Woman Killed In Thursday House Fire In Bethesda

BETHESDA, MD — A woman died Thursday after a fire ignited in the basement of a two-story home in Bethesda, according to authorities.

Around 3:20 p.m., Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to a reported house fire in the 7000 block of Persimmon Tree Road, according to agency spokesperson Pete Piringer.

Upon arrival, crews learned a woman was trapped inside the home. Within three minutes, firefighters were able to remove the woman from the building. Despite life-saving efforts, she died at the scene, Piringer said.

No other injuries were reported.

According to officials, the fire originated in the home's basement and did not extend to other areas of the home. There were no smoke detectors inside the residence, Piringer said.

About 60 firefighters responded to the blaze.

On Friday, Montgomery County fire crews will conduct an "After The Fire" safety campaign on North Persimmon Tree Road. During the event, firefighters will go door-to-door offering to check smoke alarms, talk about fire safety and meet the Carderock Springs community.

The cause of Thursday's fire remains under investigation.