Woman dies after going back into burning Chevy Chase home to save cat

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — An early Friday morning house fire in Chevy Chase, Maryland, turned deadly after a woman went back inside her burning home to try to save her cat.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews were called around 5:30 a.m. to the 4700 block of Merivale Road for reports of a house fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames spreading across multiple floors of the single-family home, along with arcing power lines and fire extending into the garage.

Montgomery County, Maryland, firefighters respond to an early Friday morning house fire in Chevy Chase on April 3, 2026. (MCFRS)

Inside, crews found an unconscious woman and, “despite best efforts of medics on scene,” officials said she was pronounced dead.

7News Maryland Bureau Chief Brad Bell learned that the woman initially made it out safely, along with her brother, but re-entered the home to save her cat.

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Fatal Chevy Chase Fire_creditMCFRS

A man was also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries related to smoke inhalation. A firefighter suffered minor injuries as well.

Officials said all other occupants were accounted for.

Fire officials said the fire likely started in the basement, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Fire officials are urging a reminder: if a fire breaks out, get out and stay out.