FireScenes.Net

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue units from the 2nd Battalion and NIH (National Institutes of Health) company 51 responded to the HazMat incident/leaking propane tank on Fairfax Road in Bethesda on Monday.  Due to the explosive danger from the leak, evacuations of the surrounding neighborhood were ordered by the commanding officers.  The BCCRS (Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad) Rescue 1 team initiated the evacuation of residents on Fairfax Road leading the residents out of the hot zone to a safe location.  Buses were brought in as well as EMS units to provide refreshments and aid to the evacuated residents.

HazMat 707’s crew worked to mitigate the leak by flaring/burning off the propane throughout the afternoon.  The entire incident lasted approximately 5-6 hours.