$1 Million Damage, 2 Hurt in Apartment Fire

BETHESDA, MD — A fire at a Bethesda apartment building early Sunday displaced several residents and caused an estimated $1 million in damage and losses.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services crews were called to the blaze just after 3 a.m. Sunday at 5114 Dudley Lane. A guest at the Pooks Hill Marriott across the street called 911 to report the fire, which was first visible on the outside of the four-story apartment building.

Firefighters saw flames coming from a dryer vent exhaust. Crews found considerable fire in the duct work in walls, ceiling and floors and concealed areas on the second and third floors in between several apartments.

Nearly 150 firefighters eventually were called to the scene.

Smoke alarms sounded and residents safely evacuated with no resident injuries reported. Fire officials say sprinklers activated and protected several living spaces in the building.

Fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was likely caused by a blocked dryer vent overheating, which caused combustible materials to ignite.

The Red Cross helped several families displaced by the fire. Three occupied apartments, one model unit and the leasing office are unsafe for use at this time.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. Damage estimates were $600,000 to the structure and $400,000 to the contents.

»Photos of apartment fire courtesy of Montgomery County Fire blog