GAITHERSBURG, Md. — On Tuesday morning, firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at an apartment building in Montgomery County. The blaze broke out around 10 a.m. at the Potomac Oaks condominium complex located at 764 Quince Orchard Boulevard.
Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the structure. A second alarm was quickly issued to bring in additional resources. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on the third floor, working swiftly to control the flames and ensure all residents were safely evacuated.
The entire building was cleared, and no civilian injuries were reported. However, two firefighters were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The specific nature of their injuries was not disclosed.
Roughly 100 firefighters were involved in the operation. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer, the fire was eventually brought under control. The blaze displaced six families and caused an estimated $1 million in property damage.
Crews also had to contend with sweltering conditions, as temperatures climbed to 90 degrees during the firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it began when a top-floor resident, who was smoking in bed, accidentally started the blaze. The individual reportedly thought the fire was out, but hours later, a neighbor noticed smoke and called emergency services.
“We suspect the fire may have smoldered for a couple of hours before igniting fully,” said Piringer.
