» Audio: 911 emergency calls placed by White Oak Tower residents
WHITE OAK, Md. -- Fire investigators are asking for the public's help in solving an arson that displaced more than 50 people in one of Montgomery County's largest apartment buildings.
The fire was set at the White Oak Tower Apartments, on 11700 Old Columbia Pike, around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday near an elevator on the 13th floor, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue say.
One person was injured while trying to evacuate through a stairwell. A 22-year-old man suffered smoke inhalation and first and second-degree burns to his forehead, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer says.
At its height, the fire reached three alarms and more than 120 firefighters from Montgomery County and Prince George's County assisted, Piringer says. The fire caused $250,000 in damages.
Heavy smoke forced many residents to remain in their apartments and stay on their balconies while firefighters worked to put out the fire.
Police evacuated the entire 13th floor of the building and the Fire Code Enforcement Section deemed the floor unsafe to occupy.
The Red Cross and Montgomery County Fire Rescue opened a shelter for evacuated residents at Paint Branch High School.
White Oak Towers is a 22-story high-rise residential building with 420 apartments and more than 1,1000 residents.
Fire investigators are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact the Arson Tip Line at 240-777-2263.
Copyright 2006 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.
Republished with permission of WTOP.
