Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

An Internationally Accredited Public Safety Agency

NEWS ADVISORY
Richard Bowers, Fire Chief
Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor,
Rockville, Maryland

Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Public Information Officer

Phone: 301-503-6113 – Media line – 240.777.2442

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2011

Seneca Creek Wildland Fire –Final Investigation

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials have released the final

investigative report of the Seneca Creek wildland fire which occurred on Saturday,

February 19, 2011. The fire began at approximately 9:30 a.m. and burned

approximately 500 acres.

Investigators have determined after careful analysis and examination of the fire

scene, conducting numerous interviews with residents and other officials that the fire

originated in the area of the 17100 block of Germantown Road. The fire was fanned by

strong winds, dry conditions and traveled southeast along the surrounding forested

area where it was stopped by fire crews in the Ancient Oaks North subdivision. During

the investigation of the fire scene, investigators observed evidence of human activity,

including but not limited to, discarded smoking materials, food and drink containers,

rubbish, vehicle tire marks including conventional vehicles and four wheel all terrain

vehicles (ATV), as well as the remains from tree cutting operations. Due to the large

area involved and the amount of fire damage, the exact origin, cause and first material

ignited are undetermined.

 Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials would like to remind all county

residents that if they see people illegally dumping yard waste or trash of any kind to

report it right away to 311.

Remember – See Something, Say Something.

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