Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews responded to a two-alarm townhouse fire Monday evening in the 19500 block of Taverney Drive in Gaithersburg.
The fire was dispatched around 6:16pm, with crews arriving to find heavy fire conditions involving a rear deck with extension into the home and an adjacent townhouse. Due to the volume of fire, the incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm.
All occupants were able to safely evacuate, and no injuries have been reported. According to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer, the fire originated on the ground level exterior under a deck. The cause remains undetermined and is under investigation. The townhouse where the fire started sustained an estimated $400,000 in damage, with additional damage reported to neighboring units.
Earlier updates indicated that three units were impacted, displacing multiple families. Piringer later confirmed that at least three adults, one child, and one dog were displaced from the primary unit, with several neighboring residents also forced from their homes. Two cats are currently missing and are presumed dead as a result of the fire.
This incident marked the third working fire MCFRS responded to that day, as crews worked to extinguish the blaze, address hot spots, and ensure the safety of surrounding homes. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. Residents are asked to continue avoiding the area as crews complete operations and the investigation continues.
