Family Escapes Fire; Damage Estimated at $300K

A Derwood house was destroyed by fire early Thursday, say officials, but a smoke alarm alerted all the residents, who got out safely.

No injuries were reported in the blaze that was likely caused by hot ashes from a fireplace left on the home’s porch or deck, according to the Montgomery County Fire Department.

While firefighters rescued one guinea pig, another guinea pig and the family’s fish did not survive.

The fire was reported just after 5 a.m. in a two-story house in the 5900 block of Willow Knoll Drive in Derwood.

About 50 firefighters were called to the scene. One adult and two children were displaced by the fire damage.

The cause of the fire appears to be misplaced fireplace ashes in a combustible container on the back porch or deck. Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire, the department warns.

Damage to the home and its contents is estimated at $300,000 total -- $250,000 damage to the home and $50,000 in lost contents.

Later today, firefighters from Gaithersburg Fire Station No. 28 will go door-to-door in the neighborhood handing out safety tips and offering to check smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

»Photos of Derwood house fire courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services