Brush fires threaten homes in DC metro area
GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Residents across parts of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia experienced a smoky haze Wednesday evening as dry and windy conditions contributed to brush fires in several areas.
One incident occurred on Old Hundred Road near Barnesville Road, in Montgomery County. Firefighters there battled a blaze that ignited mulch and spread to the side of a house. Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene, according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service, with another brush fire erupting later due to a fallen power line sparking the blaze.
Fortunately, the fire was contained before causing major damage to homes, and residents who were evacuated as a precaution have since returned home.
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Shenandoah brush fires cause smoky smell, hazy conditions across DMV
Many people across the DMV are noticing the smell of smoke and a haze hanging in the area. Officials said Wednesday that it’s due to brush fires in the Shenandoah Mountain range.
In Barnesville, MCFRS says the fire is now at least 85% contained. However, in Prince William County, a separate brush fire prompted the closure of Richmond Highway in both directions from Joplin Road to the Stafford County line.
Meanwhile, in D.C., firefighters extinguished a three-acre brush fire near Rock Creek Park, close to the Carter Barron Amphitheater. There were no injuries reported, and homes were not threatened by the blaze.
According to MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer, "We’ve been under an elevated fire risk since yesterday, midday, they issued a red flag warning and basically, conducive, low humidity, wind, dry conditions and evidence in the number of fires. We had a pretty significant fire in the Barnesville area, upper Montgomery County near the Frederick County line."
As the region grapples with these fire risks, the department is emphasizing the importance of properly disposing of cigarettes and urging residents to avoid open flames outdoors whenever possible.