Man Critically Injured In Gaithersburg Townhome Fire: Officials

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A man is in critical condition after a fire broke out in a Gaithersburg townhome late Wednesday, officials said.

Montgomery County firefighters were called to 854 Bayridge Drive just after 11 p.m.

Three people were inside the townhouse at the time, according to fire officials. Two occupants managed to escape, but the third had to be rescued.

Firefighters found the man on the floor in the basement, according to Montgomery County Fire spokesman Pete Piringer. He was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns.

Piringer said the fire was probably caused by a space heater in the basement. The space heater, he explained, was near a bed and ignited the bedding.

The fire damage is estimated to be more than $500,000.

Update - 854 Bayridge Dr, MOR TH; Cause, space heater n/t bed; Area of Origin, basement bedroom; space heater ignited bed & bedding material (corner of bed & fire spread); smoke alarms activated & alerted others; 3 adults in TH, 2 upstairs got out & 1 in basement rescued by FFs https://t.co/b1Dc7ix8YC pic.twitter.com/tj5g0kYuZR
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) December 3, 2020