smelled the smoke and, after calling 911, assisted a 90 year old occupant safely from the apartment where the fire started.  Additionally, residents alerted neighbors of the fire on the first floor ensuring everybody got out unscathed prior to the arrival of MCFRS units. 

Firefighters worked quickly in containing and extinguishing the bulk of the fire while at the same time evacuating several residents from the adjoining buildings.  In addition, one dog was located inside the structure unconscious, rescued, and subsequently revived.  A cat in the fire apartment was located but had succumbed to its injuries.

During operations two (2) firefighters sustained, and were treated for, minor injuries.  There were no injuries to residents.  Approximately seventy-five (75) firefighters responded to the fire.

Approximately eleven (11) residents were displaced from ten (10) apartments. Damage was estimated at $700k to the structure and $300k to the contents. The fire is believed to be accidental and likely electrical in nature.

Firefighters will be returning to the Leisure World community today at 1 pm to conduct “After the Fire” outreach activities that include speaking with residents as well as checking their smoke alarms.

When 10 Years Is Too Old

Many homes in Montgomery County have smoke alarms that are too old.  All smoke alarms are manufactured to last 10 years.  Then they need to be replaced. Working smoke alarms can provide the critical early warning needed to save lives.

When 10 is Too Old

When 10 Years Is Too Old

Many homes in Montgomery County have smoke alarms that are too old.  All smoke alarms are manufactured to last 10 years.  Then they need to be replaced. Working smoke alarms can provide the critical early warning needed to save lives.

When 10 is Too Old

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.  

Wood Stove and Fireplace Safe Use

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

Smoke Alarm Facts

How effective are smoke alarms?
Residential fire deaths have decreased steadily as the number of homes with smoke alarms increased. Reports from the National Fire Protection Association indicate that working smoke alarms double the chance of surviving a fire in homes equipped with the recommended number of smoke alarms.
 

When do I need to replace my smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms do not last forever and units that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced.  Just like any electrical appliance, the circuitry and components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially and replacing units after 10 years reduces the likelihood of failure.

My smoke alarm units are wired into my electrical system. Do I need to replace them as often as battery-operated alarms?
Yes. Both hard-wired and battery-operated alarms are equally affected by age.
Note: the legislation signed into law on July 1, 2013 applies to battery-only powered alarms.   

How many smoke alarms should I have?
Under the provisions of the law for all new residential units constructed after July 1, 2013, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in each sleeping room, in the hallway or common area outside of sleeping rooms, and in the hallway or common area on each level within a residential dwelling unit, including basements and excluding specified unoccupied spaces such as attics.  Various requirements for smoke alarm type and placement exist for different time periods in Montgomery County. For specific requirements, please see Residential Smoke Alarm Requirements.

Is there anything new I need to know if I am selling my house?
The residential property disclosure form provided to the purchaser of specified single-family residential real property must include whether the smoke alarms (1) are over 10 years old and (2) if battery-operated, are sealed, tamper-resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and use long-life batteries as required in all Maryland homes by 2018.

Why is the “hush” feature important?
Smoke alarms are available with a “hush” button that can be used to temporarily silence the alarm. This is a convenient way to deal with nuisance alarms, such as those caused by burning toast or opening smoky ovens, without disabling the alarm. The hush button will silence the alarm for several minutes and then automatically reset itself. Smoke alarms with this feature discourage the dangerous practice of removing the battery or disconnecting the power source as a method of dealing with frequent nuisance alarms. If smoke continues to build from an actual fire while the alarm is in hush mode, the smoke will override the silence feature and the smoke alarm will reactivate.

How can I test my alarm?
Every smoke alarm comes with a test button. MCFRS recommends that people test their alarms at least once a month.

I want to know more!

Please visit our website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe or montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/

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 

Apartment Fire Update and Photos

MCFRS Units were dispatched to a report of fire in the apartment in the 5500 block of Burnside Drive.  Upon arrival units encountered fire on the 2nd floor extending to the 3rd floor.  The fire was brought under control quickly.

Approximately nine people were displaced with both occupants of the fire apartment transported to a local hospital for evaluation of smoke inhalation and released shortly there after.  Total damage estimate of approximately $75K.  The cause has been determined to be accidental due to unattended incense.  The smoke alarms in the apartment worked!

Photo provided by Beverly Jensen, MCFRS

Photo provided by Beverly Jensen, MCFRS

If There Is a Fire In Your Home - Get Outside and Stay Outside!

From our partners in safety at the NFPA is a video for kids that relates to our Summer of Safety theme this week - Home Escape Planning.

Please take a moment to have your child watch the short video below.  Remember it is important that you include your kids in developing a home escape plan.  As well, it is important you practice the plan by having a fire drill at home!  Practice makes perfect!

It Is Arson Awareness Week! Vehicle Arson — A Combustible Crime

It is Arson Awareness Week through May 10.  This years theme: Vehicle Arson — A Combustible Crime.

To learn more about this crime, please go here: Vehicle Arson

Here are some stats via the USFA web site you might find interesting:

Vehicle arson statistics

• From 2008-2010, 14 percent of all fires were vehicle fires. Of these fires, 7 percent were intentionally set. Source: USFA
• From 2004-2006, an estimated 27,900 intentionally set vehicle fires occurred each year in the U.S. These intentionally set fires resulted in an average of approximately 40 deaths, 75 injuries, and $169 million in property loss each year. Source: USFA
• During 2007-2011, local fire departments responded to an average of 20,400 intentionally set vehicle fires, accounting for 7 percent of intentionally set fires and resulting in an average of 32 civilian deaths, 67 civilian injuries, and $176 million in direct property damage. Source: National Fire Protection Association
• Two-thirds of intentionally set vehicle fires occur under the cloak of darkness (9 p.m.-6 a.m.). Source: National Fire Protection Association
• Over the last 10 years (2003-2012), there has been an average of 14,737 vehicle arsons reported, accounting for 26.5 percent of total arsons annually. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation