Update: One small pet dog that had been missing following the Bethesda house fire was located but did not survive. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) fire investigators identified two possible ignition sources in the area where the fire originated: an electric scooter and a tennis ball server. Both devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries and were plugged in at the time of the fire. Investigators have not determined which device caused the fire.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 5900 block of Sonoma Road in the Oakmont area of Bethesda for a fire at a three-level single-family home.
First-arriving firefighters and police officers encountered significant fire conditions on the first floor, with flames rapidly spreading to the second floor and attic. Approximately 75 firefighters responded and brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes.
The home was unoccupied when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported. One family dog remained missing and unaccounted for. Officials described the damage as significant.
Update – 5900blk Sonoma Rd,@MontgomeryCoMD Oakmont/Bethesda, it took @mcfrs FFs about 20 minutes to bring fire under control, house was unoccupied at the time of fire, however one dog (family pet) is unaccounted for, damage is significant, ~75 FFs responded https://t.co/uPT3ieALYk pic.twitter.com/sTFfLY1xL1
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 14, 2026
