Members of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service’s A-Shift from the Burtonsville and Hillandale stations have been recognized with a Fire Chief’s Unit Citation for their lifesaving actions during a January 1, 2026 apartment fire in Prince George’s County.
According to the citation, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in Beltsville where multiple occupants were trapped on balconies as flames vented from a top-floor unit. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered zero visibility and intense heat while advancing to the third floor to attack the fire.
As conditions worsened, crews split responsibilities between fire suppression and rescue operations. Firefighters identified multiple victims trapped by heavy smoke, including adults and an infant on upper-level balconies. Using ladders and interior access points, crews successfully rescued all occupants, at times re-entering the building to ensure no one was left behind.
Additional units assisted with both exterior ladder rescues and interior operations, ultimately helping bring eight civilians to safety while containing the fire.
Fire officials said the coordinated and aggressive actions of the crews prevented further injuries and potential loss of life. The citation recognizes the firefighters’ decisiveness under pressure and highlights their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to protecting the community.
