Nordstrom Rack Store Fire Controlled by Sprinklers

Gaithersburg, MD — Fire sprinklers kicked on inside the Gaithersburg Nordstrom Rack store to control the spread of a trash Dumpster fire, authorities said.

The fire was reported about 8:35 p.m. on Thursday at the store at 15780 Shady Grove Road. Montgomery County firefighters found fire showing from a Dumpster attached to the building.

Firefighters extinguished the dumpster/compactor fire while other units went inside the building to check for fire. Crews entered the rear of the store to find a fire that was being controlled by four fire sprinklers. There was considerable smoke conditions throughout the building, as well, authorities said.

Three truck companies remained at the store for two hours to help with smoke removal from the nearby stores. About 50 firefighters were called to the scene.

All occupants of the store safely evacuated, along with neighboring businesses.

There were no injuries and initial damage was estimated at $5,000. This total is expected to increase after appraisal of inventory and length of store closing, authorities said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

»Photos from Gaithersburg Nordstrom Rack fire, courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services