Fire Destroys Maryland House

July 24, 2006
Montgomery County fire investigators suspect candles may have sparked the two-alarm fire.

Fire investigators believe candles may have sparked a two-alarm fire early Monday morning in Rockville, Md.

Firefighters were called to the 14000 block of Briarwood Terrace about 5:30 a.m.

Authorities said the eight occupants of the house managed to escape the fast-moving fire before firefighters arrived, however three were transported to a local hospital suffering from minor injuries.

Fire Department spokesman Pete Piringer said one resident suffered from smoke inhalation, another from minor burns and a third suffered injuries after jumping from a second-floor window.

Investigators said power to the home had been cut off and candles were in use throughout the home. Investigators said they believe a candle in the basement of the home was the cause of the fire.

Investigators also said they think one of the residents tried to put the fire out themselves, before calling 911.

Piringer said the home had several fire code violations. There were not enough exits in the house for the number of people living there, and there was only smoke detector, which was on the second floor of the house.

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