Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the area of the 300blk of University Blvd E, near E Franklin Av, for smoke near Eastern Middle School. Once there, it was realized the smoke was coming from the school building that was home to Joann Leleck Elementary School at 710 Beacon Rd. in Silver Spring.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, approximately 75 firefighters responded to the fire. The school building, which is not currently in use, was under construction. As of 10:36pm, the 2-alarm fire involved “active firefighting.”
12:00am update: Firefighters remain on scene with the bulk of the fire contained. Firefighters are still engaged in active firefighting operations and the fire seems to be burning in concealed & void spaces. The school building was under construction and scheduled for demolition. The area is fenced off.
8:00am update: MCFRS remain on scene and the fire is being contained. There are no injuries, and firefighters will likely be working with demolition crews as day goes forward.
8:30am update by County Executive Marc Elrich: Update: “The fire at the old JoAnn Leleck Elementary School in Silver Spring is now contained. No injuries have been reported, & the building was scheduled for demolition. Thnx to @mcfrs for working tirelessly through the night. Investigation will begin once the fire is fully out.”
