Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to a house fire Tuesday evening in the Darnestown area, with smoke visible and fire extending from the basement to the upper levels of the home.
According to MCFRS assistant chief David Pazos, units were dispatched around 8:03 pm to the 12800 block of Tern Drive after a fire was reported in a second-floor bathroom. Upon arrival, crews found smoke showing from the front door and identified a possible fire in the basement. All occupants were able to get out of the home safely, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters located the main fire in a basement utility closet, with extension traveling through pipe chases up to a second-floor bathroom. Crews conducted searches of the home, worked to contain the fire extension, and carried out extinguishment operations. A Rapid Intervention Dispatch was also activated as part of the response.
Utility companies were contacted as a precaution, and displaced occupants were kept warm while crews continued operating on scene. MCFRS officials confirmed that the residents escaped the home and were the ones who called 911.
Fire officials urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently. Nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes. MCFRS also reminded residents of the importance of having a home escape plan and regularly checking smoke alarms.
