Updated to include additional information, including cause of fire and amount in damage.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded Sunday evening to a commercial building on St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda after reports of smoke coming from the garage area attached to Colonial Opticians and Beth’s Café.
According to MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringher, firefighters located a small fire in an office area and quickly extinguished it, with little to no extension beyond the immediate space. Moderate smoke was present, but no injuries were reported, and crews ventilated the building before clearing the scene.
MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer provided an update Monday morning, confirming that the fire at 4942 St. Elmo Avenue, home to Colonial Opticians, was dispatched around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. The cause has been ruled electrical in nature, originating in a lab area and linked to a power strip overload or malfunction.
The total damage is estimated at $500,000, including $300,000 to the structure and $200,000 in contents. Roughly 50 firefighters responded to the incident. No injuries were reported.
Update – 4942 St Elmo Ave, Colonial Opticians, n/t Cafe near Old Georgetown Rd, commercial building, small fire in office area, fire out, little or no extension, moderate smoke, no injuries https://t.co/2JAUccZUdz pic.twitter.com/AsoQPEe83W
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 1, 2025
