Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire at a commercial auto body shop at approximately 7:30pm on the 11300blk of Fern St., near University Blvd. West in Wheaton. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, fighters arrived to heavy fire conditions which included the contents of the building and several vehicles.
By 8:30pm, Piringer tweeted that the bill of the fire had been knocked down, but that numerous hotspots remained. The fire involved the auto body shop and several vehicles. Surrounding roads remained closed for several hours. The fire originated at wire rack shelving, but the cause is still under investigation. Damage is estimated to be approximately $1 million, and no injuries were reported.
Update (initial dispatch time 730p) 11308 Fern St near Univ Blvd W, Wheaton, commercial building, heavy smoke/fire upon arrival, ~70 @mcfrs FFs on scene, lots of firefighting activity, bulk of fire, knocked down, numerous hotspots remain,involved, autobody shop & several vehicles https://t.co/hLpwcp2p6B pic.twitter.com/TBZzo2LLIZ
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 27, 2023