Earlier this morning at approximately 3 a.m. in the 1000 block of Gaither Road in Rockville, MCFRS units responded for a reported unknown odor. Units arrived on scene to find elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in a four story townhouse as a result of a car running in the garage for several hours,
Elevated readings in two additional homes were found as well. Eight people total were impacted. EMS transported two adults and three children to an area hospital with low levels of CO poisoning for a check up.
MCFRS would like to remind all residents that CO can be a silent killer. Please review the below information for more.
On Thursday, July 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m. MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house fire in the 6700 block of Rannoch Road in the Glen Echo area of the county. First arriving units reported smoke showing from a two-story, single family home.
Upon further investigation, firefighters reported the fire was in the basement with some extension to the first floor. Additional firefighting resources were requested and dispatched. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished.
A family of five was home at the time and safely evacuated. They reported the home lost power and shortly thereafter smelled a slight burning odor. A short time later, smoke became heavy in the basement and they called 911.
Approximately 75 firefighters were on the scene. Crews were rotated frequently during operations and overhaul due to the high temps and heat index which was well over 100°. MCFRS was assisted by mutual aid crews from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, National Institutes of Health Fire Department, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Fire Department. One firefighter was transported with a heat related illness to an area hospital for a checkup.
Investigation determined the cause of the fire to be electrical and accidental in nature. Damages were estimated at $150,000.00 to the contents and $50,000.00 to the structure. Two adults, three children and two dogs have been displaced as a result of the fire. Firefighters will be going back out to the community later today and going door to door offering to check smoke alarms and provide safety tips.
Over the last several months, MCFRS has responded to a number of clothes dryer related fires. A lack of maintenance, buildup of lint, placing inappropriate items in the dryer and inadequate venting are frequently cited as contributing factors. Please take a moment to review some very important tips below as part of our 101 Days of Summer Safety. Did You Know?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,500 clothes dryer fires occur annually, causing an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage.
Eighty-percent of American homes have clothes dryers.
A full load of wet clothes placed in a dryer contains about one half gallon of water. As the clothes dry, lint forms and builds up, reducing airflow in the dryer's vent, potentially causing the dryer to work improperly or overheat.
Clothes Dryer DOs:
DO clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying EACH load of clothes.
DO clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically.
DO have a certified service technician clean and inspect the dryer and venting system regularly.
DO replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting, which provides maximum airflow.
DO keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter.
DO always use the appropriate electrical outlet for dryers and all major appliances.
Clothes Dryer DON'Ts:
DON'T place clothing or fabric stained with a flammable substance, such as alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers or motor oil, in the dryer. Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode. Instead, dry the materials outdoors.
DON'T leave a dryer operating if you are not home.
DON'T forget to read the manufacturer warnings in the user manual and on the inside of the dryer door
DON'T dry any item containing foam, rubber or plastic, such as bathroom and non-slip rugs and athletic shoes.
DON'T dry any item that contains glass fiber materials, such as a blouse or sweater with glass buttons or decorations.
On Friday, July 8 at approximately 12:36 p.m. MCFRS units responded to the 5400 block of Mohican Road in the Glen Echo area of the county for a report of flames coming from a house. Units arrived on the scene of a one story, single family home with heavy smoke and fire evident from the rear of the home. An RID and Task Force assignment were immediately dispatched.
The crew from PE711 initiated an attack on the bulk of the fire which was throughout the first floor of the home. Limited access and steep terrain in the rear, as well as building construction that included many additions and void spaces made it challenging for firefighters.
Other crews performed a search and rescue of the home to ensure none of the occupants was still inside. It was quickly learned that the family of four was out of town on vacation. A neighbor had called 911 after noticing the smoke and fire.
Firefighters did manage to find and rescue a large turtle that is a family pet.
Over 75 firefighters responded to the scene. There were no civilian injuries while one firefighter did suffer from a heat related illness and treated.
Cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damages were estimated to be $650,000.00 to the structure and $150,000.00 to the contents. A family of four has been displaced as a result of the fire.
Click on the icons and learn more about significant incidents that occurred in June. You may even find videos and photos embedded within the icon. You will also find links to more information in many as well.
This is another layer in the significant incident map since March. Once you go into the map, you can click the March, April and/or May box which will then layer those incidents in with the June map below.
At approximately 12:26 p.m. on Monday, July 4, MCFRS units were dispatched to the 1000 block of Julian Place in the City of Rockville for a report of an odor of smoke. While en route to the call, it was upgraded to a full assignment for a house fire.
Units arrived on scene to find a one story single family dwelling with smoke coming from the attic. Upon investigation, firefighters found a small fire in a bathroom fan that had extended into the attic near the fan. The fire was quickly extinguished.
All occupants of the home had safely exited. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Approximately 35 firefighters were on scene. Damages were estimated at $10,000.00 total.
At approximately 1:40 a.m. this morning, MCFRS units were dispatched for the reported house fire in the 400 block of Norwood Road in the Colesville area of the county. Firefighters arrived on scene to find an abandoned, two-story single family home well involved in heavy fire.
An exterior fire attack was initiated to quickly bring the fire under control.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A total of 50 firefighters were on-scene. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. Damages were estimated to be $250,000.00.
On Thursday, June 30, at approximately 10:20 p.m. MCFRS units were dispatched to the 1100 block of Rosemere Avenue in the Colesville area of the County for a reported house fire. Units from Fire Station #24 arrived on the scene and reported fire showing from the rear basement and first floor areas of a two-story single family home.
All four occupants of the home were safely out, as a smoke alarm alerted them, and firefighters rapidly initiated efforts to extinguish the fire. Firefighters encountered a heavy fire load and hoarding conditions throughout the home which initially presented difficulties in extinguishing the fire. A Rapid Intervention Dispatch (RID), Task Force and Second Alarm were called to assist and a short time later the fire was declared under control. Approximately 85 firefighters were on the scene.
The homeowner indicated he heard what he thought to be the smoke alarm sounding in the basement. He made his way around the outside of the house and opened the basement door to find a fire inside near the laundry room. An effort was made to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher during which the homeowner received a minor injury to his hand.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene to conduct an Origin and Cause investigation. Due to conditions, investigators were hampered though the area of origin was determined to be in the basement. Currently the cause of the fire is undetermined.
There were no injuries to fire and rescue personnel and one minor injury to the homeowner. Damages were estimated to be $200,000.00 to the structure and $75,000.00 to the contents. Two adults and two children have been displaced as a result of the fire.
Reminder: Working smoke alarms alerted the family to the fire. Working smoke alarms save lives!
On June 20 at approximately 7:22 p.m., MCFRS units responded for a reported house fire in the 7300 block of Blanchard Drive in the Derwood area of the county. Firefighters arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing from the two-story single family home.
Crews quickly located and began extinguishment of a fire around the electric panel. The fire was discovered by an occupant of the home who then called 9-1-1.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be electrical in nature. Two occupants of the home have been displaced as a result of the fire.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Damages were estimated to be $200,000.00 to the structure and $75,000.00 to the contents.
The United States Police and Fire Championships are held every year in California. This event brings together Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement agencies from around the United States. 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of these games.
There are 41 sporting disciplines’ offered from archery to wrestling, track and field to golf. There are a few non-traditional events like surfing and fitness throw down.
Our own Captain Penny Ingles is in San Diego competing in this prestigious event and has already earned some hardware! Penny’s results thus far:
GOLD MEDAL - Javelin Throw
GOLD MEDAL and NEW MEET RECORD - Women's Triple Jump
Silver Medal - Shot Put
Silver Medal - Hammer Throw
Congratulations Penny! This is especially amazing as, until just a few weeks ago, Penny was on crutches not knowing if she was going to be well enough to even compete.
At approximately 2:02 p.m. on Monday, June 13 MCFRS units were dispatched for a house fire initially reported to be in the 12700 block of Maidens Bower Drive in Potomac.
Battalion Chief 703 arrived on the scene, with a corrected address of 14001 Gorky Drive, and reported a large two story single family house with heavy fire showing in an attached two car garage that was rapidly spreading to the rest of the home.
It was quickly determined that none of the occupants were home thus there was no life safety issue. Due to the large volume of fire, firefighters initiated an aggressive exterior attack to extinguish the fire. Large amounts of water were required for firefighting operations which necessitated several nearby hydrants being utilized. While the fire was brought under control quickly, the extensive damage resulted in most of the house collapsing.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene and have initially determined the fire appears to have started in the garage and appears accidental in nature. Due to the extensive damage, Fire Investigators will need to bring in heavy equipment to remove debris to assist in making a final determination as to the origin and cause of the fire.
Approximately 65 firefighters were on the scene with no injuries to personnel reported. The family of four was unharmed though, sadly, two family dogs perished in the fire. As a result of the extensive damage, the family has been displaced.
Damages were estimated to be approximately $1.1 Million.
This past weekend, May 14-15, was designated by the State Fire Marshal, the Maryland Chief’s Association and the Maryland State Fireman’s Association as a Statewide “Community Risk Reduction” weekend for fire departments across the State.
You may have seen our personnel in your neighborhoods to include athletic and park venues, as well as grocery, home improvement, and big box stores. There were also several community events to include health fairs, a fiesta, and a grand opening. These were fantastic opportunities for our firefighters to meet the residents we serve, provide safety information, and answer any questions posed.
Of particular note was a door to door effort in the Leisure World community in which 200 homes were checked and over 40 smoke alarms installed! In addition, 20 neighbors from the Bethesda area learned CPR at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Saturday morning. At Fire Station #34, our child passenger safety program checked and correctly installed 24 car seats to ensure young children, infants and newborns will be better protected while travelling in their parents autos.
Below you will find a variety of photos of our personnel out and about during the Community Risk Reduction Weekend.
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.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. this morning, MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house on fire in the 11700 block of Sherbrooke Woods Lane in the White Oak area of the county.
First arriving units found heavy fire showing on the first and second floors with extension into the attic space. The single occupant of the home had self-rescued though was suffering the after effects of smoke inhalation. It
was not until a short time that neighbors noticed the fire and called 911.
Firefighters quickly initiated an interior attack to extinguish the fire. Deteriorating conditions led command to evacuate the structure and switch to a defensive (outside) mode. Shortly thereafter, a partial collapse (roof, floors, and walls) occurred. The fire was brought under control though crews continued to mop up “hot spots” for a few hours after.
Fire investigators are currently on scene conducting a cause and origin investigation. The home is a total loss with damages estimated at $500,000 to the structure and $250,000 to the contents. There was also some heat damage to a neighboring home.
The one civilian occupant of the home was transported to a local hospital for a checkup due to smoke inhalation. There were no injuries sustained by the approximately 85 MCFRS personnel who responded to the scene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
