09/20/00
Fire investigators believe a candle left unattended started a three-alarm fire at Woodlake Apartments in the 14100 block of Castle Boulevard in Burtonsville Friday afternoon.
Just after noon, firefighters from Burtonsville arrived on the scene with smoke and fire visible from the fourth floor and from the attic. The fire caused about $1 million in damages and forced about 28 families from their homes, said Capt. Pat Spevak, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.
"Twelve engines and six ladders responded to the fire," Spevak said. "Some units kept watch over the scene through the night." The Fire Department was further hampered by the closest hydrant being out of order.
After the fire, the Red Cross put most of the families up in a nearby hotel. Three firefighters, who suffered burns putting out the flames, were treated and released from local hospitals.
Spevak said no action would be taken on the occupant of the apartment where the fire started, unless the fire is found to be intentional. However, he said, fire officials might visit area homes to inform residents of how to avoid becoming fire victims. Some units were on the scene for over 8 hours.
Parts of this story were written and copyrighted by the Montgomery Gazette.
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