Barbershop Fire Causes $300K Of Damage, Affects Nearby Businesses

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A two-alarm fire tore through a Gaithersburg barbershop Tuesday morning and caused approximately $300,000 in damage to neighboring businesses, according to Montgomery County fire officials.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. However, investigators believe an electrical issue with a power strip most likely started the fire at Platinum Barbershop.

The fire was reported at 284 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaitherstowne Plaza around 5:10 a.m.

Update - 2nd Alarm, N Frederick Av, Gburg, Fire under control, contained to building of origin, building & health inspector notified, no injury, >75 FF on scene pic.twitter.com/g98q4TmVQS
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 14, 2019

Officials say the fire was mainly contained to the barbershop, but caused water and smoke damage to several nearby businesses — including Deshi Bazar and Signature Salon. No one was injured in the blaze.

At the time, there were animals inside an adjacent veterinary hospital. According to Pete Piringer, spokesman for the county's fire department, all the animals are fine.

Update - Gaitherstowne Plaza SC, N Frederick Av, Gburg, 2nd Alarm, Platinum Barbershop, significant damage at barbershop & water/smoke damage at Deshi Bazar, Signature Salon!& Animal (animals ok, dogs & cats sheltered in place) pic.twitter.com/6HO7uLixLJ
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 14, 2019