Late-Night Rockville Apartment Fire Was No Accident — Arson Arrest Made, Officials Say

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A late-night fire that tore through a Maryland apartment building is now being investigated as arson, authorities said.

The blaze broke out around Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, at the Bethesda Park Condos on Braxfield Court, off Parklawn Drive in Rockville, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer.

Firefighters arrived to find flames coming from a third-floor apartment and multiple residents in need of rescue. 

Twitter/@mcfrsPIO

About 65 firefighters were called to the scene, where they worked to quickly knock down the flames and assist several people out of the building.

Officials said one person from an adjacent unit was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Several families were displaced due to the damage.

Hours later, Piringer announced that a resident — who has not been identified — had been arrested and charged with first-degree arson, threat to burn, and reckless endangerment. 

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set on the third floor.

The fire caused an estimated $75,000 in damage.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue continue to investigate.