Fireplace Ashes Cause $700K Rockville House Fire: Authorities

ROCKVILLE, MD — Authorities say the improper disposal of fireplace ashes caused a Rockville house fire that did more than $700,000 damage to the home. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Pete Piringer said Wednesday's fire is the fourth caused by hot ash fire this season.

Two adults were displaced by the blaze, but no injuries were reported from the fire, he said. The damage amount includes more than $150,000 to the home's contents, plus more than $600,000 damage to the house itself. Seventy-five firefighters were called to the scene at 1701 Pasture Brook Way.

The fire reportedly began in the home's attached garage, Piringer said, and the residents attempted to put it out, delaying the call to 911. A neighbor called to report the fire about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Fire crews will visit the neighborhood Wednesday evening to talk with residents about fire safety.

The fire department reminds resident to treat all ashes and coals as hot ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally.

Take extreme care when disposing ashes and follow these tips:

• Allow all ashes to cool in place for several days, if possible.
• When it’s time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight fitting metal lid.
• Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials.
• Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes. Don’t dispose of ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot, and igniting nearby combustibles.

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