Riverdale House Fire - Longfellow Street

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

Firefighters from the Riverdale area battled a home fire on Friday night that displaced residents and caused extensive damage.  At about 9:30 pm, Friday, January 11, firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 6000 block of Longfellow Street.  Fire/EMS units arrived to a find a 2-story duplex with fire showing from 2^nd floor windows with smoke issuing from the roof.  Firefighters immediately initiated vertical ventilation, a search of the structure and advanced hose lines inside to begin fighting the fire.  It was quickly determined that one side of the duplex was vacant and the occupants of the home of fire origin were safely outside.

The fire extended up into the attic area before the fire was knocked down.  Firefighters worked for about 20 minutes to completely extinguish the fire.   There were 45 fire and EMS personnel on the scene.  One firefighter sustained some minor burn injuries and was treated and released from a Burn Unit.

One adult and one child are displaced and assisted by the County Citizen Services Unit.  The cause of the fire is under investigation with fire loss estimated at $100,000.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a 2-story duplex with fire coming from 2nd floor windows and smoke issuing from the roof.  (photo courtesy of Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department)

2-story duplex - one half of duplex is vacant. (Jim Davis photo)

Firefighters continue their work to ensure the fire is extinguished. (Jim Davis Photo)