Rescue Squad First on Scene of Weekday House Fire

The Rescue Squad was first on scene and first into the house at a late-morning working fire in a split-level home in Bethesda.

Rescue Squad 741B arrived on the scene of the house in the 6500 block of Wilmett Road with heavy smoke showing from the front and rear of the structure.  Bystanders reported that everyone was outside the house.

The crew forced entry through the front door and found smoke coming up an open stairway that had banked down to the floor.  This created zero visibility and moderate heat.  The crew of 5 firefighters quickly conducted a primary search on all floors, finding no victims.  In the process, they located the fire in the basement, with two rooms involved.  While the crew was conducting its initial search, the driver located and controlled utilities. 

Engine 726 entered along with the crew and initiated an aggressive attack.  The squad crew assisted in stretching the hose line down the stairs into the seat of the fire.  While the engine crew began its attack, the rescue squad, along with truck crews from National Institutes of Health and Cabin John, took out the basement windows to provide ventilation.

After the fire was initially knocked down, the rescue squad conducted a more thorough secondary search of the entire house, finding nothing.  It also assisted with salvage and overhaul.

Ambulance 726 also responded on the initial alarm, and set up an aid station.  However, no one was injured. 

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