Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the Birchwood Apartments in the 600 block of Houston Avenue in Takoma Park on Thursday for a fire determined to be accidental.
Investigators say the fire started when an occupant sitting on a bed was smoking while removing nail polish, causing the bottle or fumes to ignite. When firefighters arrived on scene, they encountered heavy smoke conditions and immediately began fire attack, search efforts, and assisting residents inside the building.
Officials reported an estimated $90,000 in damage and noted there was a delay in calling 911 as the occupant initially attempted to extinguish the fire. Seven people were displaced, and no injuries were reported.
