Montgomery County, MD – Multiple overnight house fires across Maryland and Virginia prompted major emergency responses, and investigators now confirm that at least two of the Maryland fires were caused by space heaters placed too close to flammable materials.
A neighbor described waking up to the sound of emergency crews and seeing thick smoke pouring from a home along Gordon Road in the White Oak area. One resident was rescued from that house and taken to the hospital as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, the fire began around 2:30 a.m. Saturday after a space heater positioned on top of a dresser ignited nearby combustibles.
First Fire in White Oak Driven by Combustible Materials Near Heater
Fire investigators say the heater that sparked the White Oak incident was running on a bedroom dresser when surrounding items began to burn. Within minutes, the fire spread through the room, producing heavy smoke seen by neighbors several houses away.
A nearby resident, Kirk, said he was stunned by how quickly flames overtook the room.
“There was smoke billowing out from these two windows,” he recalled. “Fifteen to 20 firemen and women in uniform right out here on the front yard. It was quite a response.”
Officials say the quick rescue prevented more severe injuries and credited the neighbor’s early 911 call for speeding the response.
Second Montgomery County Fire Linked to a Space Heater
Just hours earlier, firefighters responded to another home on Randolph Road near Judson Road in Glenmont after reports of flames coming from a bedroom. Fire leaders confirmed that this incident also began with a small electric space heater.
At least one person and a dog were displaced by the Glenmont fire. Investigators are now reviewing whether the heater malfunctioned, overheated, or ignited something positioned too close to it.
These two incidents occurred within the same 24-hour period, raising concern among county officials as colder temperatures push more households to rely on supplemental heating devices.
Safety Officials Urge Residents to Follow Heater Guidelines
After the back-to-back fires, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue issued an urgent reminder about safe heater usage. The leading risks involve heaters placed too close to curtains, bedding, clothing, or furniture, or those plugged improperly into extension cords.
Officials recommend the following steps:
• Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn
• Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, not into power strips or extension cords
• Always turn heaters off and unplug them before leaving the room or going to sleep
Fire leaders emphasized that these precautions significantly lower the risk of a sudden ignition, especially overnight when residents may not notice early warning signs.
Separate Virginia House Fire Sends Multiple People to Hospital
Across the state line in Fairfax County, emergency crews responded around the same time to a house fire on Guinea Road in Kings Park West, Virginia. At least two people were rescued, and three residents were transported to a hospital alongside one firefighter who also required medical attention.
The cause of that fire is still under investigation, and officials have not yet linked it to heater use.
Winter Fire Risks Rising Across the Region
As temperatures drop each winter, fire departments across Maryland and Virginia see an increase in heater-related emergencies. Bedrooms are the most common ignition point due to compact spaces, fabric materials, and extended heater use at night.
Both Montgomery County and Fairfax County fire officials say families should check smoke alarms, plan escape routes, and keep heating devices properly maintained to lower the risk of similar overnight emergencies.
Authorities are expected to release additional findings once investigations in both states are complete.
If you live in Montgomery County or Fairfax County, share whether you rely on space heaters during winter and what safety steps you take at home.
