At approximately 8:50 p.m. on Monday, March 21, MCFRS units were dispatched for a report of a house on fire at 9400 Primrose View Court in Gaithersburg. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions and reported the exterior was 'fully involved' and that the fire had extended into the home's first and second floors. Additional resources were immediately requested.
Firefighters initiated a transitional fire attack by first applying water from the exterior to knock the fire down and then transitioning to an interior attack to bring the fire under control.
Three occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape unharmed. By the time occupants discovered the fire, it had engulfed a portion of the front of the home and rapidly spread when the vinyl siding ignited.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Based on interviews with the occupants of the home, and numerous cigarette butts on the ground in the area the fire began, it was determined that the fire began on the exterior of the home and was accidental in nature caused by improperly discarded smoking material.
Approximately 85 firefighters responded to the scene to fight the fire. A total of five occupants of the home are displaced as a result of the fire. Damages are estimated to be $400,000.00 to the structure and $200,000.00 to the contents of the home.
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.
Montgomery County, MD - - - A man narrowly escaped from a house that
caught fire early Saturday morning and investigators have determined that a
cigarette discarded in a kitchen trash can was the cause
of the fire.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched shortly after 7:30 a.m. to the 13000 block of Payson Street in Rockville for the report of a
house fire. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and investigators
were requested to the scene and have determined that an improperly discarded cigarette
started the fire in the trash can. Investigators have confirmed that there were
no working smoke alarms in the house and have estimated that the fire caused $195,000
in damages.
The resident was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening
injuries and was expected to be released over the weekend.
There are countless statistics and warnings about the health dangers of smoking
however many overlook the very serious hazards of home fires created by
cigarettes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is
the leading cause of residential fire deaths.
The following
tips can help prevent a tragedy from striking you:
· Dispose of smoking materials
properly. Never dump cigarette butts in trash bags or containers without first
thoroughly soaking them in water.
· If you smoke outside, use a
non-combustible container, such as an ash tray or coffee can, and don't discard
smoking material on the ground or in mulch.
· After parties or family gatherings
and before going to bed, always check your furniture if people have been
smoking. Lift the cushions and check in between the sides and backs, and under
furniture.
· Provide plenty of ashtrays for
people to use.
· Never smoke in bed.
· Sleep with your bedroom doors
closed. This simple action can prevent smoke and poisonous gasses from entering
your bedroom and allows time for the smoke alarm to wake you in time to safely evacuate.
· Develop a home escape plan with
your family. Make sure you know two ways out of each room and have a pre-designated
meeting place. It is recommended that you practice your escape plan at least
twice a year.
· Make sure your smoke alarm is in
good working order. Push the test button at least once a month, change the
battery annually and remember that all smoke alarm units should be replaced
every 10 years.
In light of yesterday’s tragic house fire in Potomac that has seriously injured an 85 year old man, I thought it prudent to pass along some pertinent safety tips.
If you smoke or know someone who does, it is well worth your time to review some of the links I have provided below. Smoking related fires can be prevented.
With warm weather upon us, many people are taking an opportunity to enjoy various outdoor activities after a cold and snowy winter. Unfortunately, some of these outdoor activities can lead to serious fires in and around your home if you are not careful. Yesterday, Montgomery County experienced several fires that started outside but next to houses/buildings that placed people and property in danger. In the recent past the County experienced a fire in an Alzheimer care facility that was severely damaged by a fire started outside of the building by a cigarette!
To help people enjoy outdoor activities around your home in a safe manner, the women and men of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue ask that you please take a moment to review the below safety tips from some of our safety partners (listed below). Also take a moment to review the video above from our safety partners at the National Fire Protection Association on grilling safety.
Plants, Mulch, Potted Plants
Clean – Remove all dead plant material from around your home; this includes dead leaves, dry grass and even stacked firewood
Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Mulch as well as all landscaping should be kept well watered to prevent them from becoming fire fuel.
Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers which will make a fire that does start, grow at an even faster rate.
Keep an ashtray in areas where someone might be smoking around potted plants.
If you have dead plants in pots in and around your home, discard them properly by throwing them out in the trash or spreading the soil from the pots in your yard or garden.
Keep your potted plants well watered and maintained.
If you keep potting soil in your garage or on your deck, do not leave it near any combustible material.
Barbeque Grills
In 2003-2006, one-third (33%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 11% started on an exterior wall surface.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Propane grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
Charcoal grills
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Always keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use a UL approved extension cord for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Smoking materials
Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
If you smoke outside, use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table or surface
Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
Check under outdoor furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.
If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach.
