Over 100 Displaced By Fire In Aspen Hill Apartment Complex (PICS)

ASPEN HILL, MD — Over 100 people were displaced after a two-alarm fire broke out at an Aspen Hill condo complex early Thursday morning, officials said.

The blaze occurred at the Grand Bel Mar Manor Condos at 3852 Bel Pre Rd. at about 4:30 a.m., chief spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Pete Piringer said.

Piringer said the fire was accidental and likely caused by electrical issues on the ground floor of the four-floor apartment building.

About 40 units in three different buildings were affected, with damages estimated at about $1.3 million.

Smoke alarms alerted residents and helped them escape the blaze safely, Piringer said. Several residents and pets were rescued by firefighters. At least one civilian and a firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A dog and a cat were also pronounced dead at the scene, Piringer said.

Around 95 firefighters reported to the condo and encountered heavy fire in the living/family room of a terrace-level apartment that was spreading rapidly.

Piringer said residents will potentially be displaced for months until the building is deemed safe. Red Cross and Ready Montgomery are assisting residents and opened a temporary shelter.

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Photos via Pete Piringer