x
Breaking News
More () »

Man recovering after jumping from burning apartment window in Montgomery Village

Experts say fire escape ladders can help prevent serious injuries during fires.

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, Md. — Clean up crews could be seen looking out a second-story apartment building Friday afternoon, where firefighters said a man jumped out the window. Inside it’s now charred, but at 5:30 a.m. the morning after Thanksgiving, flames threatened to take down the entire Cider Mills apartment building.

"[The resident] had some traumatic injury from the jump, but also had some burns and smoke inhalation," Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire, said.

Piringer added that six adults and four children were treated, mostly for inhaling smoke. Around 45 people are now without a home at the apartment complex across from Lakeforest Mall.

"I was asleep and then my mom was screaming and yelling to wake up," a witness, who wasn’t able to give his name before apartment management asked all news crews to leave, said. 

RELATED: Nearly 45 people displaced, 10 injured after Maryland apartment fire

Credit: WUSA9
The window where a man jumped and injured himself escaping flames


The Red Cross was on hand to help families now homeless for the holidays with clothing and hotel rooms.

"This fire is likely going to cost us in excess of $10,000, and that’s just in a few hours this morning," Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Paul Carden said. "Multiply that throughout the weekend, and it’s a significant amount of money we spend every day helping folks." 

RELATED: Thanksgiving Eve townhouse fire in Frederick sends 1 to hospital

Credit: WUSA9


Carden added that financial donations to the Red Cross are the best way to help.

Firefighters said that collapsible ladders can prevent injuries occurring from jumping from a high window as a last resort. 

RELATED: Less carcinogens, healthier firefighters. Here's how Fairfax Fire is trying to reduce deadly exposure

Credit: WUSA9
Deploying a fire escape ladder


WUSA9 picked one up and put it to the test for around $40 dollars from a major home improvement store.

"Make sure that you practice ahead of time so in an emergency you know what to do," Piringer said. 

Credit: WUSA
WUSA9 reporter Nathan Baca testing out a fire escape ladder

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire. They believe the fire started in the living room.

"Folks are going to be basically starting over, finding a new place going into the Christmas holiday," Carden said. 

RELATED: VERIFY: The great Christmas tree debate, fake or real? Is one safer?

RELATED: Australian hospital 'overwhelmed' by $1.4M+ in donations for thirsty koalas in wildfire zones

Download the brand new WUSA9 app here.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.


Before You Leave, Check This Out