A basement fire displaced three adults and a dog in Takoma Park on Dec. 1, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) Chief Public Information Officer Pete Piringer.
Around 5:40 p.m., about 50 firefighters responded to a call from a passerby about a fire on Elm Avenue between Hickory Avenue and Pine Avenue. The firefighters were met with heavy smoke conditions and an exterior fire with extension and electrical wires arcing inside, according to Piringer.
Courtesy @mcfrsPIO
MCFRS evaluated one of the occupants and the dog who smelled smoke, saw flames and left the house. Piringer said no injuries were reported.
Pepco arrived at the scene and controlled the power, while MCRFRS extinguished the fire.
Piringer said an electrical wiring malfunction overheated and ignited combustibles causing the accidental fire in the basement and renovated carport area.
According to Piringer’s X post, the house did not have a working smoke alarm and had lots of storage and clutter. The damages are estimated at $160,000.
Courtesy @mcfrsPIO
More… Elm Av, btwn Hickory Av & Pine Av, Takoma Park, visible fire is out, checking for extension, likely electrical fire in walls/floors, lots of storage & clutter throughout single-family, house, 3 adults & 1 dog displaced, significant damage, no injuries reported pic.twitter.com/EX5Sr6VESi
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 2, 2024
Featured Image Courtesy @mcfrsPIO
