Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for smoke coming from an abandoned structure on the 700 block of Muddy Branch Rd., near School Dr., at approximately 1:15 on Wednesday afternoon in Gaithersburg.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, crews arrived to find smoke showing along with smoldering debris/trash burning on the second level of the structure that is located on the old “Nike Missile Site.” The fire was quickly extinguished.
The Nike missile launch site is a testament to the Cold War era. “Rockville W-92” was a guided missile base installed to help defend the Nation’s Capital from enemy bombers. Built in 1954, the missile launch site located west of Muddy Branch Road, housed both NIKE Ajax and Hercules missiles. The launch site contains three missile silos and a collection of barracks and out-buildings. The Nike site remained operational until 1974, when rendered obsolete by the refinement of intercontinental ballistic missiles. In the early years of the Cold War, the United States Army set up a battery of Nike missile defense systems around forty major US cities. The typical Nike base consisted of two operational areas: the launch area and the fire control area. The launch area contained the facilities and equipment required to assemble, test and maintain the missiles and associated launch mechanisms.
A plan that would bring 380 multi-family residential units to the site was approved by the City of Gaithersburg last year.
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Free Community Father-Daughter Dance
Fathers and father figures, create unforgettable memories with your daughter at our free community father-daughter dance on June 1st, from 6-8 pm. Hosted outdoors at Olney Baptist Church. This event offers a delightful outdoor experience complete with a DJ spinning tunes, interactive games, a charming photo booth, delicious treats, and exciting raffle prizes. Fathers/father figures and daughters of all ages are warmly welcomed to share in this special evening together. Join us for an evening of joy, laughter, and cherished moments!
In the spirit of giving back to our community, we are partnering with Quest to Feed Montgomery to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We kindly ask each attendee to bring along a non-perishable food item to donate during the event. Every contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way in supporting families facing food insecurity in our area.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
