SILVER SPRING, Md. (WUSA*9) -- Several businesses in downtown Silver Spring suffered significant damage from a 2-alarm fire that broke out early Thursday morning.
According to Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, patrons of the Quarry House Tavern noticed smoke in the establishment around 1:00 a.m. When they went to investigate the cause, they found flames and called 911. Firefighters arrived on the scene quickly and discovered heavy fire conditions. A second alarm was requested, which brought a total of 100 firefighters to the scene.
Piringer says the blaze was brought under control quickly, but not before it inflicted serious damage inside the Bombay Gaylord Indian Restaurant, the Mandarin Chinese Restaurant, and The Quarry House Tavern. The Bombay Gaylord Restaurant suffered the most significant damage, but the total toll is estimated at $750,000.
No civilians were injured in the fire, however one firefighter suffered a minor burn injury to his hand.
Piringer says the investigation is underway, however the cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical problem. While working to douse the flames, fire crews also discovered what appears to be an illegal residential area set up on the second floor of the building, above the chinese restaurant. Piringer says a dozen residents have been displaced by the fire. Code investigators are on the scene and looking into other possible violations.
The fire shut down Georgia Avenue for a couple hours. Later, only the northbound lanes were affected between Wayne Ave and Thayer Avenue. All lanes of Georgia Avenue reopened shortly after 5:00 a.m.
