A cell phone charger overheated and caused a fire at the Summit Hills apartment complex on Wednesday, according to Montgomery Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 1700 block of East West Highway near downtown Silver Spring at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The fire, which began in a third-floor bedroom at the Summit Hills apartment complex, displaced the residents of four apartments; one person was evaluated by EMS and declined transport.
The fire’s origin and cause were found to be a cell phone charger that overheated near combustible materials. Damage caused by the fire is estimated to be around $600,000, Piringer said.
Photo: Pete Piringer / Twitter
1700blk East West Highway near Rosemary Hills Dr., Summit Hills Apartments, fire alarm, fire reported in an apartment, @mcfrs E754, E702, E750, PE706, PE720, AT719, T716, AT718, RS742B, A712, BC701, BC702, SA700 & others responding
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 6, 2023
Update – Summit Hilks Aprs, 4-sty apt bldg, fire reported on 3rd floor, fire in bedroom, @mcfrs RS741, T706, A702, PE707 assisting
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 6, 2023
Update – 2nd Alarm, fire in 3rd floor apt, Occupant of fire apartment being evaluated by @MCFRS_EMIHS, fire out, several families will likely be displaced pic.twitter.com/uCDwCUbLy0
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 6, 2023
Update – 1701 East West Hwy; Origin/Cause, in 3rd floor bedroom, cell phone charger overheated nearby combustibles; 4 families displaced; 1 person evaluated (no EMS transport); Damage estimated ~$600K. pic.twitter.com/7RPMFeqjGm
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 6, 2023