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

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.