How to Help Apartment Fire Victims | Patch PM

Stories to talk about tonight:

Apartment Explosion: 2 Dead, Dozens Injured, Five Missing

A massive explosion and fire tore through a Silver Spring apartment complex overnight, leaving buildings in rubble and killing at least two people. Up to five people were still missing Thursday afternoon. "I think I lost a friend," said Callejos, who said a man he called Olsa, about 60 years old, is missing.

Other residents were recovering from broken bones and other injuries suffered during the building collapse and when they jumped from upper floors. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Chief Scott Goldstein said investigators are working to determine if the fire or the explosion came first at the Flower Branch Apartments. >>> Read more.

How to Help Victims of Maryland Apartment Fire

As family members without phones, money or anything but the clothes on their backs grapple with the devastation of a fatal apartment fire, neighbors and strangers are asking how they can help in the recovery. >>> Read more.

Peak 2016 Perseid Meteor Shower's Best Show in 20 Years

• Star-gazers should see up to 150 "shooting stars" or meteors per hour when the Perseid Meteor Shower peaks Thursday night, says NASA.

Job Fairs Set to Hire for Starbucks, Restaurants at BWI Airport, Arundel Mills Mall

• Two August job fairs will screen candidates for food service jobs at BWI and Arundel Mills. Apply online in advance to get an interview.

Shop Rite Stores in Maryland Recall Country Home Cookies

• A voluntary recall of Country Home cookies sold in the Fresh Bake department at ShopRite stores in Maryland in under way.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.