A three-alarm fire at the Arrive Silver Spring apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring early Saturday morning resulted in the death of one woman, the critical condition of another, and the hospitalization of at least 15 others.
The fire also claimed the lives of three pets – two dogs and one cat.
Fire crews responded at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Saturday to Arrive Silver Spring (formerly The Point) at 8750 Georgia Ave., according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer.
Over 100 firefighters responded to the three-alarm fire, which started in the living room of a seventh-floor apartment.
Several people were also treated for smoke inhalation, and three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the rush to evacuate residents through smoke, Piringer said.
More @MontgomeryCoMD 8750 Georgia Av, The Arrive Apts more than 400 people/residents from 208 Apts are displaced; several residents/occupants were hospitalized; 1 resident & several pets died, 1 person is in critical condition, 3 firefighters were treated & released https://t.co/nXo13GRbwn pic.twitter.com/OmYzfA19ZI
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) February 18, 2023
Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said in a media briefing that the Arrive Silver Spring complex comprises two connected buildings with approximately 450 apartments in each building and 1,200 total residents. A sprinkler system was installed in some of the buildings, but it was limited to stairwells and other mechanical areas, Goldstein said. Sprinklers were not installed in the units or hallways.
The fire was contained to a single apartment and did not spread, Goldstein said.
There are currently more than 400 residents displaced by the fire. The Doubletree Hotel across the street provided immediate shelter for many residents. Workers from the county’s Department of Health and Human Services are responding to assist displaced residents, along with the Red Cross, Goldstein said. Overnight shelter is being provided at the Coffield Community Recreation Center.
Our @mcfrs hearts and thoughts go out to all those impacted by Saturday's fire at the Arrive Silver Spring Apartments.
⬇️Information below. Intake Center open & available to assist residents. Many partners on hand to help. @RedCrossNCGC @MoCoRec @MontgomeryCoMD pic.twitter.com/zohxzFo071
— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) February 19, 2023
Damages estimated at $2 million were caused by the fire, according to officials.
Photo: Pete Piringer / Twitter