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 9th
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.