Automatic Fire Sprinklers Save Again!

Rockville, MD July 11, 2009 - Early this morning at approximately 1:30 AM, units from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched for a fire in the Shoppers Food Warehouse at 18140 Village Center Drive.

Workers in the store reported seeing and smelling smoke and upon discovering the fire, they promptly exited the building to safety. The automatic fire sprinkler system operated to control the fire and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units completed the extinguishment.

Chief Fire Marshal Mike Love noted, “This is the second time in less than a week where we have seen evidence showing the value of automatic fire sprinklers in their value to save lives and property. No home or business should be without automatic fire sprinklers.”

Fire Investigators determined that the fire started in a fluorescent light ballast attached to the refrigeration unit (see photo). The store is allowed to reopen although approximately half of it will be closed for a short time. Total damage estimates are still pending.

Illegal Fireworks Display Injures 20 Month Old Child

First Reported Firework Related Injury In 5 Years

On July 4, 2009 at approximately 11 PM, a 20 month old female was brought to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (SGAH) by her parents with burns on her back. SGAH staff contacted the on-duty Fire Investigators who responded to the hospital.

Upon questioning the child’s parents, it was learned that she was burned by fireworks that had inadvertently flown into her stroller during an illegal display at a private residence. Fire Investigators were able to locate and interview the resident where the illegal fireworks display had occurred. The resident confirmed that a fireworks package, that shot multiple flame balls, tipped over and shot burning material into the bystanders and injured the child. The child received second degree burns to 4%, and third degree burns to 1% of her body. She was treated at SGAH and was released shortly thereafter.

This is the first reported firework related injury in the county in roughly five years. Charges are pending against the defendant.

Please remember that ALL Fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County throughout the year.

Fire Sprinklers Avert Tragedy At Nursing Home

Rockville, MD, July 8, 2009 - Yesterday morning at approximately 2:30 AM, units from Burtonsville Fire Station 15 were dispatched for an automatic fire alarm at the Arden Court Nursing Home (2500 Block of Musgrove Road). Engine 715 arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke conditions in the building and located an extinguished fire in a resident’s room.

A single automatic fire sprinkler operated to extinguish the fire. The elderly resident was removed from the room by the time the Fire Department arrived and he was transported to the hospital as a precaution for possible smoke inhalation. A picture of his room is on the right.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the action of the automatic sprinkler system averted a major a tragedy this morning,” stated Division Chief Mike Love, Chief Fire Marshal for Montgomery County.

The fire originated at a wire connection within a wall mounted A/C, heat pump unit and extended up the wall and burned a portion of the blinds at the window before the sprinkler activated. The Origin/Cause has been determined as Accidental – Electrical and damage is estimated at $5,000 Structure and $1,000 Contents.

Chief Love also said, “If this had been a non-sprinkled building, damage estimates could have easily been ten times what they were. The fact of the matter is fire sprinklers save lives and reduce property loss.”

County residents, who want to learn about residential fire sprinklers for their own home and how they can reduce their property tax bill by 50%, can go here for more information: Automatic Fire Sprinklers

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season! Fire Chief Richard Bowers of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help: GO HERE

ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Arson Tipline: 240-777-2263 to report illegal use of fireworks in Montgomery County

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.

Leave Fireworks To The Professionals! Protect The Ones You Love!

Questions you may have about fireworks.