June 15, 2009

Two-Alarm Fire Near Montgomery Mall Kills Two   

Rescue Squad 741, Chief 741D, and Medic 741 were dispatched to a townhouse fire that killed two elderly residents on the evening of Sunday, June 15.  More than 70 firefighters from Bethesda, Rockville, Cabin John and surrounding departments ultimately responded to the 2-alarm fire on Arizona Circle.

The initial dispatch came at 2135 hours and included a report of 2 persons trapped, but gave no indication of where in the house the victims were located.  NIH Truck 751 (the first arriving special services unit) and Rescue Squad 741 conducted a primary search in extreme heat conditions and zero visibility, and were unable to locate the victims.  It was only after the fire was knocked down that crews located the victims in 2 separate rooms, both buried under debris. 

The Rescue Squad units remained on scene for about 6 hours, assisting with salvage and overhaul, and providing lighting for investigators.

###

Read more of "The Squad in Action." 

Click here to sign up for our email newsletter.  

Return to Newsroom.