Firefighters handled a number of unrelated fire incidents last Tuesday evening and early last Wednesday morning involving a variety of structures causing nearly $260,000 in estimated fire loss and the displacement of two families. Despite the high potential for injuries to both civilians and firefighters, fortunately, there were no injuries reported on any of the incidents.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. July 20, firefighters from Prince George’s and Montgomery counties responded to a reported building fire in the 6800 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Chillum. Upon arrival, they found a detached garage well-enveloped with fire. The blaze was quickly extinguished. Fire investigators estimated the fire loss at $1,000, and the incident remains under investigation.

About one hour later, many of the same fire/EMS units were alerted to a fire in a sixth floor apartment of a high-rise building in Adelphi. Firefighters arrived and carried their equipment and hose lines to the area of the fire. After connecting hoses to the building’s stand-pipe system, the fire was quickly extinguished. Numerous residents evacuated the building, while many others sheltered-in-place as firefighters extinguished the fire and ventilated the smoke from the upper floors. 

Fire investigators determined faulty electrical wiring caused this fire with an estimated fire loss of $10,000. The occupants of the apartment of origin were displaced and assisted by the Prince George’s Fire/EMS Department’s Citizen Services Unit.

Just before midnight, firefighters from Silver Hill and surrounding communities were alerted to a townhouse fire in Temple Hills. Fire/EMS units encountered a two-story townhouse with fire showing from the basement. A Task Force brought additional fire/EMS units to the scene as the fire was extending to the first floor. Firefighters first at the scene advanced hose lines in an aggressive interior attack on the fire and had the bulk of the fire contained and extinguished in about 20 minutes. One firefighter fell from the first floor into the basement after the fire had been extinguished; he was not injured. It is believed the hole in the weakened floor was caused by the fire in the basement. 

Fire investigators say this fire was accidental and estimate fire loss at $240,000. The displaced occupants will stay with other family members. No injuries were reported.

At 4:30 a.m. July 21, firefighters responded to automatic fire alarm activation at the Green Valley Park School in Silver Hill. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire that appeared to have started on the exterior of a temporary classroom and extended into the structure. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and limited damage to an estimated $5,000. Fire investigators continue to investigate. No injuries were reported.