Four adults (originally reported as five by MCFRS) and a family dog were hospitalized following a serious house fire Wednesday evening in Bethesda that investigators say likely started near a Christmas tree.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, crews were dispatched around 5:45 p.m. to a single-family home in the 10300 block of Fleming Avenue, off Grosvenor Lane, for a fire that had spread throughout the first floor. Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene.
Multiple occupants and pets were reported injured. Fire and rescue officials transported five adult patients to area hospitals, including three Priority 1 and two Priority 2 patients, all initially listed as serious. At least one large dog was rescued and resuscitated by firefighters.
By early evening, the fire was brought under control, but officials reported significant damage to the home. Further updates indicated that all five occupants were hospitalized, with at least one suffering life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary information from MCFRS investigators suggests the fire likely originated from an electrical issue involving a power strip located near a Christmas tree in the living room. Residents reportedly heard a “pop” before discovering the fire. Officials noted that the smoke alarm had not yet activated, and the fire spread rapidly after ignition.
In one update, Piringer shared that after the fire was discovered, one occupant attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher, but in the short time it took to do so, the fire intensified and spread quickly. Despite that, all occupants were able to escape the home and call 911, though each suffered some degree of injury.
MCFRS continues to remind residents to use caution with electrical devices, especially during the holidays, and to ensure smoke alarms are working properly throughout the home.
