Bethesda Family Displaced After Fire In Townhouse Basement

BETHESDA, MD — A Bethesda family was able to escape a blaze in their townhouse after a fire alarm alerted them Wednesday afternoon, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue officials said.

The fire broke out at about 2:10 p.m. in the basement of a three-story townhouse at 10272 Arizona Circle.

There were no injuries, but the family was displaced, spokesperson Pete Piringer said. Red Cross is assisting the family.

Officials believe the fire caused around $25,000 in damages and was started by combustibles placed too close to an electric space heater.

"Smoke alarms and closed door paid dividends," Piringer said.

Photo via Pete Piringer/Twitter