More than 60 firefighters battled the blaze on Chapel Road. Pete Piringer/MCF&RS Photo
An unoccupied house on Chapel Road in Potomac burned Thursday night into Friday, calling more than 60 firefighters into the frigid night.
On Saturday, Feb. 2 Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department posted on its Facebook page, “Early yesterday morning, CJPVFD and other fire rescue units responded to a house fire in Station 30's area. Units on arrival found a vacant single-family home fully involved. Enduring below-freezing temperatures, firefighters promptly brought the fire under control. Great job to all personnel for their service and perseverance under these harsh conditions.”
The fire caused extensive damage to the home causing Pete Piringer, chief spokesperson for Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue Service to Tweet Friday: “Update (1220a 2/1) 10100 Chapel Rd, Potomac, limited fire Investigation due to structure collapse, it is likely fire originated in rear of house & involved 1st floor & extended elsewhere; Cause, under investigation; Damage $800K structure, $5K contents; house unoccupied; no injuries.”
The fire was so extensive that River Road was closed between Norton Road and Falls Road because of fire department activity.
Fire hoses stretched across River Road, causing the closure, according to another Piringer Tweet.