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.
This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, in honor of the dedicated men and women who provide critical day-to-day lifesaving services on the “frontlines” of emergencies across the country. When conditions can change in seconds, dual role firefighters/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics in Montgomery County provide sophisticated, state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care that can often mean the difference between life and death. The fire department has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of the community through an ‘all hazards’ response model and this week provides an opportunity to recognize EMS contributions of the past and build upon them for a safer tomorrow.
Maryland’s new smoke alarm law requires the replacement of all BATTERY-ONLY operated smoke alarms with units powered by sealed-in, 10-year long-life batteries.
Homeowners have until January 1, 2018 to comply with the new law.
Yesterday (5/4/16) we broadcast a live, via Periscope, Hazardous Materials practical training exercise from our Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA). The exercise involved crews practicing techniques to mitigate the release of anhydrous ammonia. Captain Carl Mauney provides commentary to explain what is occurring.
On Saturday, April 23 at approximately 4:24 a.m. MCFRS units were dispatched to the 300 block of Carl Street in Rockville for a report of a house on fire. Units arrived on scene to find a two-story single family home with fire on the exterior of the home that had extended to the interior.
A smoke alarm had alerted six occupants of the home and all escaped uninjured. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and extinguished. Command on scene requested an additional two engine companies and one truck company to assist.
Fire Investigators responded to the scene to conduct a cause and origin investigation. The cause is currently under investigation.
Damages were estimated at $10,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents. Six people have been displaced as a result of the fire and Red Cross is assisting. There were no injuries to civilian or fire and rescue personnel.
MCFRS would like to remind all residents that smoke alarms save lives! Check yours today and make sure you have a home escape plan in case of fire.
Passover is fast approaching! The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service would like to share some important fire safety tips with you. There are many things families can do to reduce the chance of a fire starting in their homes. Please make sure your smoke alarms are working and that you have practiced a home escape plan. Remember, the very best safety plan is prevention.
At approximately 7 pm on Wednesday, February 24, MCFRS crews were dispatched to the 2400 block of Briggs Road for a report of a basement wall collapse with a person trapped. The MCFRS Technical Rescue Team was sent as well.
Upon arrival, rescue crews found an 86 year old male occupant of the home who was trapped by rubble from a basement wall that had collapsed at the height of the dangerous storm sweeping through the area. The resident had gone to the basement of the home to check on the sump pump and while doing so the wall gave way and collapsed on him.
Crews quickly stabilized the scene and extricated the patient who was then evaluated and transported to a local hospital with serious, non-life threatening lower body injuries.
Building inspectors were called and determined that the house was unsafe to occupy. Red Cross also responded to scene and is assisting the two occupants of the home.
