Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews responded to a working fire at a high-rise apartment building in Takoma Park on Thursday, prompting a large emergency response and urgent life-safety operations.
According to MCFRS, the fire was reported on the second floor of the Birchwood Apartments, located in the 600 block of Houston Avenue. When firefighters arrived on scene, they encountered heavy smoke conditions and immediately began fire attack, search efforts, and assisting residents inside the building.
Early reports from first-arriving units indicated that multiple occupants were in distress, leading to a rapid escalation of resources as crews worked to locate and aid those inside. Firefighters remained on scene working to extinguish the fire, evacuate residents, and ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Battalion 701 assumed command of the incident.
Officials also used the incident as a reminder of the importance of high-rise fire safety. Residents are encouraged to know at least two ways out of their building, avoid jumping from windows, and shelter in place if escape is not possible. Closing doors to keep smoke out and calling 911 to report your location can be critical in an emergency, along with ensuring smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained.
No additional information has been released at this time.
