April 4, 2013 | by Staff Writer

House Fire in Olney (Photos & Video)

UPDATED
Montgomery County firefighters were dispatched shortly before 2:30 a.m. on April 4 for the report of a house fire in the 18400 block of Queen Elizabeth Drive in Olney. According to a press release, the first arriving units encountered heavy fire conditions in the area of the home’s carport and requested additional units. Firefighters conducted an aggressive fire attack and quickly controlled the fire.

Investigators were requested to the scene and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. An occupant in the home reported smelling smoke and then seeing flames in the carport area and quickly evacuated everyone from the home. Once outside, they called 911. The occupants reported that the smoke alarm activated.

Damage estimates are $200,000 ($150K to the structure/$50K to the contents). Four occupants of the home were displaced and Red Cross was contacted to assist them. There were no injuries, Assistant Chief Scott Graham said.

Fire officials remind residents of the following important safety tips:

– Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home including basements and in all
sleeping areas. If your alarms are hard-wired, be sure they have a battery back-up.

– All smoke alarms have expiration dates and should be replaced every ten years, even if they
appear to be working. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

– Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries changed annually, according to
manufacturer recommendations. A “chirping” sound may indicate that your battery is low and
needs to be changed right away.

– Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so that police and fire/rescue
personnel can easily see your address in the event of an emergency.

– Establish a meeting place outside your home. Every family member should participate in
practice escape drills at least two times per year. And in the event of an emergency,
always call 911 from a safe place.

Video submitted from Olney resident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBqeA2922zo