Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a second-alarm townhouse fire in the 6600 block of Hillandale Road in Chevy Chase on Sunday evening that displaced multiple residents and caused significant damage.
According to MCFRS spokesperson David Pazos, crews were dispatched at approximately 6:42 pm and arrived to find fire in the attic of a middle-of-the-row townhouse, with flames visible from the roof. Smoke alarms alerted occupants, allowing everyone inside to safely escape before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters searched the home and located and rescued a cat. Two buses and the Red Cross were requested to assist displaced residents while crews extinguished the fire and addressed hot spots in the attic area.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental. The origin was a blockage or failure of chimney piping, which ignited wooden rafters and ceiling joists in the attic while a fireplace was in use. Damage is estimated at approximately $750,000. A total of seven adults, two children, and two pets were displaced as a result of the fire.
Update~6600blk Hillandale Rd/Chevy Chase~@642pm @mcfrs arrive and had fire in attic of a possible multi family residence. 2nd alarm. No injuries reported. 1 cat reunited with owner. 2 buses and Red Cross to assist residents. @mcfrsPIO pic.twitter.com/X5XT1MXQnV
— Pazos@mcfrsPIO (@DavidPazos15) January 26, 2026
