8:45am Update: The fire has been extinguished and is under control. MCFRS remains on the scene with hotspots and smoldering debris. The cause of the fire is under investigation (likely accidental), and there is significant structural damage). Additional photos below.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a second alarm fire at a strip mall on Lofstrand Ln, between Taft St. and Southlawn Ln. in Rockville on Thursday morning.
According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, approximately 95 firefighters are on the scene and about 50% of the fire was knocked out by 6:15am. The fire is described as “significant” and was through the roof of the strip mall (laundry mat, auto body shop) upon MCFRS arrival. The fire at the commercial building also involves some parked vehicles.
Montgomery County Police issued the following traffic alert at 5:46am: “Fire Rescue is on the scene of a building fire. Lofstrand Ln is shut down from Taft St to Southlawn Ln. Drivers should expect delays and seek an alternate route.” There are no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation (likely accidental).
2nd Alarm – Lofstrand Lane, strip mall, commercial building (laundry mat, auto body ) also involves some parked vehicles, @mcfrs PE740, PE728, PAT708, M723, CT733, MAU733, PE718, PE726, AT718, CT708, SA700, EMS703 & others responded
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) November 2, 2023