Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a two-alarm fire in the 3500 block of Pear Tree Ct in Aspen Hill around 9:45am on Thursday, October 31.
According to Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, approximately 85 firefighters responded to the scene, where six people—five adults and one juvenile—were rescued via ladder and aerial tower. Two adults were transported with non-life-threatening smoke inhalation injuries. The entire 16-unit building was deemed unsafe to occupy, displacing 33 residents (30 adults, 3 children, and several pets).
The fire originated on the third floor of the non-sprinklered building and was caused by an overheated cell phone charger. Damage is estimated at $700,000, including $500,000 for the structure and $200,000 for contents. Functional smoke alarms and a local pull alarm helped alert residents to the fire…