A late-night apartment fire in Gaithersburg prompted a massive emergency response, multiple rescues, and displaced several residents.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to a 2nd alarm building fire on Mahogany Drive, where firefighters encountered heavy fire on the third and fourth floors of a four-story apartment building. Approximately 85 firefighters responded to the scene as crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighters rescued one adult and a dog from a third-floor apartment, while occupants on the second and fourth floors were able to self-evacuate. Other residents were assisted out of the building by crews.
One adult male was transported to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries (Priority 2). Another adult female was treated on scene and declined transport. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Officials say the fire caused an estimated $2 million in damage. While flames were intense upon arrival, the damage was largely contained to the exterior of the building and attic space. At least eight apartment units have been deemed unsafe to occupy, displacing residents, with earlier estimates indicating that up to 16 units may have been impacted.
MCFRS chief spokesperson Pete Piringer shared that the investigation revealed “a multitude of cigarette butts placed in plastic containers on balcony.” Fire officials are reminding residents that improperly discarded smoking materials remain a leading cause of residential fires. They urge smokers to never discard cigarettes in planters, mulch, or from balconies, to use deep, sturdy ashtrays, and to fully extinguish materials before disposal.
