Off-Duty Cop Rescues Couple From Burning Montgomery County Home

SILVER SPRING, MD — A couple was saved from a burning home Tuesday morning, thanks to the quick actions of an off-duty police sergeant and a Montgomery County fire lieutenant.

The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at a Stanley Lane residence in the Colesville area. Officials say that police Sgt. Scott Brooks was driving through the neighborhood when he spotted smoke.

When he turned onto Stanley Lane to investigate, Brooks said he saw the burning home, but no firefighters.

"I tried the front door knob and it was locked, and I kicked the front door in, and actually knocked back the female elderly lady who was in the house," Brooks told reporters.

"I dragged her out and then she said her husband was inside. I didn't see or hear him," Brooks said. "I got down on the ground and I could see his legs in the middle of the living room area. I went in and out of the house a few times and was finally able to get him outside."

MORE - @mcfrs Units arrived on the scene & encountered heavy fire & smoke as off duty (on way to work) MCFRS Fire Lieutenant Wes Owens (FS716) & MCPD Patrol Sergeant Scott Brooks (3D) removed 2 occupants from the residence, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluated & no injuries https://t.co/Swo3NMUQ8l
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 16, 2019

Another first responder — Montgomery County fire Lt. Wesley Owens — also saw the massive house fire. He was on his way to work at the time.

Owens told FOX 5 DC that he pulled over, called 9-1-1, and spotted Brooks trying to rescue the residents.

"He legitimately put his life on the line," Owens told the news outlet. "He did an amazing job."

Both husband and wife managed to get out safely. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer said they did not suffer any serious injuries. Their house, on the other hand, was destroyed.

About 75 firefighters responded to the scene and put out the fire. Piringer estimates the fire damage to be around $400,000.

Authorities believe the fire was accidental and originated in the enclosed porch area.