NORTH BESTHESDA, Md. (7News) — A 2-alarm apartment fire caused an estimated $2 million in damage and displaced 12 residents in Montgomery County Wednesday night, officials said.
According to a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MSFRS), the fire broke out at the Miramont Apartments in the 6000 block of California Circle, off East Jefferson Street, at about 11:45 p.m.
More than 75 crews responded and found heavy fire on the second floor of the four-story garden-style apartment building.
A fire broke out at the Miramont Apartments in the 6000 block of California Circle on Wednesday night, Aug. 26, 2026. (MCFRS)
Firefighters helped several residents evacuate the building and extinguished the fire.
SEE ALSO | 2 workers unaccounted for after explosions tear through Ohio industrial building
According to officials, the building does not have a sprinkler system.
The fire originated in an unoccupied second-floor apartment and spread to the third floor. Officials determined the cause was improperly discarded incense ashes in a potted plant.
Twelve residents from several apartments were displaced.
A fire broke out at the Miramont Apartments in the 6000 block of California Circle on Wednesday night, Aug. 26, 2026. (MCFRS)
One maintenance worker suffered smoke inhalation after helping alert residents about the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Officials estimate the fire caused approximately $2 million in damage.
Local Story
