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

Duplex Fire In Wheaton

On Wednesday, April 20 at approximately 4 p.m., MCFRS units were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 12000 block of Berry Street in Wheaton. Multiple 911 calls were received indicating a working fire with possible explosions.

First arriving units reported heavy fire involving both units of a two-story duplex type home and a second alarm was quickly dispatched. All occupants escaped uninjured prior to arrival and were accounted for.

Firefighters initiated a transitional fire attack and the bulk of fire was knocked down. Crews spent a few hours mopping up hot spots in and around the duplex to include homes on both sides and the rear of the duplex.

Fire Investigators were called to the scene and conducted an origin and cause investigation. The origin and cause investigation determined the fire originated on the rear porch of 12028 Berry Street. At this time the cause of the fire is listed as undetermined.

A total of five residences, two sheds and fencing were damaged by flame and/or radiant heat. The two homes, 12028 and 12030, suffered significant charring and damage while three other residences suffered mostly radiant heat damage to vinyl siding on their exteriors.

Approximately 95 firefighters were on the scene of this two alarm fire. Damages are estimated at
$500,000.00 to the structures and $200,000.00 to contents. There were no injuries sustained by the residents or firefighters. A total of three adults have been displaced as a result of the fire.

Crews will be returning to the Berry Street neighborhood this evening at approximately 6:30 p.m. offering to check smoke alarms, provide safety tips and answer any questions residents might have.

Burtonsville House Fire

On Monday, April 18 at approximately 12:27 p.m., MCFRS units responded to 1900 block of Mayflower Drive for a report of a house on fire. Units arrived on scene to find a two-story single family home with heavy fire in the rear of the home.

All occupants of the home had exited safely and were standing in front of the home when firefighters arrived. Firefighters went to work and were able to initially knock down the exterior fire and extinguish the bulk of the fire quickly which prevented further extension into the inside of the home. The fire had already extended into the attic area upon arrival.

At the time of the fire two occupants were in the basement of the home when they heard someone knocking on the front door. Upon going upstairs and opening the door, a passerby indicated that the back of the house was on fire. Both occupants quickly exited through the front door with the family dog. The passerby, a neighbor, had already notified 911. More than 65 firefighters responded on the call which included a RID and Task Force. 

Fire Investigators were called to the scene to conduct and origin and cause investigation. One of the occupants stated he was a smoker and only smoked outside in back of the house and used a container for the discarded cigarettes.  Investigators determined that the fire started in the container next to the box bay window from a discarded cigarette. The cause of the fire is listed as ACCIDENTAL.  

There were no injuries to civilian or fire and rescue personnel. Damages were estimated to be $200,000.00 to the structure and $100,000.00 to the contents. Four adults and one dog were displaced as a result. Six chickens perished in the fire.

When smoking outside MCFRS, along with its partners in safety at NFPA and the US Fire Administration, recommend the following:

• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grass, leaves and other things that could easily ignite.

• Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.

Bethesda House Fire

At approximately 8:07 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house fire at 5817 Sonoma Road in Bethesda.

Units arrived to find fire coming from one side of a two-story single family home on the second floor. Firefighters quickly initiated an attack and extinguished the fire. All occupants were safely out of the home.

The occupants of the home, three adults, indicated they had been at the park down the street 15 minutes earlier. As they returned home, they noticed fire coming from a window on the side of the home and called 911.

Fire Investigators conducted an Origin and Cause examination and have listed the cause currently as undetermined.

As a result of the fire, three adults and four pets have been displaced. There were no injuries to civilian or fire and rescue personnel. Damages were estimated at $125,000.00 to the structure and $75,000.00 to the contents.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Will Be Accepting Applications for Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit)

Opening Date: May 9, 2016

Closing Date: May 23, 2016

On May 9, 2016, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) will begin accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I (Recruit).  Applications will be accepted until May 23, 2016 at midnight.  MCFRS Firefighter/Rescuers receive outstanding benefits, including a 20-year retirement with no age limit, group health and life insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and paid sick leave. This recruitment will be used to establish eligibility for a Recruit Class that will begin in December, 2016.  Applications will only be accepted on-line.

The Firefighter/Rescuer I position is an entry level position. Applicants must:

1. Be 17 ½ years of age to apply and 18 years of age at time of appointment
2. Possess a high school diploma or GED within two months from time of application
3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
4. Possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (non-provisional at the time of appointment)

Based upon service needs, hiring preferences may be given to those applicants who possess one or more of the following at the time of application (subject to verification):

• Veterans and veterans with disabilities
• Paramedic (National Registry Paramedic)
• Residency in Montgomery County
• Multi-lingual skills (Spanish, Amharic, Chinese; French, Korean, Vietnamese, American-Sign             Language)
• Two years employment in a customer service related field
• Bachelor’s degree
• Thirty or more college credits (from an accredited college or university)

The hiring process includes a written exam, oral interview, background screening, medical exam, and the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).  Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to take the written examination, which is tentatively scheduled for June 16, 17 and 18, 2016.

For important information regarding the hiring process, critical dates and information, prospective applicants can visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/MCFRS-recruiting/application.html

We strongly encourage all applicants to create an AccessMCG Extranet Account prior to the application period.  Please use the following link http://bit.ly/1qGE3HQ

Montgomery County is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. It is the policy of Montgomery County to conduct all employment activities in a manner that will ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, or political affiliation. 

New Ambulance 715 In Service

By: Lt. Rob Furst

New Ambulance 715 (A715) was placed in service on Thursday, April 7. Firefighters Dan Fields (left) and Juan Rodriguez (right) took the unit on its first call - a medical emergency on Gracefield Road.

The ambulance is a 2016 PL Custom box mounted on a Freightliner Chassis. A715 is one of 29 EMS units that will replace a significant portion of the frontline fleet and many reserve units that are 12-16 years old and will be leaving the fleet.

Fire and Explosive Investigators Arrest Hyattsville Man For Arson

On Monday, April 4 at approximately 7:09 a.m. MCFRS units responded to 9910 Walker House Road in Gaithersburg for a report of fire in the trash room. First arriving units found the fire had already been extinguished by an occupant of the apartment building.

An eyewitness reported an individual leaving the trash room around the time the fire was discovered. Montgomery County Police were contacted, quickly issued a lookout alert, and were able to locate a suspect matching the witness description a short time later at the Gaithersburg Public Library.

While still on scene of the trash room fire at 9910 Walker House Road, occupants from 9904 and 9902 Walker House Road alerted fire and rescue personnel to small fires that had occurred in the trash rooms in those buildings as well. MCFRS Fire Investigators were called to the scene and confirmed the fires had been intentionally set in all three buildings.  

As a result of the investigation, Montgomery County Fire Investigators have arrested Theophilus Robinson, age 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland.  He has been charged with three (3) counts of Arson in the first-degree and three (3) counts of Reckless Endangerment. He is currently being processed and held at the Central Processing Unit on Seven Locks Road in Rockville.

The investigation is ongoing. Fire Investigators indicate there have been multiple, and similar, fires in close proximity to Walker House Road in recent months, as well as in the greater Silver Spring area. Anyone with information regarding Mr. Robinson, or any suspicious fires in the area, are asked to contact the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Arson Tip Line at 240.777.2263.

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.

Germantown And Boyd's Brush Fires Keep Up County Firefighters Busy

On a 'Red Flag' day, Thursday, March 24 a little before 4 p.m. units from Clarksburg/Germantown and surrounding areas were dispatched for a report of a brush fire near the boathouse at Black Hills Regional Park. As crews were assembling various resources to contain and extinguish this fire other MCFRS units were being dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. for a reported brush fire in the vicinity of Blunt Road and Brink Road in Germantown.

The fire at Black Hills Regional Park would eventually involve about four or five acres and took several hours and the efforts of dozens of firefighters staffing four engines, three brush trucks, two tankers and several command officers to control, contain and extinguish. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for observation.

In the meantime, firefighters from Germantown (Milestone) and surrounding areas arrived on the scene on Blunt Road to find a large brush fire with possible impingement to a structure. Crews worked aggressively to control and contain the fire and protect a variety of structures in the area to include several homes. Crews were on the scene for several hours. Area roads were closed during the fire and cleanup.

Crews staffing several engines and ladder trucks (box alarm), three tankers were on scene along with several brush trucks.

As the fire spread throughout a wooded area it rapidly encroached several homes. A Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff who lives in the area reported the fire and assisted several neighbors from their homes prior to the arrival of firefighters.

The brush fire involved approximately four acres. Two sheds were damaged and while the fire came dangerously close to several homes, none were damaged. In addition, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Silver Spring Apartment Fire

At approximately 10 pm on Saturday, February 27, MCFRS Units were initially dispatched for a 'automatic alarm', at 1705 East West Highway, however the call was upgraded as additional calls were received reporting smoke and as first units arrived with smoke showing at Summit Hills Apartments in Silver Spring.

Units arriving on scene reported smoke showing from a seventh floor apartment. Firefighters made their way to the seventh floor, where they encountered heavy smoke conditions. Once they gained entry into the apartment, and found heavy fire involvement throughout the apartment. The fire was quickly knocked down and extinguished, but not after causing significant damage. The fire was contained to the apartment of origin in this seven-story building.  Fire Investigators indicate the fire severely damaged contents of the apartment and the furniture in the area of the origin was nearly completely consumed.

Currently, the fire is listed as undetermined and under investigation.

Approximately 11 apartments were damaged by smoke, heat or water. Four people were assisted by Red Cross. There were no injuries to Fire/Rescue personnel or civilians. More than 65 fire fighters were on the scene, including several from PGFD.

Damages were estimated to be:

$300,000.00 to the structure

$75,000.00 to the contents

Photos below.

Silver Spring House Fire

Last night, February 24, a little after 8 pm MCFRS units responded to 909 McCeney Avenue for the report of smoke filling the garage. Units arrived on the scene to find a two story single family home with fire showing in the garage and extending up into the first floor and attic area.

The occupants, a husband and wife, were home at the time of the fire and escaped. Initially, the wife first noticed what she thought was steam coming from one side of the garage. She then alerted her husband who looked out another window in the home and observed fire coming from the garage.
Both evacuated the home and dialed 911 once safely outside.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire and significant extension as they went to work to extinguish the fire. It took firefighters a little over 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. Approximately 65 firefighters were on scene.

Fire Investigators conducted a cause and origin exam in the garage. Many combustible items were found in the garage as well as two vehicles. A cause of the fire could not be determined as both vehicles and the contents of the garage were severely damaged. The fire is listed as undetermined. 

There were no injuries reported to fire and rescue personnel or civilians. Smoke Alarms were present and did activate. Damages were estimated to be:

$400,000.00 - Structure
$150,000.00 - Vehicles
$125,000.00 - Contents

The two occupants of the home were displaced and are currently staying with a neighbor. Firefighters will be returning to the neighborhood around 3 pm today (February 25) to go door to door (After the Fire Outreach) offering to check smoke alarms and provide safety tips for interested residents.

Photos and videos below.

Promotions

MCFRS is pleased to announce the following promotions.  

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Captain:

• Clinton D. Kraft

The following person has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant: 

• Adam C. Nichols

Congratulations and be safe in your new assignments!

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.

Busy Day Yesterday!

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue responded to several significant incidents yesterday, Tuesday, February 2. Below is a brief synopsis of each along with photos and/or videos.

Car Crash Into A Garage

At approximately 2:30 p.m. MCFRS Units were dispatched for a report of a car that crashed into a house in the 4300 block of Sunflower Drive. Units arrived on scene to find a car that had veered off the roadway, up a driveway, into a park car and into an attached garage of the home.

Two occupants were in the car with the driver, a 92-year-old male, being trapped. Firefighters were able to quickly extricate the trapped driver and transport him, and the female passenger, to a local hospital with serious injuries. Photos below.

Anyone who witnessed, or has information about, this collision is asked to call the Montgomery County Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240.773.6620.

Multiple Vehicle Crash on Northbound I-270

At 4:15 p.m., MCFRS Units were dispatched for a report of a crash involving multiple vehicles on Northbound I-270 between Route 28 and Sam Eig Highway.

Firefighters arrived on the scene and found four vehicles crashed as a result of two separate incidents. There were several injuries including two people who were trapped and subsequently extricated by MCFRS personnel.

Several people were transported to area hospitals all with non-life threatening injuries.

Unknown Odor in the Home

Around 6 p.m. last night, Rockville City Police (RCPD) were handling a “check on welfare” concern at a home in the 1900 block of Valley Stream Drive in Rockville. Upon entering the home, officers encountered an unknown chemical odor and immediately exited the home.

The MCFRS Hazardous Materials Unit (HazMat) and the MCFRS Bomb Squad were called to assist in the investigation of the possible, and unknown, hazardous condition. Both RCPD Officers were also checked by MCFRS EMS personnel on scene as a precaution and deemed unharmed. The street was closed off and residents were told to shelter in place as a precaution.

 HazMat team members donned their protective equipment and made entry into the single-family home. Upon investigation, it was found that no one was at home and the odor appeared to be coming from insecticides and other household items. As well, no explosives were found.

Promotions

MCFRS is pleased to announce the following promotions.  

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

• Erik R. Couse

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

• Samuel E. Villani

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

• Eric P. Wengryn

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

• Andrea C. Sudjapun
• Joseph J. Chronowski 
• Joshua I. Kurland
• Yann Le Renard

Congratulations and be safe in your new assignments!

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. 

MCFRS Seeks Good Samaritans

This morning at 10:02 am MCFRS units were alerted to an auto fire at Rockville Pike and Grosvenor Lane. Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center also advised responding units that there was possibly one person trapped in the vehicle.

MCFRS units arrived and found an auto fire that was well involved but found no one trapped inside the vehicle. The sole occupant of the vehicle was standing by near the fire uninjured.

After the fire was extinguished the driver of the vehicle was asked about how the fire started. He said that he was stopped at the traffic light and when the light turned green the vehicle would not accelerate. Bystanders in other vehicles started to point at him and the front of his vehicle. The gentleman did not realize his vehicle was on fire until the smoke started to enter the passenger compartment of his vehicle.

He said he attempted to unlock the vehicle door with the electric lock switch but they did not work. At that juncture, he said he panicked and did not think to manually unlock the door.

Bystanders on the scene stated that two African-American males came to the occupants’ aid and broke out the rear driver's side window. The two men removed the driver from the burning car. Upon the arrival of fire department personnel, these two Good Samaritan’s were not on the scene.

MCFRS would like to learn the identity of these two heroes in order to honor their heroic deed.  If you have any information regarding this, please email fire.pio@montgomerycountymd.gov

Beltway Vehicle Crash

By: Lieutenant Robert Furst

On Monday, January 11 Ambulances 716 and 701, Paramedic Engines 719 and 716 and Rescue Squad 742 operated at this crash on I-495 at Route 29. Two patients were transported to local hospitals - one of those patients was trapped in their vehicle.

This event was challenging because the cars were located on opposite shoulders of the highway. For the safety of the responders, and patients, I-495 was shut down until the patients could be moved to the ambulances and transported.

Important Winter Fire Prevention Tips

Public Information Officer Pete Piringer recently appeared on FOX5 News to talk about winter and holiday fire safety.  Please take a moment to watch, learn, and take action if need be.


DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG

A Happy Ending

By Master Firefighter Franco Martinez

A funny thing happened on the way to picking up dinner for Silver Spring Fire Station 16 this past Saturday. 

As we were grabbing the dinner ingredients a Mom with her child come up to Firefighter Jon Merrell and I and said (pointing at Jon) "I know you, you delivered my baby in the back of the ambulance" and then proceeded with a big hug and verbal thanks to Jon.

As you can see, 11 months later a beautiful bouncing baby girl is doing just fine.  Needless to say this made our day!

Photo Courtesy of Master Firefighter Franco Martinez