Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire at the Ourisman Volkswagen and Volvo Bodyshop at 5445 Butler Rd in Bethesda on Friday afternoon. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, a hybrid vehicle that was parked in the garage’s work bay area caught fire after workers “likely ignited some combustibles” while performing welding work. The building’s automatic fire sprinkler activation system controlled/contained the fire until firefighters arrived. Damage is estimated to be ~$50K and there were no injuries reported.
Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Butler Rd, commercial auto body shop, vehicle fire inside building/work bay, bulk of fire knocked down, checking for extension, occupants/workers are outside & OK, still have smoke conditions”
Update – Butler Rd, auto body shop, fire/situation under control, no injuries, (hybrid) vehicle fire likely started by welders working, catching nearby combustibles & vehicle on fire, automatic fire sprinkler activation controlled/contained, @mcfrs finished job of extinguishment https://t.co/c4r6uODOeQ pic.twitter.com/2O7q3c0gFy
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) March 10, 2023