Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a house fire on Hiawatha Ln. in Derwood on Thursday morning, April 13. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the origin/cause was initially believed to be an e-scooter that was charging in the basement that ignited nearby combustibles, however, “MCFRS indicate ‘discarded smoking materials’ cannot be ruled out, thus undetermined, nonetheless the cause is accidental in nature.” Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene and damage is estimated to be ~$650K.
There were no injuries reported and a total of 12 people have been displaced, include two adults and five children from the townhouse the fire originated, and five adults from a townhouse next door. Crabbs Branch Way was closed between Indianola Dr. and Redland Rd. on Thursdat morning for an extended period as the result of the fire rescue activity.
Update – Hiawatha La, Derwood, Origin/Cause, ‘charging’ e-scooter in basement ignited combustibles nearby; occupants alerted by smoke alarm; Total Damage, ~$650K; Displaced, total 12, incl 2 adults/5 kids (TH of origin) & TH next door 5 adults; no injuries; ~65 FFs responded https://t.co/5tLtL4LLme pic.twitter.com/dJKhlciD8P
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 13, 2023
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