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Rockville, MD (April 3, 2025) – Emergency crews responded just after midnight Thursday to a fire at a three-story garden apartment on School Drive in Rockville, where Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) evacuated the building and assisted residents to safety.

According to official reports, a fire broke out on the first floor of the building, prompting a rapid response from fire units and emergency medical personnel. MCFRS firefighters safely evacuated occupants from all levels of the apartment complex as they worked to contain and extinguish the blaze.

At least one individual was evaluated by MCFRS Emergency Medical and Integrated Healthcare Services (EMIHS) for smoke inhalation or related injuries. The person’s condition has not been disclosed, and no additional injuries were reported at the time of this update.

The structure sustained fire damage to the first floor, though crews acted quickly to prevent the flames from spreading to upper levels. Residents were temporarily displaced as officials ensured the scene was safe and began an investigation into the cause of the fire.

We commend the quick actions of MCFRS responders and hope for a full recovery for the individual evaluated at the scene.

Residential Fires and Emergency Response in Montgomery County

Incidents like Thursday’s apartment fire on School Drive emphasize the critical role of rapid response and coordinated evacuation in preventing injury and loss of life. Garden-style apartment buildings—typically low-rise, multi-unit structures—can pose unique challenges during nighttime fires due to shared hallways, older building materials, and limited egress options.

Fires that begin on the first floor are particularly dangerous, as smoke and heat naturally rise, threatening residents on upper floors even before flames reach them. In this case, the prompt evacuation by MCFRS likely prevented further injuries and gave residents a safe path out of the building.

While the specific cause of the fire has not been released, common ignition sources in residential structures include cooking incidents, electrical malfunctions, space heaters, or unattended candles. In all cases, working smoke detectors, practiced evacuation plans, and fast response from trained professionals are essential in minimizing harm.

Montgomery County continues to provide public education and safety inspections to reduce fire risks in multi-family housing, particularly in densely populated areas like Rockville.

If you or your loved ones have been affected by this fire—through injury, displacement, or property loss—there are resources available to help you recover and get back on your feet.

At Local Accident Reports, we assist individuals impacted by residential emergencies by connecting them with local recovery services, healthcare options, and guidance on next steps. Whether you need medical support, housing resources, or legal advice, we’re here to help. Contact us today for compassionate, local support after a residential fire.

Rockville tenants are pleading with their city leaders to pass a rent stabilization law as prices soar. (7News)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Rockville tenants are pleading with their city leaders to pass a rent stabilization law.

Renters, who make up 50% of Rockville’s residents, tell 7News that prices have gotten out of control — and it's driving people out of the community.

"Rent stabilization is incredibly important at this moment," Grant Samms, the head of the Reed Tenant Association, said. "The neighbors that I’m surrounded by are quite different than the neighbors that I had two years ago... watching people move out of my apartment, watching them get evicted in many cases."

"I hate to see my neighbors have to leave this great community because of these outrageous rent increases," Chris Madden, the leader of the Huntington Tenant Association, said. "For seniors, especially, it’s very hard because they’re on a fixed income and moving is very difficult."

"I am really concerned about rent issues in this area," Eryn Adams, a member of the Huntington Tenant Association, said.

Montgomery County Council put a 6% ceiling on rent increases in July 2024, but since Rockville has its own housing authority, it's exempt from that law.

RELATED | Montgomery County caps rent hikes after approval of rent stabilization rules

Residents say it's about time Rockville had the same kind of rent control as the rest of the county.

"This neighborhood, specifically, this apartment complex has seen up to a 30% increase," Madden said.

"When rents go up that high, people have to move out," Samms added. "These are teachers. These are firefighters. These are EMS. That erodes the stability of our community."

It's a community that is already facing economic unknowns, as 13,000 federal workers and contractors have applied for unemployment across the DMV as of March 14.

SEE MORE | More than 13,000 federal workers, contractors apply for unemployment in the DMV

"We have had renters here who are federal workers that are currently feeling a lot of uncertainty with the layoffs," Madden said. "They need some semblance of certainty, at least about where they live."

"I am concerned about what this means for diversity in the area," Adams said. "This is one of my biggest concerns as someone who has seen minority communities get pushed out because of high rent prices."

"The city council of Rockville desperately needs to consider and pass this legislation," Samms said.

7News spoke with Councilmember Zola Shaw, who joined community members in their push for rent stabilization.

"Councilmember, your constituents have a lot of asks for Rockville City Council. How do you plan to take their requests and bring them to your colleagues?" reporter Lianna Golden asked.

"Well, actually, I think that my constituents are doing a great job talking to them directly and coming to City Hall. We’ve had hundreds of renters, landlords, all types of residents coming and sharing their story," Shaw replied. "It’s time for Rockville to have the same equal protections as the majority of our housing market."

The next city council meeting is Monday, March 24. This group hopes to sway the rest of the council to draft legislation as soon as possible.