MCFRS Archives - Page 169 of 178

Update: Driver of Vehicle That Crashed Into Gaithersburg Townhomes Has Died

Published August 30, 2022 at 9:27AM | Updated August 30, 2022 at 3:12PM

Victor Cascella, 62, of Gaithersburg has died from injuries sustained after crashing his car into two Gaithersburg townhomes on August 29. According to Montgomery County Police, “the investigation by detectives has revealed that the driver of a 2016 white BMW was traveling southbound on Orchard Ridge Dr. when, for reasons unknown at this time, crossed over the center median, left the roadway and crashed into the townhome residences of 432 and 434 Orchard Ridge Dr. The BMW and building engulfed in flames damaging both residences as well as 430 and 428 Orchard Ridge Dr.” Investigators believe the man was suffering from a medical emergency at the time of the crash.

According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services Pete Piringer, Fire/Explosive Investigators believe that the fire began in the vehicle’s engine compartment before spreading to house. The inhabitants of the homes were temporarily trapped upstairs, but rescue units were able to get them out with ladders. Six adults have been displaced and damages are estimated to be $400,000.

Vehicle Driven Into Home Causes Fire in Gaithersburg; Multiple People Rescued

By MCS Staff

Published August 29, 2022 at 4:01PM

A vehicle was driven into a house on the 400 block of Orchard Ridge Drive near Twin Lakes Drive in Gaithersburg, a little before 3pm on Monday afternoon, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) spokesperson, Pete Piringer.

A neighbor has told us that a vehicle crossed the median and crashed into townhouse-style condo, which started a fire in the car that extended to the house. The witness tells us that the driver has been transported to hospital, but that they are currently unsure on condition or cause of crash. There were no other passengers. The inhabitants of the home were temporarily trapped in upstairs, but Rescue units were able to get them out with ladders.

MCFRS Respond to Fire at Germantown Home

By MCS Staff

Published August 28, 2022 at 3:29PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a fire that was visible from the rear of a home on the 1200 block of Quail Woods Drive in Germantown a little before 3pm on Sunday afternoon, according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire on the deck of a middle-of-the-row townhouse and were able to quickly extinguish it with little to no extension to the home. No injuries were reported and the only damage incurred seems to be to the deck and a few items on it. Additional photos below, courtesy of Battalion Chief Jason Blake.

12000 blk of Quail Woods Dr, (Germantown) reported middle of the row townhouse on fire, MCFRS crews found the back deck on fire and quickly extinguished it. No injuries reported. @mcfrsPIO @MCFRSNews pic.twitter.com/syQnk7XAtb

Update: Electrical Fire at Apartment Complex Causes $800,000 in Damages and Leaves Dozens of Residents Displaced

By Patrick Herron

Published August 26, 2022 at 10:45AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a 2-alarm fire at the Grosvenor House Apartments located at 10101 Grosvenor Pl. around 12:30pm on Thursday, August 25. The building was evacuated and the fire was controlled by the building’s sprinkler system. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, there was an electrical fire inside of the utility closets on the 9th and 10th floor of the building which caused heavy smoke conditions on the upper levels of the 18-story building. The fire originated in an “electric busway where two sections of busway join and was most likely caused by a significant arc which blew through metal housing of busway.”

Floors 8,9 & 10 of the north wing are uninhabitable and residents from around 30 apartments have been displaced. Around 85 firefighter responded to the scene and there no injuries reported. Damages are estimated be $800K, which includes $750K in structure and $50K contents.

Bicyclist Fatally Struck on River Road

By MCS Staff

Published August 25, 2022 at 4:59PM | Updated August 25, 2022 at 6:24PM

6:18pm Update: At 4:05 p.m., officers responded to the 5200 block of River Road for a cyclist struck. Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded and the adult female was pronounced dead on scene.

The female cyclist was hit by a flatbed truck.  The driver of the truck has been located and is on scene. River Road between Ridgefield Road and Little Falls Parkway is closed during the investigation. One lane is open in each direction.

MCFRS Respond to Fire at Shisha Lounge in Germantown

By MCS Staff

Published August 24, 2022 at 11:38AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fire at the Shisha Lounge (13063 Wisteria Dr.) in Germantown on Tuesday night around 8:45pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, Fire Investigators determined that the fire originated in an employee area of lounge where smoking devices and tobacco is cleaned/changed out. A probable cause of the fire is improperly discarded smoking materials.

No injuries were reported and the fire was not large enough to activate sprinkler. Damages are estimated to be around $85K. The business is currently listed as “temporarily closed” on Google and we will post and update when more information becomes available.

Five Transported to Hospital After Multi-Vehicle Crash Monday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published August 22, 2022 at 10:30AM

At approximately 3am on Monday morning, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on the 600 block of University Boulevard near Glenville Road and Langley Drive, in the area of Piney Branch Road.

MCFRS evaluated five patients and transported them to the hospital, including four trauma patients. All five injuries were non-life threatening, according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer. Some lanes were initially blocked with delays extending until 7:25am. All lanes are now open.

Rollover Collision on Randolph Rd Late Saturday Afternoon

By MCS Staff

Published August 13, 2022 at 5:44PM

Just after 4pm on on Saturday, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews were called to the scene of a collision with roll over on Randolph Rd. at Bergman Rd., west of New Hampshire Avenue in Colesville. Several adults being evaluated with non life threatening injuries, according to Battalion Chief Steve Mann.

WTOP traffic reports that Randolph Rd, both ways west of MD-650/New Hampshire Ave, is affected by the crash. Follow police direction at the rollover crash until it is clear, which should be soon.

12-Year-Old Escapes Fire Uninjured Wednesday Afternoon; House Deemed Complete Loss

By MCS Staff

Published July 27, 2022 at 2:30PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at a home on the 16000 block of Edward’s Ferry Rd in Poolesville early Wednesday afternoon. Crews arrived to find a fully involved house fire, according to Lt. Franco Martinez.

Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Releases Information on Sunday Morning Crash That Required Extrication

By MCS Staff

Published July 26, 2022 at 8:13PM

On Tuesday morning the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department released photos of a crash that occurred on University Blvd and Lexington Street at approximately 3:45am on Sunday morning, July 24th. According to the Kensington VFD, Engine 705 and Ambulance 705 were dispatched to the scene of the crash where they worked with units from the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad.

One patient was extricated from the vehicle and transported priority 2 to a local hospital (priority 2 means the patient was stable, but is felt to have a condition that may become unstable or life-threatening if not evaluated and treated rapidly). There is no word on the cause of the crash at this time.

USPS Mail Delivery Truck Destroyed in Fire Thursday Afternoon

By MCS Staff

Published July 22, 2022 at 8:11AM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail delivery truck on fire in the rear of a house on the 14200 block of Seneca Rd in Darnestown at approximately 12:30pm on Thursday afternoon. The fire was quickly extinguished in the 90+ degree heat with a heat index of almost 100 degrees, according to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.

The driver indicated that there was a mechanical issue as smoke and flames started to come from the engine when it was started, eventually combusting. There was no extension to the nearby home, but there was over $30K in damages incurred (vehicle total loss) in addition to a lost load of U.S. Mail. The driver, though not injured, was transported to a hospital due to anxiety from the fire.