Week-Long Fire On Potomac River Island Is Contained: MCFRS

POTOMAC, MD — A brush fire that has been burning since last week on a small, uninhabited island on the Potomac River has been contained, according to Montgomery County fire officials.

Firefighters responded to Hermit Island on Friday, Sept. 20. The blaze was likely started by an unattended campfire, dry conditions, and the Potomac River's low water levels, said spokesman Pete Piringer.

Hermit Island is located on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Crews used a "floating," portable pump and hundreds of feet of forestry hose to put out the fire, Piringer said.

Piringer posted a video of a smoky Hermit Island on Twitter, which is embedded below.

ICYMI - Hermit Island fire likely started by unattended campfire not fully extinguished (on or about 9/20), dry conditions, Potomac River water levels low, as well, @mcfrs Crews used a ‘floating’ portable pump & hundreds of feet of forestry hose & other equipment to contain fire https://t.co/UhRSWGRsL9
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 26, 2019