Detectives Investigate Arson After House Fire Displaces Family in Gaithersburg

An early morning house fire left a family displaced in Gaithersburg on Thursday. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFS) is now investigating the incident as a case of arson.

The fire began around 1 a.m. on the roof of a two-story single-family house located on Marquis Drive after a passerby noticed a “well-advanced fire” and called 911, according to MCFS spokesman Pete Piringer.

The residents, which included two adults, two kids and a dog, were not in the home during the time of the fire.

The total damage to the property is approximately $550,000. This includes $300,000 of structural damage and $250,000 worth of belongings.

Anyone with information about the fire can contact Montgomery County’s arson tipline at 240-777-2263.

(4/1) ICYMI – (~1a) Marquis Dr, West Riding, Gaithersburg, 2-story single family home, passerby/neighbor reported ‘well-advanced’ fire (visible fire thru the roof), 1 family displaced @MontgomeryCoMD https://t.co/fXbmc6edjX pic.twitter.com/0tH0UnlEWD

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 1, 2021

About Jasmine Boykin

Jasmine Boykin was an intern with Montgomery Community Media in the spring of 2021. At the time, she was studying multimedia journalism and Spanish at the University of Maryland.

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