Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded Wednesday morning to a house fire on Starlight Court in the Horizon Hill area of Rockville, near Falls Mead Way.
The initial dispatch came in around 6:50 a.m. after barking dogs and a smoke alarm alerted the occupants. Two adults and two dogs escaped safely without injury, though a cat remains unaccounted for.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions at a single-family home. The fire originated in the basement, with the cause determined to be accidental and located in the area of an electric panel, though the exact source remains inconclusive. The flames spread vertically to the home’s exterior before being brought under control. Approximately 65 firefighters responded, and total damages are estimated at $1 million.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Update – Starlight Ct, Horizon Hill/Rockville, initial dispatch ~6:50am; dogs barking & smoke alarm alerted occupants; 2adults/2dogs got out uninjured (cat missing); Origin/Cause, basement, (inconclusive), accidental IAO electric panel, spread to exterior vertically; Damage $1M https://t.co/ZDAliukTyS pic.twitter.com/Qf0HzGpwZd
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) October 15, 2025
