A woman died and another resident and two firefighters were injured following a house fire in Bethesda, according to officials.
A neighbor reported the fire at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. When the firefighters arrived at the home in the 9100 block of Charred Oak Drive, it already was engulfed in heavy smoke and fire, according to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire began on a counter in the kitchen of the home. It was ruled accidental, Piringer said.
Firefighters searched for the two residents and were able to help a man get out of the house. After an “aggressive” search, a woman was located, but she already had succumbed to the smoke and fire, Piringer said.
The man was reported in stable condition, and the firefighters were all treated and released, according to Piringer.
The home was equipped with smoke detectors, he noted.
He estimated damage at about $1 million, including $500,000 to the structure and $500,000 for the contents in the house. The house probably is a total loss, Piringer noted.
Update (4/14) Fatal House Fire; Charred Oak Dr; 1 civilian death, total 4 injuries including 1 civilian injury NLTI (rescued), 3 FF injuries all treated & released; Total Damage estimated $1M, including $500K structure & $500K contents; 1 family displaced https://t.co/XPk1mCK7Ie pic.twitter.com/VdiEXwv6hH
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 15, 2026
Update (130a, 4/15) 9100blk Charred Oak Dr; 2-sty house; neighbor called 911; 1 adult rescued by FFs; Origin/Cause, accidental, 1st floor kitchen, counter top; Damage >$800K; 1 civ death, 1 civ injury; 2 or 3 FF injured (all treated & released); smoke alarms present https://t.co/TWZd6drFtg pic.twitter.com/hUkgXD4Ios
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 15, 2026
