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.

News Advisory: Early Morning Fatal Fire in Kensington

70-year-old man transported to area hospital succumbs to injuries

Montgomery County, MD - - Units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were dispatched about 4:30 a.m. this morning to the 3900 block of Decatur Avenue in Kensington for the report of a kitchen fire. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and located a man severely burned in the kitchen area of the home. Medics provided advanced life support and the victim was transported to an area hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries where he later died. The victim has been identified as Thomas Dolan Geoghegan, 70 years old, of Kensington, Maryland.

Fire investigators have ruled the fire accidental and the State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death. The home’s smoke alarm alerted other occupants of the home to the fire. Units from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will be out in the community distributing information on fire safety and offering to check smoke alarms. Damage estimates to the home were $300.00.

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Videos From After The Fire Outreach

Personnel from MCFRS went door to door on Thursday in a Leisure World apartment complex checking residents smoke alarms, handing out safety information, as well as answering any questions or concerns after Wednesday’s fatal fire.

Learn more about the fire here (photos): Fatal Fire in Silver Spring

Below, are two videos from the other day.  In the first video Captain David Pazos explains the After the Fire program and reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms.

The next video shows Master Firefighter Dave Newman interacting with a local resident and what typically occurs when we knock on the door.  

Fatal Fire in Silver Spring

Montgomery County Fire Investigators have determined the origin of this afternoon’s fatal fire in the 15700 block of Interlachen Drive in Silver Spring and are releasing the name of the victim who perished in the fire. Units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were dispatched about 12:20 p.m. to a residential high-rise building located in the Leisure World community for the report of a building fire.

Montgomery County Fire Investigators were dispatched to the scene and have determined that the fire originated in the enclosed balcony/sunroom area of a 9^th floor unit. Fire sprinklers activated in the unit and kept the fire from extending more significantly in the building.

Investigators have released the name of the deceased victim, Debra Yuhas Lee, age 63. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is listed as undetermined at this time. Damage estimates were $150,000. 

This is the third fire fatality in Montgomery County this year and each victim has been in their 60’s. Units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue will be in the Leisure World community on Thursday distributing fire safety tips and information.