A Montgomery County family lost their home to a late-night Fourth of July fire after a plastic bag with discarded fireworks ignited, causing more than $1 million in damages, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS).
According to MCFRS spokesperson Pete Piringer, at approximately 10:45 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a scene of heavy fire at the 15100 block of Rosecroft Road next to the Manor Country Club in Rockville.
Piringer said more than 75 firefighters were called to the scene to put out the blaze, and one firefighter was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Personal use of fireworks is illegal in Montgomery County.
More…Rosecroft Rd, residents were home , 1st alerted by an explosion outside & discovered fire, There were several reports of explosions, both before & while units were operating. Fire Investigators found several camping style propane tanks that had obviously exploded IAO origin pic.twitter.com/6ba24ubW8n
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 5, 2023
The family of three and their dog were in their home at the time of the fire and were alerted to the incident after hearing an explosion outside, officials said. All occupants in the home made it out safely with no injuries.
Fire officials identified the cause of the fire to be discarded fireworks in a plastic bag, which then spread to shrubbery outside of the home.
Piringer also said there were several other incidents with fireworks across the Montgomery County area on the Fourth of July, including discharged fireworks in Rockville and Silver Spring and a garage fire in Gaithersburg.
All types of fireworks in Montgomery County are illegal to possess or set off. Violators of the law can receive a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail, according to Montgomery County code.
Several fires @MontgomeryCoMD involved FIREWORKS incl house fire in Rockville/Norbeck & garage fire in Gaithersburg. Various other (outside) fire incidents also involved discharged fireworks in Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg. Otherwise additional fireworks were recovered pic.twitter.com/mbCL78n3vC
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 5, 2023
