$300K Damage, One Injured in Townhouse Fire

Updated at 12:45 p.m.

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — A resident was injured in a Montgomery Village townhouse fire Thursday morning, say fire officials.

The fire in a three-level townhome at 9936 Brookridge Court was in the middle of a row of residences, says Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Pete Piringer.

Investigators believe the fire began in a couch on the first floor in the living room. While smoke alarms sounded, fire officials say the townhouse was unoccupied at the time of fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames on the first floor, and smoke on the second level. Neighbors in nearby units were evacuated.

One resident is being helped with housing by the Red Cross.

Damage is estimated at more than $300,000.

Piringer said 75 firefighters responded to the blaze.

EMTs took the injured resident to the hospital with injuries that were not believed to be serious.

»Photos courtesy of Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services