Neighbor Alerts Occupants of Burning Gaithersburg Townhouse

Neighbor Alerts Occupants of Burning Gaithersburg Townhouse

Featured Photo Courtesy of MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer

Around 11:30PM Saturday night, firefighters responded to a townhouse fire in the 10,100 block of Sterling Terrace, off of Diamondback Drive near Great Seneca Highway.

First arriving firefighters found heavy fire from the lowest (garage) level of a three story townhome. Before firefighters arrived, one neighbor had entered the burning townhome, assisting two adults and 18-month-old twins to safety.

Firefighters faced heavy fire conditions in the lower (garage) level of the origin townhome, as well as some fire spread to the attached neighboring townhomes. Almost 90 firefighters responded to the scene Saturday night and into early Sunday morning. Firefighters were also challenged by subfreezing temperatures creating icy conditions at the scene and on surrounding streets.

A Ride On bus also responded to the scene to serve as a warming station for three families who were displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross also responded to assist them.

No injuries were reported, thanks in large part to the quick actions of neighbors. The fire was estimated to have caused around $2.2 million in damage, according to Montgomery County Fire/Rescue Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer. A definitive cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Sunday afternoon.