Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded Sunday afternoon to a house fire in the 900 block of Helena Drive in Silver Spring.
According to MCFRS spokesperson David Pazos, the fire was caused by an explosion from a propane grill due to a buildup of gas. The explosion ignited the back porch and quickly extended through the roof of the home. Intense heat from the fire also caused radiant damage to a neighboring home, melting its siding, and spreading to a fence between the properties.
An elderly woman and her dog were able to escape safely and declined medical transport. Firefighters located a cat inside the home that did not survive. Due to extreme heat and fire conditions, a second alarm and task force were requested, with approximately 85 personnel responding to the scene. Total damages are estimated at $580,000. One adult and a dog have been displaced.
ICYMI 900blk Helena Dr., off Tenbrook Dr, Sligo Woods, 2-sty single family house, outside grill (propane tank explosion), back porch w/extension thru roof, cat missing, occupant & dog ok, NOTE: temp on scene near 100°, >85 @mcfrs FFs responded (2-Alarm) pic.twitter.com/OJGSDmN63H
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 22, 2025