Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire on Prairie Rose Ln., off Muddy Branch Rd in Gaithersburg on Monday, April 3. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated in a basement workshop area of the three-story townhouse and was likely caused by lithium batteries. Smoke alarms alerted residents of the fire, who then attempted to fight the fire themselves before notifying MCFRS. All human occupants made it out of the home safely and two adults have been displaced. Firefighters located two cats, one of which was successfully resuscitated, and one that did not survive. Approximately 60 firefighters responded to the scene. Damage is estimated to be ~$100K.
Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update (230p 4/3) Prairie Rose La, Gburg, Origin/Cause, basement workshop area, plastic storage bin, likely involved lithium batteries; Damage >$100K; smoke alarm alerted residents, delay notifying FF (tried to fight fire) FFs rescued 2 cats, 1 died; 2 adults displaced”
Update (230p 4/3) Prairie Rose La, Gburg, Origin/Cause, basement workshop area, plastic storage bin, likely involved lithium batteries; Damage >$100K; smoke alarm alerted residents, delay notifying FF (tried to fight fire) FFs rescued 2 cats, 1 died; 2 adults displaced https://t.co/NsuR4tsWF8 pic.twitter.com/muFfjnrdQQ
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 4, 2023