A Rockville resident was charged with first degree arson after allegedly “intentionally setting fire” to their apartment at the Bethesda Park Condominiums on Braxfield Court near Parklawn Drive Tuesday, according to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
A neighbor in the adjacent third floor unit was injured and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Damage to the complex is estimated to be $75,000, said Piringer.
The fire at the four-story condo building was mostly was contained to the apartment where the person of interest lived. Some residents were evacuated.
In addition to first-degree arson, the resident was charged with one count of threat to burn and one count of reckless endangerment.
About 65 firefighters responded to the scene.
Update – Bethesda Park Condos, Braxfield Ct & Parklawn Dr, 4-sty apt, fire extinguished on 3rd floor, several residents assisted from bldg, occupant of adjacent apt transported by @MCFRS_EMIHS w/ NLTI, ~65 FFs on scene, several families will be displaced https://t.co/rERJbczTGx pic.twitter.com/LEtCtmauam
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) October 28, 2025
