Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS) units were called the scene of what was initially thought to be an overturned kayak in the area of the O Deck at Great Falls Park Tavern at approximately 4pm on Thursday afternoon, according to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.

A passerby saw what they believed to be an overturned kayak in the Potomac River and quickly made a good intent call to 911 alerting them of the scene. Swift water rescue boats were deployed for the technical rescue and a U.S. Park Eagle helicopter assisted, eventually finding what turned out to be other debris. The water remained at high levels yesterday with a strong current that brought plenty of debris to the area. Portions of the river remained closed throughout the day due to previous flooding. Several boats and the helicopter remained on the scene to survey the area.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a fire on the roof of the Whitney Apartments on the 7700 block of Wisconsin Avenue near Cheltenham Drive, according to MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer, after smoke was seen coming from the roof of the building at approximately 6pm on Tuesday evening.

Roofers were working on the roof of the 11-story residential building using heat applications and accidentally ignited some insulation located around a fan duct. The workers were able to knock down the fire with fire extinguishers. There was very little extension and the fire was completely out by 7pm. There were no injuries and minimal damage.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call of one person stranded in/on their vehicle Saturday morning at the 1900 block of Brighton Dam Road in Brookeville, according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer.

Rescue units were able to successfully rescue the person who was wet, but uninjured. Brighton Dam Rd remained closed in the area due to rising water. The area where the car got stuck does have a flood warning sign. Piringer also warned of rising water at “Hawlings River & tributaries, Brighton, Brookeville, Sunshine, Laytonsville area(s).” A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service early Saturday morning.


This year’s Fallen Heroes Day ceremony that took place on Friday, May 6th at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens honored over a dozen first responders who died in the line of duty, including Baltimore City Firefighter and paramedic, Kenny Lacayo (video of the ceremony can be seen here). He was a career firefighter who attended Wheaton High School and Montgomery College & is a Life Member Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad released a statement remembering Kenny following his death:


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS) units were called to the scene of a single vehicle collision at approximately 2:30am on Monday morning for a person trapped inside of a Jeep that was left on its side following the collision at the 9700 block of Bellevue Drive off of 355 in Bethesda, according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer.

The driver was extricated by rescue units and transported by to the hospital by EMS with Priority 2 trauma, suffering serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Photos courtesy of Pete Piringer.


Traffic collisions have closed parts of two major roads in Montgomery County this evening, according to Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management.

Two lanes of Veirs Mill Road and all lanes of Meadow Hall Road are closed as a result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and are being warned to expect delays. Three lanes are closed on southbound 270 from Exit 4 (Montrose Rd) to Exit 1 (Democracy Blvd) as a result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and are warned to expect delays.


Two children were struck by drivers in two separate locations in Germantown Friday afternoon, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services PIO Pete Piringer.

The incidents occurred in close proximity (time & geography) on the 12200 block of Eagles Nest Ct. and the 18800 block of Waring Station Rd., near Roberto Clemente Middle School.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Units were called to the 1000 block of Travis Lane of the Montgomery Meadows neighborhood in Gaithersburg after reports of a house fire just before 6pm on Thursday evening, according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer.

Upon arrival units found heavy smoke coming from the 2 story townhouse, from what was initially believed to be a kitchen fire. The visible fire on the first floor was quickly knocked out.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were called to the 2300 block of Grubb Road in Silver Spring at approximately 11:40am for smoke coming from the top floor of the two-level Rock Creek Village condos.

Approximately 85 firefighters were on the scene and the bulk of the the fire was knocked out out by approximately 12:20pm. The fire was out by 12:48pm.


A person of interest has been detained after allegedly setting a small fire during a domestic dispute on the 1200 block of East West Highway in Silver Spring.

According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue PIO Pete Piringer, units were dispatched to the Silverton condominiums in Silver Spring last night after reports of a fire on the fourth floor and the activation of the fire alarm.


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