ROCKVILLE, Md. — A vehicle fire broke out on the upper levels of a parking garage in Rockville Town Square on Friday afternoon, prompting a swift response from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and temporarily disrupting traffic at a major intersection.
The incident occurred at Parking Garage A, located at 300 Hungerford Drive, near the intersection of Beall Avenue—a central area frequented by shoppers, restaurant-goers, and residents of the surrounding community.
Fire Erupts on Fourth Floor of Garage
According to MCFRS spokesperson Pete Piringer, emergency crews were dispatched after smoke was seen billowing from the fourth floor of the multi-level parking structure. The fire involved a single electric vehicle, which officials confirmed was completely destroyed by the flames.
Despite the heavy smoke and fire conditions, no injuries were reported among the driver, bystanders, or first responders. Authorities have not released the make or model of the vehicle at this time.
No Sprinkler Activation, Yet Fire Contained
One surprising aspect of the incident was the failure of the building’s sprinkler system to activate during the fire. Firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the blaze using traditional suppression tactics, preventing flames from spreading to adjacent vehicles.
Despite the fire being confined to one vehicle, officials noted significant smoke and moderate structural damage to the parking garage itself. Fortunately, no nearby vehicles were damaged, and the fire did not affect surrounding businesses or residential buildings.
Investigation Finds Electrical Cause — But Not Battery-Related
Following the incident, fire investigators conducted an initial review and determined the cause of the fire to be accidental and electrical in nature. However, it is important to note that the source of the fire was not related to the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system—a frequent concern in cases involving electric vehicles.
This finding underscores the importance of distinguishing between battery-related fires, which often involve rapid thermal runaway and are more difficult to extinguish, and fires stemming from other electrical components, such as wiring malfunctions or onboard systems.
Community Response and Temporary Traffic Disruption
The fire led to a temporary closure of traffic at the intersection of Hungerford Drive and Beall Avenue as fire crews responded. Rockville City Police assisted in redirecting vehicles and securing the area while the incident was brought under control.
Shoppers and employees in the vicinity were advised to avoid the area until the scene was cleared. Normal traffic patterns resumed shortly after the fire was extinguished and smoke ventilation operations were completed.
Residents nearby described the scene as startling. “I saw black smoke rising above the garage from my apartment window,” said one local resident. “I thought it was just a small engine fire, but then I saw all the fire trucks and realized it was something more serious.”
MCFRS Applauds Quick Response and Public Safety Awareness
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue praised the rapid coordination of fire units and law enforcement, which allowed for a quick containment and ensured no one was harmed during the incident.
MCFRS also used the opportunity to encourage vehicle owners—especially those driving electric or hybrid models—to remain vigilant about any signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights, burning odors, or warning alerts on the dashboard.
While EVs have come under scrutiny in recent years due to fire risk concerns, experts point out that internal combustion engine vehicles are still statistically more likely to catch fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has consistently emphasized that all vehicle types carry fire risks and that proper maintenance is critical to vehicle safety.
Garage Safety Under Review
With some damage sustained to the structure of Parking Garage A, Rockville’s Department of Public Works is expected to conduct an inspection to determine whether any repairs or safety reinforcements are needed before reopening the affected level.
While the full cost of the damage has not yet been disclosed, the garage has reopened to the public, with Level 4 temporarily restricted as a precaution.
No Injuries Reported, but Caution Urged
Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire, and MCFRS has confirmed that there is no ongoing risk to the public. However, the incident has raised awareness about the potential vulnerabilities in multi-story parking structures, particularly in areas with a growing number of electric vehicles.
As EV adoption continues to grow across Montgomery County and beyond, local agencies may begin to revisit fire suppression infrastructure in public facilities to better handle such scenarios in the future.
We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available. For now, authorities urge residents and EV owners alike to remain informed, perform regular vehicle maintenance, and immediately report any suspicious odors, smoke, or warning signs.
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