ASHTON-SANDY SPRING, Md. — A family is starting the holiday season looking for a place to stay after a fire ripped through their Sandy Spring home Thursday afternoon.
Firefighters with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to Alexander Manor Drive, off of Ednor Road, around 2:30 p.m. after neighbors called 911 to report the house fire in the area. Upon arrival, they found the home engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
At the time of the blaze, one person was in the home, and was alerted to the fire after smoke alarms were activated. They were able to get out of the home before firefighters arrived at the scene. Two dogs that were in the home were also rescued before the fire department arrived to tackle the fire.
Officials say the fire started in the garage of the home and was due to lithium-ion batteries charging. The fire was extinguished, but the family was displaced as photos show one side of the home completely gutted. The family consisted of three adults and two dogs.
No injuries were reported due to the large fire. The fire caused over $500,000 worth of damage.
WUSA9 wants to remind people to make sure to check anything you may have bought for the holiday with these batteries such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, hover boards, tools and even electric toothbrushes.