Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at a two-story single family home on the 9600 block of Whetstone Drive in Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village at approximately 1am on Sunday morning.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, approximately 75 firefighters responded to the call. Crews encountered heavy fire upon arrival. Three people were rescued/removed from the house, including one person who was trapped and rescued with life-threatening injuries. One firefighter was also transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Piringer also stated that fire investigators believe the home had functioning fire alarms that were heard by at least two of the occupants. The cause of the fire was accidental– “most probable a malfunction (unknown) or failure of lamp or associated cord.” Sadly, three family dogs perished in the fire. Damage estimated at ~$750K with one family displaced.
Update – 9600blk Whetstone Dr, House fire, heavy fire upon arrival, 3 people rescued/removed from house, @MCFRS_EMIHS M708, M731, A708B transporting total 3 patients, 1 of whom was trapped & rescued w/ LT injuries, also 1 injured FF transported by A728 https://t.co/VhJgDpE65v pic.twitter.com/B3AZYWW856
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 9, 2023