Fire in Silver Spring apartment building; dozens evacuated

WASHINGTON — About 100 firefighters evacuated dozens of residents from a four-story Silver Spring, Maryland, apartment building into below-freezing weather Thursday night.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said the incident occurred at the Crystal Springs residential apartment building, in the 14300 block of Georgia Avenue. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a report of a fire and smoke in the apartment building just after 9 p.m.

There were reports on the way to the building that some of the occupants were having trouble evacuating the building from the terrace level. When firefighters arrived, they helped residents evacuate.

The fire may have started on the terrace level and extended through pipe chases and utility conduits throughout the building, Piringer said.

There did not appear to be any serious injuries, but EMS were on scene and evaluating residents.

Piringer said there were some traffic issues in and around Georgia Avenue and Bel Pre Road as firefighters continue to get through hot spots in the building.

It was ten degrees at the time of evacuation, Piringer said.

Red Cross volunteers are headed to the scene to assist the displaced residents.

Below is a map of where Piringer said the incident occurred.