Germantown Townhouse Fire Injures Eight Firefighters

At approximately 1 a.m. on Monday, March 14 MCFRS Units responded to the 19300 block of Churubusco Lane in the Germantown area of Montgomery County. First arriving units reported heavy fire and smoke showing from a middle of the row townhouse.

Firefighters engaged in firefighting operations and initial indications were all occupants of the home were safely out. A short time later, there was a concern that one occupant was missing and perhaps still in the home. Search and rescue operations were quickly initiated.

During the search and rescue operations, a partial collapse of the front of the structure occurred trapping eight firefighters and triggering a “Mayday” alert for all on scene. The “Mayday” was short lived as the firefighters either self-rescued or were quickly assisted to safety.

All eight firefighters were transported to area hospitals with a variety of non-life threatening injuries. Eventually, all eight firefighters were treated and released.

It was later learned that all occupants had successfully evacuated and were safe.

The fire reached Three Alarms and a total of approximately 120 firefighters were on the scene.

Due to the extensive damage to the home, Fire Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. Resources from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Montgomery County Police, Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue (K9) and Annapolis City Fire Investigations Office.

Damage totals are not available at this time but the townhouse will be a total loss. There was also damage to adjoining homes which will result in a total of 20 people being displaced. Red Cross is assisting those displaced.

Smoke Alarm Alerts Family To Germantown House Fire

On Thursday, March 10 at approximately 9:05 p.m. MCFRS units responded for a report of a house fire at 18303 Aspen Dale Court in Germantown. Multiple 911 calls were received at the Emergency Communications Center indicating a fire in the garage.

Engine 722 (Germantown/Kingsview) arrived on scene and reported heavy fire coming from the garage of a large two-story, single family home with extension into the attic area and flames in close proximity to a neighboring home. In addition, several cars were on fire in the driveway.

A Task Force assignment was requested by Engine 722 and initial hose lines were placed for an exterior attack and to protect the neighbor’s home. At one point a collapse of the room above the garage occurred along with a brick wall of the garage and portions of the roof. Heavy streams and eventually an interior attack were initiated before the fire was contained.

Family members, five in total, stated that they were in the house when the smoke alarms alerted them to the fire and were able to escape along with their two dogs.

Fire Investigations believe the fire originated in the garage but the exact cause is undetermined at this time.

Damages are estimated at $750,000.00 for the structure and vehicles and $150,000.00 for the contents. There was also $75,000.00 in damages (heat related) to a neighboring home. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for a checkup. The occupants of the home and the neighboring home were displaced as a result of the damage.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein wants to remind all Montgomery County residents that working smoke alarms save lives! LEARN MORE HERE.