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.

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.

Up County Brush Fires

On Tuesday, March 8, MCFRS experienced two significant brush fires several hours apart in the Germantown and Beallsville areas of the county.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., units were dispatched to the 12800 block of Clopper Road in Germantown for a reported brush fire. Units arrived on scene to find an active brush fire which was started by an overhead power line on fire dropping down onto the grass.

A total of three engines and two brush trucks worked for approximately one and a half hours to contain and extinguish approximately three acres of grass fire.

There were no structures in any danger. No injuries were reported and there was no financial loss as a result of this fire. Photos below:

Shortly after 5 p.m. units were dispatched to the 21300 block of Big Woods Road in the Beallsville area of the County for a reported brush fire.

Arriving units found an approximately five to seven acre wild fire burning in the woods and field with one home in close proximity to the fire.

Units from Upper Montgomery Fire Station #14, Clarksburg Fire Station #35 and Hyattstown Fire Station #9 took roughly two hours to contain and extinguish the fire that involved brush and trees. Extensive overhaul work to extinguish “hot spots” was involved as well.

The fire apparently started when a 'controlled' burn got out of control and ignited surround trees and brush. No financial loss reported as the home in close proximity to the fire was saved and no damage was suffered.

More video and photos from the fire are below.

Two Juveniles Arrested

Yesterday, (11/5) MCFRS Fire Investigators Arrested two juveniles for Arson and other related charges for the fire a house fire on October 28 on Falconcrest Circle in Germantown. One family was displaced, three firefighters were injured and approximately $400k in damages to the structure.

Join Us -- Virtual Ride-a-Long This Friday

On Friday, August 14, at approximately 7:00 AM personnel at Fire Station #29 in Germantown will be participating in our latest “Virtual Ride-a-Long“ that will be broadcast via Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS)  @MCFRS Twitter Page as well as occasional posts to the MCFRS Facebook Page. The hashtag for this event will be #mcfrs so that all of you can follow along, and engage us, without having to 'follow' or be 'followed' on the particular social platforms.

The purpose behind this initiative is to engage you, the residents we serve, in an innovative way and provide an almost real time view as to what occurs during a “typical” 24-hour shift.  Social media allows us a unique opportunity to bring you, in a “virtual” manner, into “our world.” and allows us to interact with the community.  You will “visit” a fire and rescue station and, where appropriate, be able to observe various 911 responses which highlight the outstanding work Montgomery County firefighters provide on a daily basis.

Lieutenant Tim Burns, with some support from our Office of Public Information and Outreach, will be the lead “tweeter” on this initiative. He will be sending “tweets from the street.”

It must be emphasized that Lieutenant Burn’s primary responsibility will be to his operational obligations and he will not be engaging in tweets/social media of any kind that would distract from the response too, and mitigation of, any emergency situations. Lieutenant Burns anticipates providing public updates until approximately 9:00 PM and will only provide social interaction after that if he feels appropriate.

We look forward to providing you 'A day in the life.......'

Annual Toys for Tots Campaign

Once again the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) will be assisting the United States Marine Corps in collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots campaign.  Now through Thursday, December 18 residents can drop off toys to the following fire and rescue stations designated as official collection points for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign:

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 5020 BATTERY LA., BETHESDA, MD 20814

Fire Station 4 - 17921 BROOKE ROAD SANDY SPRING, MD 20860

Fire Station 7 - 8001 CONNECTICUT AVE., CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815

Fire Station 12 - 10617 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., SILVER SPRING, MD 20903

Fire Station 15 - 13900 OLD COLUMBIA PIKE BURTONSVILLE, MD 20866

Fire Station 22 - 18910 GERMANTOWN ROAD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20874

Fire Station 25 - 14401 CONNECTICUT AVE., LAYHILL, MD 20906

Fire Station 28 - 7272 MUNCASTER MILL RD., DERWOOD, MD 20855

Fire Station 32 - 9615 DARNESTOWN ROAD ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

Fire Station 34 - 20633 BOLAND FARM ROAD, GERMANTOWN, MD 20876

What You Need to Know About Fireworks And List of Public Celebrations

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

  

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is at one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Lohr.

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?

 No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?

 No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?

 No. It doesn't matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland.  Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Where do I report violations involving fireworks?

Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual emergencies.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?

The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4th.  Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations. Area July 4^th displays include: 

Gaithersburg,

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland.(301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks launch at dusk.

Rockville,

Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland.  Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Boyds/Germantown,

Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland.(240) 777-6820. Family concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Poolesville

Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. (301) 972-8888.

Kensington/Wheaton,

Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately at 9:15 p.m.  Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

Takoma Park,

Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. (301) 270-6876. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues.  Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  Lastly, while fireworks displays can be exciting they can be extremely stressful and frightening for your pets. Leave your pets at home, be sure they are wearing proper identification so they can be reunited with owners should they get lost or run away and never leave pets in a locked car since vehicles can heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes

Fire and Explosive Investigators Have a Busy Week

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 22, 2013

Fire and Explosive Investigators Have a Busy Week  
 Two buildings are a total loss after separate fires

Montgomery County, MD - - -  Fire and Explosive Investigators returned to the scene of Wednesday night’s large fire in Germantown yesterday to continue their investigation into what possibly sparked the fire. Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 7:30 p.m. to 17001 Germantown Road on February 20th for the report of a fire. Units arrived on the scene and reported a large commercial warehouse building fully engulfed in flames and requested additional resources. At the height of operations, over 75 firefighters battled the blaze. The warehouse was considered a total loss and belongs to High Point Catering.

 

Units remained on the scene for several hours Wednesday night and preliminary damage estimates were $500,000. There is no indication of anything suspicious and investigators listed the cause of the fire as undetermined earlier today.      
 
In a separate fire on Thursday, February 21st, firefighters were dispatched shortly after 4:30 a.m. to 175 Watts Branch Parkway in Rockville for the initial report of a fire in the woods. Crews arrived on the scene and found a large, vacant building with heavy fire and smoke conditions. A second alarm was dispatched and additional units requested. The fire was well-advanced upon the arrival of firefighters. Crews extinguished the large blaze and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The building, which served as a former residential treatment facility for youth and operated under the name of the “Karma Academy,” closed several years ago. The building was boarded up and vacant at the time of the fire and officials report an estimated $250,000 in damages to the structure.

There were no injuries reported in either fire.  

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Toys for the Holidays …Help Us Help Others

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and local fire and rescue departments will again be collecting toys for needy families and underprivileged children during the 2012 holiday season starting on December 5, 2012. For many years various Montgomery County volunteer fire and rescue stations have worked with local community groups, civic organizations and government agencies to make the holiday season a little better for area families.

All Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Stations will serve as drop off sites for new unwrapped toys, including those toys to be used for existing annual local volunteer fire department initiatives supporting neighborhood and local community holiday programs, as well as, the regional 2012 Toys for Tots Campaign in conjunction with the United States Marines.

Fire Departments throughout the metro region, including those in Montgomery County will be collecting toys for children during the 2012 holiday season. Toys may be dropped off until December 18, 2012

EMS Appreciation

By: Captain Beth Sanford, MCFRS EMS Quality Assurance

Last week Montgomery County Fire & Rescue (MCFRS) personnel participated in an event, at the Germantown Emergency Center (GEC), in which staff from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and the GEC gathered to say thanks to MCFRS personnel for their support of the GEC over the past five years. 

Those present were treated to a healthy assortment of breakfast treats and the opportunity for casual interaction amongst the administrative and medical staff from Adventist and personnel from MCFRS Fire Stations 22 and 34, as well as from the MCFRS EMS Section.  Thanks to Adventist for thinking of us!

Below are some photos from the gathering.

   

No Twitter? No Problem! You Can Still Get MCFRS Updates!

Do not have a Twitter account but want to receive Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s tweets? No problem.

A Twitter feature called Fast Follow make it possible for those with a cell phone and a text messaging plan to receive tweet’s on their phone.  Understand that Text messaging rates apply.

Here is how you do it:

Text “follow @mcfrs” to 40404.  You will get a text message back indicating you are now following @MCFRS.  The text will also provide guidance on how to stop the text messages if you no longer wish to receive them.

If you follow, you can expect to receive all of the latest news, updates, and safety tips from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.  

MCFRS Fire Fighters Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

All this month, you may see your favorite MCFRS Fire Fighter wearing a special pink uniform tee shirt in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Below, Fire Station 22 A-Shift is proudly sporting their shirts.

In addition one of our fire fighters, Marshall Moneymaker, lost three sisters to breast cancer and was recently featured on ABC News telling his family story as well as what he is doing to make a difference.  Please take a moment to watch this video below:

Montgomery County Firefighters to Join Area Students in Annual Walk to School Day Events Around the County

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 4, 2011

 

Rockville - - -  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel will be joining students around the County to celebrate International Walk to School Day to raise awareness and promote pedestrian safety. Thousands of students from 36 schools in Montgomery County will be participating in this year’s annual event. Walk to School events raise awareness and create safer routes for walking and bicycling while emphasizing the importance of increasing physical activity among children and promoting pedestrian safety.  

County Executive Ike Leggett, MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr and other officials will be joining students at Captain James E. Daly, Jr. Elementary School in Germantown, Maryland for the event. Media are invited to join in the program. 

When:  Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Where: Captain James E. Daly, Jr. Elementary School  
              20301 Brandermill Drive, Germantown, Maryland

Time:   8:30 a.m. – Walkers will meet at Clear Spring Park to walk to the school           

             9:00 a.m. – Assembly behind the school on the blacktop

           10:00 a.m. – School-wide pedestrian and traffic safety assembly

* Event will be held rain or shine. The assembly portion of the program will be moved indoors if the weather is inclement.
 

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Fire and Explosive Investigators Seek Information

Brush Investigator Tip Line 2011

News Advisory: County Executive Leggett & Fire Chief Bowers Invite Community to Briefing on Darnestown/Germantown Brush Fire

BrushfireCommunityMtg

Cub Scouts Visit Fire Station #34 (Milestone) For Safety Lessons and Tour

Last night roughly 40 Cub Scouts descended on our newly opened Fire Station #34 (Milestone). They were there to learn more about various emergencies and how to respond as part of their badge requirements. In addition, they were also treated to a tour of our state of the art fire station.

As you can see in the videos below, the group was divided into two with one in the training room and the other touring the station. They then switched roles.

The boys were treated to expert instruction by the career Fire Fighters of “B” Shift led by Lieutenant Morrissey. Topics covered included home fire escape planning, smoke alarms, calling 911, water safety, home safety and what to do if your clothes catch on fire. Educational fire safety handouts were also provided the pack to share with their parents!

Smoke Alarm Donation: Story, Video, Photos, and Quotes From Today’s Press Conference

Today I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Press Conference, at our brand new Fire Station #34, at which Fire Chief Richard Bowers accepted a donation of two-thousand  smoke alarms from one of our partners in safety – PEPCO.  Also donated were special needs smoke alarms for those residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.  

I have posted a video below of the Chief and the Fire Fighters of Fire Station #34 accepting this generous donation from PEPCO representatives Ms. Kim Watson and Mr. Pete Pedersen.  Below the video you will also find quotes.

These alarms will be critical in our on going “Safety in Our Neighborhood” door-to-door safety and injury prevention campaign. Every Saturday MCFRS Fire Fighters canvas neighborhoods handing out safety information as well as offering to check smoke alarms to ensure they are working. If we find the alarms are not working, we will then install a fresh battery or new alarm before leaving as working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

THANK YOU PEPCO!



Link to Video if above does not work: http://twitvid.com/MTVNT

Quotes

From Chief Richard Bowers:

“Pepco’s Emergency Services Partnership Program has donated smoke alarms to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service for several years as part of their long-standing commitment to public safety.” “Based on today’s challenging budgets, this donation comes at a critical time and will fill an important need.”

“We are proud to partner with PEPCO and their generous donation will continue to have significant impact in keeping residents safe and saving lives.”

From Kim Watson, PEPCO VP of Governmental Affairs:
“All of us at Pepco are very proud of the excellent working relationship we have with our first responders throughout the service territory. These smoke alarms are just another way for Pepco to support the life saving work that the dedicated men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service perform everyday.”

Pretty in Pink!

Firefighters at Station 22A showed their true colors when they teamed up to show support as October’s 60-mile “Walk for a Cure” efforts were centered in Germantown over the weekend. The event brought in more than $5.3 million for research and community-based health and education programs and culminated in a rally on October 10th in Washington, D.C.

Milestone residents "dig in" for fire safety

I received a great video (below) from a member of the Milestone community (Germantown). It is an informational video showing how to find and dig out fire hydrants. The community has come together and many folks are out in the community trying to help us by digging out their nearest fire hydrant. Thanks to all of you in the Milestone community for your help in this very important fire safety initiative.


Thanks also to all of our county residents who are also locating, and digging out, their fire hydrants so that they are easier for us to find and use!

Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney
Program Manager - Community Safety Education
Division of Community Risk Reduction Services
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue