2-Alarm Apartment Fire 6800 Block of Riverdale Road

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

mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO

At about 11:15 am, Wednesday, September 10, 2014 firefighters responded to a report of a fire in an apartment building. First arriving units in the 6800 block of Riverdale Road encountered a 3-story with a terrace level apartment building with smoke showing.

It appears a fire started in a utility room on the terrace level. Workers were using an acetylene torch while working to remove an old boiler. Combustibles ignited in the pipe chase area with fire extending to the upper floors by way of interior walls.

These types of fires are typically work extensive and this was no different. A 2nd Alarm was sounded bringing about 65 Firefighter/Medics to the scene on board over 18 pieces of fire apparatus. It is common for these type of fires to extend directly up to the cockloft /attic area, however, firefighters quickly extended hoslines and opened up the walls on the upper floors to prevent this from occurring.

It required about 30 minutes to knock down the bulk of the fire and another 30 minutes to completely extinguish. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital after suffering respiratory issues. No civilian injuries occurred.

7 apartments will be displaced. 15 adults and 4 children are being assisted by the County Citizen Services Unit and the American Red Cross.

Fire loss is estimated at $20,000.

All photos courtesy of Mark E. Brady, PGFD PIO