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Remember Fallen Firefighters

2008 News Archive

One Overturned With One Trapped - December 5, 2008 - At 1253 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to Marinelli Road at Rockville Pike for the single vehicle overturned, with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle with cribbing and struts, followed by a sidewall removal of the drivers side.
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy of Mike Kelly, KVFD
 
One Pinned In Potomac - November 29, 2008 - At 0142 hours Rescue Squad 3 extricated a single occupant pinned in their vehicle in the 12700 block of Piney Meeting House Road.
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One Trapped In Potomac - November 22, 2008 - Ambulance 339, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331 responded to Glen Mill Road at South Glen Road for a multiple vehicle collision with one trapped and multiple people injured. Rescue Squad 3 extricated a single patient from the drivers seat of a sedan, while multiple additional EMS units transport their respective patients.
Twinbrook House Fire - November 18, 2008 - At 0939 hours units responded to the 13200 block of Midway Avenue, Company 23's area, for the house fire. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on scene with fire on the second floor of the single family home.
Click image for larger view. Images by Ed Tenny
North Potomac House Fire - October 31, 2008 - At 1043 hours, Engine 311, Engine 331, Engine 31, Truck 31, Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County units responded to the 13700 block of Travilah Road for the house fire. Units found fire in a one and a half story single family home.
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Fireman Rogozinski Discharged From Hospital - November 07, 2008 - The members of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department are happy to announce that this afternoon, after 36 days, 11 hours, and approximately 40 minutes, Firefighter Joel Rogozinski was discharged from the Washington Hospital Center Burn Center. During Joel’s stay, he went through four surgeries, 11 blood transfusions, and received skin grafts using pig skin, cadaver skin, and his own skin. We are extremely pleased that the doctors are expecting Joel to make a full recovery in about one year. Upon discharge, Joel was transported from Washington Hospital Center to his parent’s home in Potomac on Rescue Squad 703. His first course of action once home was to sit on his couch and enjoy an ice cold Corona.

Joel, his family, and the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department would like to once again thank everyone for their visits, phone calls, well wishes, and meals while he was in the hospital. A very special thanks goes to the members of the Station 3 bunkroom and all the other dedicated members who sat watch by his room for over 1700 straight hours while he recovered.  Lastly, thank you to all the staff at the Washington Hospital Burn Center who’s excellent care for Joel will certainly lead to a fast and full recovery.
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Small Fire In Gaithersburg Offic Park - October 29, 2008 - At 1802 hours, Engine 33, Engine 311, Tower 3, and Rescue Squad 3 responded to the 900 block of Shady Grove Court for the building fire in Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 28's area. Gaithersburg Engine 281 arrived onscene with smoke showing from the roof line of a three story townhouse style office building. Units from Company 3 found fire in a large storage closet. Engine 33 extinguished the fire, while Tower 3 ventilated and Rescue Squad 3 performed a search of the office.
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Update: Rockville Fireman Continues To Recover At Hospital - October 22, 2008 - Firefighter Joel Rogozinski continues to recover from his burns at the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit.  Although Joel has seen significant improvement in his condition and most of his grafts are healing well, there is approximately a 20% area that will need to be re-grafted. As of today, Joel is scheduled to return to the operating room on Thursday, October 23rd for his fourth surgery. The burn center surgeons will debride the skin grafts that did not take, primarily on the back of both legs and the front of his right leg, and then re-graft those areas.  Due to Joel’s upcoming surgery, he has requested no visitors on both Thursday, October 23rd and Friday, October 24th. It is now expected that Joel will remaining in the burn unit until mid-November.
Door Pop On Darnestown Road - October 18, 2008 - At 1043 hours, Medic 319, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Darnestown Road and Traville Gateway Drive for the collision with one trapped.
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Basement Fire In Company 33's Area - October 14, 2008 - At 0907 hours, Engine 331, Engine 31, Tower 3, Tower 23, and Rescue Squad 3 responded to the 1500 block of Blue Meadow Road, Company 33's area, for the house fire. Units found fire in the basement of a two story single family home. The fire was quickly extinguished by Engine 31.
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Update: Firefighter Rogozinski Hospital Room Change - October 14, 2008 - Firefighter Joel Rogozinski's room at the Washington Hospital Center Burn Center has changed to Unit 5E, Room 28.
Update: Rockville Volunteer Firefighter Recovering From Burns - October 10, 2008 - Firefighter Joel Rogozinski is continuing his recovery at the Washington Hospital Center Burn Center. Joel’s spirit remains high and attitude positive. He has enjoyed the many emails, letters, phone calls, and visits. This morning Joel was taken to the operating room for his third surgery at 0900 hours. While in the operating room, the Burn Center surgeon grafted the entire length of both of Joel’s lower legs, utilizing donor sites from both of his thighs. The grafting took just under four hours, however Joel remained in the operating room, and then recovery room, until close to 1700 hours while the Burn Center staff assessed the skin grafts on his arms from Monday and allowed him time to recover. Joel’s surgery was reported to have gone well and the skin grafts on his arms are said to be healing nicely. Joel and his family have asked for NO VISITORS UNTIL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 so he may have time to rest. (Joel remains in Unit 5E, Room 5A)

Although Joel’s surgery did go well, he did experience some blood loss. The Washington Hospital Center is always in need of blood donor volunteers. Please follow the link below if you are interested in donating blood.

Blood Donor Center: http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=965

Please continue to check rvfd.org and your email for additional updates. Thank you.
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Overturned SUV With One Trapped - October 8, 2008 - At 0848 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the collision at Wootton Parkway and Falls Road. Units arrived to find a SUV overturned with one trapped.
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Update: Rockville Volunteer Firefighter Injured In House Fire - October 5, 2008 - Firefighter Joel Rogozinski is continuing to recover at the Washington Hospital Center Burn Unit.  Joel continues to be in good spirits and still maintains his positive attitude.  Friday night around 1900 hours, Joel was moved from the Burn Center ICU to the Burn Center Step Down Unit.  Joel will return to the operating room on Monday to remove his temporary pig skin grafts and begin skin grafts with his own skin. After surgery, Joel will have to remain immobilized for approximately three days. It is expected that following surgery, Joel will remain in the hospital for an additional 10 to 14 days. 

Although, Joel has moved to the Step Down Unit, he will not begin accepting visitors until Wednesday, October 8th. With that being said, please use the following guidelines when visiting Joel at the hospital.

  • Joel is in Unit 5E, Room 5A.
  • Joel has asked that visitation be limited to the hours of 11 am to 7 pm and that each visitor keep their visits no longer then 10 minutes
  • If the door to Joel’s room is closed, please respect his privacy or desire to rest and do not disturb him.
  • Please do not ask Joel “What happened?” If he is up to telling you, he will.
  • Please keep noise to a minimum when in the Burn Unit, others are resting.
  • Please do not congregate in the hallway of the Burn Unit.
  • Joel has also asked for everyone to please refrain from calling him on the hospital phone so he will not be disturbed while resting. He is accepting phone calls on his cell phone only.

Related Links
Rockville Firefighter Seriously Injured In Early Morning House Fire - October 2, 2008 - At 0127 hours Engine 31 was dispatched to a transformer fire in the 200 block of Frederick Ave. Engine 31 arrived on the scene with heavy smoke showing from a 1 1/2 story single family Cape Cod style house. The house fire assignment was filled for box 03-07 bringing Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 38, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. Upon further investigation Company 3 units found a working basement fire with fire extending up the stairwell to the first floor. Engine 31 stretched a handline to the first floor and held the fire at the basement steps. Truck 3 began laddering the building and ventilation, while Rescue Squad 3 conducted a primary search. Engine 231 stretched their handline to the rear of the home, down the exterior stairs, into the basement, and began knocking the fire in the basement.

While performing the primary search operations on the first floor, the floor in Quadrant "D" gave way, sending Firefighter III Joel Rogozinski through the floor and partially into the basement. Firefighter Rogozinski was able to catch himself before falling fully into the basement, however was unable to pull himself up out of the hole in the floor. When Rogozinski had arrived on the scene, he conducted a circle check and noticed a basement window on side "D". When Rogozinski remembered this window, he chose to drop into the basement, then located the window and was able to rescue himself. In the meantime, a mayday had been called by other firefighters on the first floor who witnessed the floor collapse and a firefighter fall through the hole. Actions by crews on the scene mitigated the basement fire prior to the floor collapse, which allowed Rogozinski the opportunity to escape. The area he fell in and the window he climbed out of was heavily involved in fire just a few moments prior to the floor collapse.

During the event, Rogozinski suffered significant burns to his arms and legs. He was transported by Medic 239 to MedSTAR Trauma Center in Washington, DC. Firefighter Rogozinski has now been admitted to the Washington Hospital Burn Center ICU. Until Rogozinski is moved from the ICU to the Burn Center Step Down Unit, no visitors are allowed except immediate family. Once Rogozinski is released to the step down unit, visitors will be allowed. Please check back for updates as they become available. Please call 301.424.0310 with any questions.
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One Pinned Under Vehicle - September 28, 2008 - At 0210 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Norbeck Road at Baltimore Road for the pedestrian pinned under the vehicle. Units found an adult male with his entire body pinned under a sedan. Rescue Squad 3 used cribbing and a floor jack to lift the vehicle off the victim and remove him from underneith it.
Click image for larger view.

Potomac Mansion Fire - September 1, 2008 - At 0123 hours Engine 331, Engine 31, Tower 3, and Resque Squad 3 responded to the 11600 block of Lake Potomac Drive for the house fire. Units found heavy fire showing from one wing of a large mansion. Crews were able to contain the fire to the wing of origon.

 

 
 
House Fire Next To Smoky Glen Farm - August 29, 2008 - While Rockville units were clearing the fatal fire in Rockville Company 33's area, units were dispatched to another house fire, this time in Rockville Company 31's area. At 0808 hours, Engine 311, Engine 33, Truck 31, Tanker 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 16400 block of Riffle Ford Road, Box Area 31-24, for the house fire. Company 31 units arrived on the scene with fire in the basement and first floor of a house on the grounds of Smoky Glen Farm. A task force was added, bring Tower 3 and other MCFRS units to assist.
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Rockville Firefighters Rescue Two From Fire - August 29, 2008 - At 0543 hours, Engine 331, Engine 231, Engine 33, Aerial Tower 23, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 238, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11300 block of Gainsborough Road, Box Area 33-12, for the house fire with people trapped. Engine 331 arrived on the scene with a two story single family home with heavy fire showing. Rescue Squad 3's crew located an unresponsive 78 year old female in a second floor bathroom, while Battailion Chief 3 and Aerial Tower 3 located and removed an unresponsive 48 year old male in the kitchen of the first floor. Both victims were removed and transported by EMS crews to local hospitals. The woman was pronounced dead at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. The man was taken to Medstar Trauma Center in Washington, DC, where he is expecteded to survive. Two Rockville firefighters were also taken to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries.
Click image for larger view. (Right courtesy WUSA9.com)
Fire Showing In Gaithersburg - August 27, 2008 - At 2251 hours, Engine 33, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 7400 block of Bee Bee Drive in, Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 28's area, for the house fire. Engine 281 arrived on the scene with fire showing from a two story split level home.
Collision Traps Two, Kills One, Third Cut Job of Shift - August 21, 2008 - At 2341 hours, while Rescue Squad 3 was responding on a collision on Northbound Interstate 270, another collision was dispatched on Southbound Interstate 270 between Interstate 370 and Shady Grove Road for people trapped. Rescue Squad 3 was rerouted to the Southbound Collision and responded along with Engine 33 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units. Car 24 arrived on scene with a SUV that had been struck from behind with two trapped and one pediatric trauma code. Engine 33 arrived and quickly pulled the trauma code out of the vehicle. Rescue Squad 3 and Germantown Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad 291each took a side of the vehicle and began extricating the additional patients. Rescue Squad 3 removed the rear driver's side door and "B" post. In total four traumas were transported to area trauma centers. Sadly the pediatric trauma code was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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One Pinned On I270, Second Cut Job of Shift - August 21, 2008 - At 1859 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 were dispatched to Southbound Interstate 270 between W. Montgomery Avenue and Montrose Road for the collision with one trapped. Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Medic 309 and Silver Spring Fire Department Truck 1 were in the area and also responded. Medic 309 arrived on the scene with a sedan that rolled over, landing back on all four tires, with the driver pinned by the roof of the car. Truck 1 stabilized the vehicle and assisted Rescue Squad 3 with removing the Roof. Rescue Squad 3 removed the drivers door and the roof of the sedan to free the patient. The patient was transported a a priority 1 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy Wesley Arnold
 
Rush Hour Trap Job, First Cut Job of Shift - August 21, 2008 - At 1732 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 responded to W. Montgomery Avenue and Hurley Ave for the collision. Unit 6 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's sidewall. This was the first of three extrications for Rescue Squad 3 in a seven hour period.
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Fire Destroys Mansion Under Construction - July 30, 2008 - At 2213 Engine 331, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 10800 block of Pleasant Hill Drive, Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Company 30's area, for the house fire. Units arrived on the scene of a large home under construction with fire rapidly spreading from the garage to the rest of the home. With in five minutes of the first engine company's arrival the home was fully involved.
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One Overturned In Twinbrook - July 16, 2008 - At 0841 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Twinbrook Parkway and Pinneberg Avenue for the overturned vehicle. Company 3 arrived on the scene with an SUV on it side. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle using cribbing and struts, and then extricated the occupant.
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One Pinned In Vehicle, Under Power Pole - July 10, 2008 - At 0220 hours, Ambulance 238, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 were dispatched to the 5800 block of Crawford Drive for the collision. While units were enroute, Medic 239 was added to the run for the report of one pinned. Units arrived to find a sedan that struck a parked Hummer, then split a power pole, with live wires and part of the pole suspended over the vehicle. The Saab sedan had a single passenger severely pinned in the front passenger seat. Rescue Squad 3 had to wait approximately 45 minutes for PEPCO to arrive to confirm the wires were not live. Once confirmation was received, Rescue Squad 3 pulled the sedan out from underneath the pole and wires using it's winch, a change of direction off of Engine 231, and tow chains. Once the vehicle was stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 removed the front passenger door, flapped the roof, and rolled the dash. The patient was removed from the vehicle and transported as a priority 1 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Montgomery County Police Officer Trapped In Cruiser - July 1, 2008 - At 0052 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Rockville Pike for a Montgomery County Police Officer trapped in his cruiser. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle, removed the driver's sidewall, and then removed the roof. Once the police officer was extricated, he was transported by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
 
Garrett Park House Fire - June 23, 2008 - At 1141 hours, Engine 231, Aerial Tower 23 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11000 block of Kenilworth Ave, Box Area 05-03, for the house fire. Units arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing from side "D".
One Trapped In front of Shady Grove Metro Lot - June 20,, 2008 - At 1407 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Redland Road and Yellowstone Way for the collision with one trapped. Company 3 units arrived on the scene with a two vehicle T-bone collision with a single occupant trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the passengers door.
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Fire On Roof of Apartment Building - June 6,, 2008 - At 1622 hours, Engine 311, Engine 31, Truck 31, Tower 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to 300 High Gables Drive, Company 31's area, for the apartment building on fire. Company 31 arrived on scene with fire showing from the roof of a four story apartment building.
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Roof Fire At Apartment Under Construction - June 11, 2008 - At 1610 hours, Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 311, Engine 331, Aerial Tower 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue responded to 701 King Farm Boulevard for the apartment fire. Chief 3-7 arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from the roof of a six story apartment building under construction. Crews utilized a flying standpipe of of both Tower 3 and Tower 23 to extinguish the fire.
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Laytonsville House Fire - June 10, 2008 - At 1331 hours, Aerial Tower 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 8500 block of Tindal Springs Drive, Laytonsvill District Volunteer Fire Department Company 17's area, for the house fire. Company 17 units arrived on scene with fire on the deck with extension to the house.
Images courtesy Jeff Westley. Click image for larger view.
High Angle Rescue After Electrocution - June 5, 2008 - At 1210 hours Aerial Tower 23 and units from the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department responded to 12200 block of Dalewood Drive for the individual in a tree, 25 feet of the ground, after being electrocuted by power lines. Complicating the rescue of the victim were live power lines and the size of the tree. Rescue Squad 3 was specialed to assist in the high angle rescue. Once the power to the lines was cut, the victim was placed in a diaper seat harness and lowered to the ground utilizing a dynamic lower with a jigger system and rack.
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One Trapped On Crabbs Branch Way - May 28, 2008 - At 0912 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of Crabbs Branch Way and Standish Place for the collision with one trapped. Company 3 arrived on scene of a two vehicle t-bone collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's sidewall. M39 transported the patient to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Aspen Hill House Fire- May 21, 2008 - At 1600 hours, Engine 231 and Rescue Squad 3 responded with other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units to the 12400 block of Victor Terrace, box area 21-03, for the house fire. Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 211 arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from sides "B" and "C" of a single story, single family home. Crews found fire in the kitchen with extension into the attic.
One Trapped On Interstate 270 - May 21, 2008 - At 0248 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to the Southbound Interstate 270 Spur at Democracy Boulevard for the collision. Units arrived to find a single vehicle rollover with one trapped. Rescue squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the drivers door. Medic 239 transported the patient to Suburban Hospital.
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Potomac House Fire A $4 Million Loss - May 21, 2008 - At 0754 hours, Engine 331, Engine 311, Truck 31, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11500 block of Lake Potomac Drive, Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Company 30's area, for the house fire. Bethesda Fire Department Chief 6, who lives in the area, arrived on scene first with an extremely large three story single family home, with a fully involved 2nd floor, 3rd floor, attic, and roof. The second alarm was added, bringing Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Medic 39, and other MCFRS units. Damage to the 9,000 square foot home is estimated to be approximately $4 million.
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy NBC4.com.
 
Olney House Fire - May 19, 2008 - At 2202 hours, Aerial Tower 3 responded to the 17600 block of MacDuff Road, for the house fire. Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department Company 40 units found heavy fire in an attached garage of a single family home. Aerial Tower 3 threw ladders, vented the roof of the garage, and searched the 2nd floor of the house.
Overturned Van Traps One - May 4, 2008 - At 2311 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to Park Road and S. Stonestreet Avenue for the collision with entrapment. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a single occupant trapped in an overturned van. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the van with cribbing struts and a tieback to a police cruiser. The patient was extricated and transport by Ambulance 38.

Three Rockville Firefighters Injured In Blaze, One Civilian Dies - May 3, 2008 - At 0050 hours, Engine 231, Engine 31, Tower 23, Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 238 and other Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded to the 12800 block of Twinbrook Parkway, Box Area 23-05, for the apartment fire. Units went on scene with heavy fire conditions on the terrace level and second floor, along with people trapped in a garden apartment. Unit 2, former RVFD Fire Chief and now Division Chief Alan Hinde established command and immediately requested a second alarm.

Crews found multiple people trapped on balconies and their apartments. Tower 3 used a 28 foot ladder to rescue an adult female from a second floor balcony, while Rescue Squad 3 rescued an additional three occupants from another second floor balcony. Upon entering the terrace level, Rescue Squad 3 also assisted a family of eight from their apartment.

As Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman Pete Piringer wrote in a press release Saturday morning: Within the first 5-10 minutes of arriving, and during firefighting and initial rescue operations, it is believed that a catastrophic floor collapse occurred sending two of three firefighting crew members from the second floor into the seat of the fire on the terrace level(the area of origin). A ’Mayday’ distress (firefighter down) signal was immediately activated while the two firefighters immediately sought refuge by jumping through a terrace level window, falling approximately 12-15 feet, and landing on the ground below. In doing so they sustained serious injuries. The third firefighter was able to self-rescue through the interior to the outside.
Click image for larger view. Images courtesy Kenny Cox.

Captain R. Dwayne Dutrow, age 38, a 17 year veteran of MCFRS, was flown to the MedStar Burn Unit at Washington Hospital Center. His injuries are serious, but not life threatening. Firefighter James Heikka, age 31, an 8 year veteran of MCFRS was also flown to the MedStar Burn Unit. His injuries were serious, but not life threatening. Firefighters Mark Mechlin, age 23, has been with the MCFRS for about one year. He was transported by a medic unit to the MedStar Burn Unit. His injuries were less serious and he has been treated and released.

At about the same time as the 'Mayday,' Rescue Squad 3 removed a victim from the terrace level apartment that the fire originated from. The victim was located near the front door of his apartment and removed via the interior stairwell, and the through a basement apartment. The victim, a 50 year old man, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.

The members and officers of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department wish all three MCFRS firefighters a speedy recovery. Please check back for additional updates.
Click here for video by Kenny Cox.
Click here for audio
   
Vacant Building Set For Demo Burns In Gaithersburg - April 30, 2008 - At 1555 hrs, Engine 31, Engine 231, Engine 311, Engine 331, Tower 3, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to a three alarm apartment fire in the 300 block of E. Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg. Units arrived on scene to find a vacant garden apartment building, set to be demolished, with heavy fire showing on all three floors and through the roof.
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Laytonsville Garage Fire - April 30, 2008 - At 1703 hours, Engine 31, Truck 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 7200 block of Barcelona Drive for the garage fire in box area 17-04.
Images courtesy Jeff Westley. Click image for larger view.
One Overturned, With One Trapped - April 8, 2008 - At 1532 hours, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 231 responded to Montrose Road at Tildenwood Drive for the collision with one overturned. Battalion Chief 3 arrived on scene with a two vehicle collision with a SUV on it's side, with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 placed struts and tied the SUV back to a telephone pole. Rescue Squad 3's crew then flapped the roof down to free the patient.
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One Pinned In King Farm- April 3, 2008 - At 0534 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to the intersection of King Farm Boulevard and Gaither Road for the collision. Company 3 arrived on scene and found one pinned in the passenger's seat of a minivan.
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Large Paper Recyclable Piles Burn - March 25, 2008 - At 2129 hours, Engine 33, Engine 231, Engine 331, Truck 3, Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Hose Tender 3, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the Georgetown Paper Stock Company in the 1200 block of Gude Drive, Company 3's area, for the paper recycling plant on fire. Company 3 arrived on the scene to find multiple large reams of paper on fire. Crews went heavy duty on the paper reams, utilizing master streams and many large lines. Front end loaders had to be used to break apart the piles of paper. Crews remained on the scene until 0330 the next morning to mop up hot spots.
Click image for larger view. Bottom images by Ed Tenney
Image courtesy NBC4.com
 
House Fire In Company 23's Area - March 25, 2008 - At 0820 hours, Engine 231, Engine 33, Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 239, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 5100 block of Oakglen Drive for the house fire. Company 23 units arrived on the scene with fire showing from a two story single family home. Engine 231 stretched an attackline to the second floor, knocking the bulk of the fire. Engine 33 backed up Engine 231 with a second line. Tower 23 and Truck 3 threw ladders, vented, and assisted with fire attack. Rescue Squad 3 performed a primary search of the house and assisted crews on the second floor.
Norbeck Road Door Pop - March 23, 2008 - At 1654 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 responded to Norbeck Road and Avery Road for the collision. Chief 3-1 arrived on the scene with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the driver's side door.
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Trench Rescue At Potomac House - March 22, 2008 - At 1245 hours Ambulance 339, Medic 239, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331, Transport 31 with the Trench POD, Urban Search and Rescue personnel based out of Station 31, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 11500 block of Patriot Lane, Company 33's area, for the trench rescue. Engine 331 arrived on the scene confirming an adult male buried to his chest in a seven foot deep trench. The worker was part of a crew working in an un-shored trench, installing a new sewer line to a single family home. Crews removed significant spoil piles using shoves and prepped the area around the trench with pads. USAR personnel then stabilized and shored the trench. Once shored, personnel entered the trench and removed the patient within approximately 90 minutes of the arrival of initial units.
Click pictures for more images.
Car vs Tree Traps One In Potomac - March 19, 2008 - At 0753 hours, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331, and Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department Medic 309 and Truck 10 responded to the 11600 block of Glen Road for the collision with entrapment. Engine 331 arrived on the scene with a single vehicle off the road, into a tree, with the driver trapped. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene, and after Truck 10 moved out of the way, their crew stabilized the vehicle. Once the vehicle was stabilized, Rescue Squad 3 removed the driver's door, removed the roof, and then pushed the dash to allow smoother removal of the patient because of a broken femur. The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 8.
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Second Alarm Aspen Hill Apartment Fire Third Fire of Day - March 13, 2008 - At 2224 hours, Engine 231, Engine 33 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 3800 block of Bel Pre Road for the apartment fire in Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 25's area. Kensington Truck 25 arrived on the scene of a three story garden apartment building with fire showing from the third floor. A second alarm was added, bringing Tower 23, Truck 3 and other MCFRS units. Rescue Squad 3 responded on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch. Initial crews rescued a resident from a third floor balcony via ground ladder. The fire took approximately 30 minutes to bring under control. Damage is estimated at $325,000.
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Potomac House Fire - March 13, 2008 - At 1435 hours, Engine 331, Engine 33, Truck 3, Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 339, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the house fire in the 11900 block of Fallkirk Drive in Company 33's area. Engine 331 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from a two story single family home. Engine 331 and Engine 33 both pulled attacklines and extinguished all fire on both floors. Truck 3 and Tower 23 threw ladders, vented and assisted with fire attack. Rescue Squad 3 performed a search of the home, controlled utilities, and assisted in fire attack. Damage is estimated at $375,000.
Photos by Scott Glazer. Click picture for more images.
 
Tower 23 Mutual Aid On DC Church Fire, Engine 331 Transfers- March 13, 2008 - At 1145 hours, units from the District of Columbia Fire Department responded to the 3100 block of Mt Pleasant Street NW for the apartment fire. The fire eventually escalated to five alarms and spread to the exposed Meridian Hill Baptist Church in the 3100 block of 16th Street NW. An additional three alarms fought the church fire, including Tower 23, who attacked the fire for over two hours with their stream. While Tower 23 and most DCFD units were battling those two blazes, Engine 331 was transferred to Engine 8's quarters in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Southeast.
(Left - Courtesy of Retired DCFD AFC William Fitzgerald) (Right - Courtesy NBC4)
Single Vehicle Into Pole Pins One, Traps One - March 9, 2008 - At 1853 hours, Rescue Squad 3 and units from the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department responded to the collision with entrapment. Fire Marshall 52 arrived on the scene with a single vehicle into a pole with the driver trapped and the passenger pinned. FM 52 reported significant intrusion into the passenger compartment. Rescue Squad 3 arrived and worked quickly to extricate both occupants of the vehicle. The driver was transported by Gaithersburg Medic 89 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center, while the passenger was transported by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 3 to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
Images by Mike Russ and Mike Ricketts. Click image for larger view.
 
Overturned Van Sends Seven to Hospital- March 8, 2008 - At 2046 hours, Ambulance 339, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 331, and Engine 33 were dispatched to Falls Road and Victory Lane for the collision with one overturned. Engine 331 arrived on the scene with a minivan on its side with one trapped and six total patients. Ambulance 238 and Medic 239 were requested to assist. When Rescue Squad 3 arrived, they stabilized the van utilizing struts and a tie back. After the vehicle was stabilized the trapped victim was removed from the van. There were four BLS patients who were transported to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville and two ALS patients who went to Children's Hospital in Washington DC and Suburban Hospital Trauma Center in Bethesda.
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One Trapped On Frederick Road - March 7, 2008 - At 0533 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 were dispatched to Frederick Road and Indianola Drive for the collision. Units arrived on scene to find a two vehicle collision with one trapped in a Toyota Corolla Sedan. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the drivers sidewall of the vehicle.
Aspen Hill Apartment Fire - March 6, 2008 - At 1704 hours, Engine 33 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the 14300 block of Georgia Ave for the apartment fire in Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 25's area. Kensington Company 25 arrived on scene with smoke showing from the third floor of a three story garden apartment building. Crews found fire in the walls of the third floor and the cockloft. The Rapid Intervention Dispatch was added, bringing Rescue Squad 3 and Tower. Crews opened up the effected apartments and roof and extinguished the fire. Damage was estimated at $350,000.
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Two Alarm Row House Fire- February 25, 2008 - At 1102 hours, Engine 33, Engine 331, Engine 231, Truck 31, Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 15500 block of Owens Glen Terrace, box area 31-15, for the row house on fire. Truck 31 arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from side "A" and heavy fire showing on all three floors of side "C". Engine 33 split their crew and pulled an attackline to both the first and second floors. Engine 33 was making a good knock on the fire on the first and second floors when the roof began collapsing into the third floor. Command ordered the evacuation of the fire building and began defensive operations. Crews were able to contain the fire to the fire building, stopping the fire from extending to the exposures.
(Left image - On Arrival) Click image for larger view.
Two Alarm Fire In the Wheaton Triangle - February 23, 2008 - At 0850 hours, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 2500 block of Ennalls Ave for the building fire. Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Engine 181 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from the roof of a one story strip mall. Units found fire in the roof of the El Pollo Rico restaurant extending the down the building. The second alarm was sounded, bringing Aerial Tower 23 and Truck 3. Both truck companies worked on the roof to stop fire spread. Damage is estimated at $370,000.
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Second Alarm Warehouse Fire - February 16, 2008 - At 2003 hours, Engine 231, Engine 33, Aerial Tower 23, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 238, and other Montgomery County units responded to the area of Wyaconda Road and Schuykill Road, for the report of a CSX train passing a building on fire. Company 23 arrived on the scene of a large single story warehouse with with heavy smoke showing. Crews also found a box truck on fire against the building. A second alarm was requested, bringing Engine 331 and other Montgomery County units. The building was evacuated when a large air conditioning unit on the roof began collapsing into the building. Crews switched to heavy duty operations, placing multiple ladder pipes and blitz fires in service.
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Auto Body Shop Burns In Lincoln Park - February 10, 2008 - At 1920 hours, Engine 31, Engine 331, Truck 3, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County units responded to the 100 block of N. Stonestreet Avenue for the auto body shop on fire. Company 3 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from all sides. Truck 3 cut several roll up doors to open up the structure, while Engine 33 stretched a 2" line to extinguish the fire. Rescue Squad 3 conducted a search and controlled utilities. Engine 331 pulled a back up line and assisted in extinguishing the fire.
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Car vs Pole Causes Three Traumas- February 8, 2008 - At 2320 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 33 responded to Hungerford Drive and Ivy league Lane for the auto into a pole. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a single car into a telephone pole, with three multi system traumas, and one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the drivers door. Ambulance 38, with a paramedic from Engine 33, transported one trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center. Medic 39 transported a pediatric trauma to Children's Hospital and an adult trauma to Medstar Trauma Center, both hospitals next to each other in Washington, DC.
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One Trapped On E. Gude Drive - February 6, 2008 - At 2302 hours, Ambulance 38, Rescue Engine 33, and Engine 31 responded to E. Gude Drive and Taft Court for the collision. Company 3 arrived on the scene with a single vehicle collision with a single occupant trapped. Medic 39 was requested for a priority 2 trauma, Rescue Engine 33 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the driver's sidewall. The patient was transported to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center.
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Rowhouse Fire In Company 23's area - February 5, 2008 - At 0726 hours, Engine 231, Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Aerial Tower 3, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 239, and other Montgomery County units responded to the 11900 block of Bargate Court, box area 23-01, for smoke in the basement of the house. Company 23 arrived on the scene of a two story, end of the row rowhouse with smoke showing from side "B". Engine 231 pulled a line to the basement and began knocking the fire. Engine 31 pulled a back up line to assist in fire attack. Aerial Tower 23 and Aerial Tower 3 both threw ground ladders, vented, and assisted in fire attack. Rescue Squad 3 conducted a search and controlled utilities.
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Heavy Fire Showing In Company 31's Area - January 23, 2008 - At 2336 hours Engine 311, Engine 31, Truck 31, Rescue Squad 3, Medic 319, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded for the house fire in the unit block of Gibson Place, box area 31-14. Company 31 arrived on the scene with heavy fire showing involving the garage and second floor. Engine 311 pulled a 2" line and began knocking the fire while Truck 31 began a search for people initially reported trapped. Rescue Squad 3 conducted a search, controlled the utilities, and assisted with fire attack. All searches were negative.
Images courtesy Battalion Chief Kent Mallalieu. Click image for larger view.
Door Pop In Gaithersburg - January 22, 2008 - At 1631 hours Rescue Squad 3 and Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department units responded to Route 355 and Central Avenue for the traffic collision with entrapment. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene of the collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and then removed the driver's side door.
Gaithersburg House Fire - January 21, 2008 - At 1956 hours, Engine 31, Truck 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the house fire in the 17800 block of Calabar Drive, box area 28-11. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 arrived on the scene with fire showing. A Rapid Intervention Dispatch and Task Force were added, bringing Rescue Squad 3, Engine 311, and Truck 31. Truck 3 throw numerous ladders on all sides of the building, knocked the fire down with a can until a line could be put on the fire, and opened up the ceiling and walls. Rescue Squad 3 performed Rapid Intervention duties.
House Fire Displaces Family For 2nd Time In One Month - January 19, 2008 - At 1955 hours, Engine 231, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the reported kitchen fire in the 14000 block of Drake Drive, box area 25-15. Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Company 25 arrived on the scene of a two story split level home with fire showing. Engine 231 stretched a line to the basement, Truck 3 laddered the rear of the house and assisted with fire attack on the second floor, while Rescue Squad 3 conducted a search, controlled utilities, and assisted with fire attack. The fire caused approximately $300,000 in damage. This family was displaced by a fire in late December of 2007, in Kensington VFD Company 21's area.
Door Pop On W. Gude Drive - January 10, 2008 - At 0051 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, and Engine 31 responded to W. Gude Drive and Piccard Drive for the traffic collision with entrapment. Company 3 arrived to find a multiple vehicle collision with one patient trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver's side door.
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One Trapped At Tower Oaks - January 11, 2008 - At 1838 hours Ambulance 38 and Rescue Squad 3 responded to Wootton Parkway and Tower Oaks Boulevard to assist the Montgomery County Police with the traffic collision. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on the scene with a two vehicle t-bone collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 requested Engine 31 and Medic 39 to assisted. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized both vehicles and then removed the passenger's side wall of the vehicle with the trapped occupant. The patient was transported as a priority 2 trauma to Suburban Hospital Trauma Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
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Gaithersburg House Fire - January 8, 2008 - At 2342 hours Engine 31, Aerial Tower 23, Rescue Squad 3 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 7800 block of Suthard Drive, box area 28-17, for the house fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Engine 281 arrived on the scene of a two story single family house with smoke showing. Engine 31 pulled a backup line into the house, Rescue Squad 3 performed a search, controlled utilities, and Aerial Tower 23 laddered the building and assisted with overhaul. Truck 31 and Medic 39 also responded on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch.
Tractor Trailer On Car With One Pinned & One Trapped - January 4, 2008 - At 1804 hours, Ambulance 38, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, Engine 231, Medic 239 and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to Northbound Interstate 270 CD lanes between Route 28 and Shady Grove Road for the tractor trailer on top of a car with people pinned. Car 3-7 arrived on the scene moments later to find a sedan under the rear wheels of a tractor trailer, against the jersey wall, with one trapped, and one severely pinned. Rescue Squad 3 arrived on scene next, and upon their size-up, a wrecker was immediately requested, followed by the request for a second rescue squad.
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Stabilization: The trailer of the truck was hauling an empty trash container that came unlocked and lifted slightly from the trailer during the collision. Struts were run on both sides of the trailer and container to initially stabilize it. Straps were run around both ends of the container to secure it to the trailer, as well as straps being placed on the under side of the container to the trailer. All wheels of the tractor were chalked, including the 5th wheel. Multiple box cribs were built, including one at the rear of the trailer along the jersey wall. This allowed a strut to be placed to the trailer, above the sedan, to support the trailer. After the trailer was stabilized, the passenger of the vehicle, who had insisted on climbing out of the car, was removed from the vehicle. The passenger side front window and the top part of the door that covers the "A" and "B" posts were removed. The passenger of the vehicle was then allowed to climb out of the vehicle. The passenger was transported to an area hospital as a BLS patient with only minor scraps and bruises.
 
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Lifting Operation: The "A" plan was to utilize the wreckers to lift the rear of the trailer up off the sedan and the sedan to be pulled out from under the trailer. While the wreckers were enroute, crews continued to work on a second means of lifting the trailer if needed. The "B" plan was to use high pressure airbags placed under the rear axle of the trailer to lift the trailer off the sedan. The slack adjuster of the rear brake needed to be removed to allow the airbags to lift at the proper point. A plasma cutter was used to cut the slack adjuster off the truck. Multiple box cribs were assembled under the lift point to place the high pressure airbags at the desired point. Two 26 ton airbags were stacked on the box crib. As the plan "B" lifting system was being finalized the two wrecker's arrived and were placed into position to lift the trailer. The operators of the wreckers wrapped the rear of the trailer with chains. Once the go ahead was given, the wreckers lifted the trailer approximately two feet from off the sedan.

Crew initially had secured a chain to the sedan to be pulled by a come-along that was secured to the jersey wall. When Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad's Rescue Squad 29 arrived on the scene they were positioned to replace the come-along system with their winch. After the trailer was lifted off the sedan, Rescue Squad 29 began to pull the vehicle in the direction of the front of the tractor trailer truck. When the sedan was clear of the trailer of the truck, the wreckers lowered the trailer back to the ground to allow crews to safely work around the sedan.
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Extrication: After the sedan had been pulled clear of the tractor trailer truck, crews stabilized the sedan. Both rescue Squads took a side of the vehicle and began extricating the driver. Rescue Squad 3 removed the driver's sidewall, while Rescue Squad 29 removed the passengers side rear door and "B" post. The roof was then removed and Rescue Squad 3 pushed the dash using a ram. The patient was then removed from the vehicle by waiting EMS crews. The driver was transported with minor injuries to an area hospital.
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One Trapped On Southlawn Lane- January 2, 2008 - At 2120 hours, Medic 39, Rescue Squad 3, Engine 231, and Ambulance 238 responded to Southlawn Lane and Southlawn Court for the collision with one pinned. Rescue Squad 3 arrived onscene with a two car collision with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 stabilized and de-energized the vehicle with one trapped. Rescue Squad 3 removed both of the driver's side doors. Do to the thickness of the "B" of the 2008 Toyota Camry, Rescue Squad 3's hydraulic tools could not cut it. Rescue Squad 3 was able to cut part of the "B" post with a electric sawzall, and was force to cut the rest using an K-12 circular saw with a metal blade. The entire frame of the vehicle was equally as thick as the "B" post.
Click image for larger view. (Left-lower) Picture of piece of vehicle's "B" post.

Fire In Bedroom - January 2, 2008 - At 1413 hours, Engine 311, Engine 331, Engine 31, Truck 31, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the 10200 block of Nolan Drive, box area 31-06, for the house fire. Company 31 units arrived on the scene with smoke showing from the second floor of a two story single family home. Engine 311 stretched an line to the second floor and made a quick knock on the fire.

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Vacant Apartment Building Well Off On Arrival - January 2, 2008 - At 0441 hours, Engine 31 , Engine 311, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, and other Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units responded to the unit block of W Deer Park Road, box area 08-01, for the vacant apartment building on fire. Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Company 8 arrived on the scene with a vacant apartment building heavily involved in fire.
Building on arrival by Company 3 units. Click image for larger view.