Three Montgomery County (web|news) firefighters remained hospitalized Monday morning after they were injured battling a deadly fire at a Rockville apartment building on Saturday.
Authorities say fire tore through multiple apartments in the Halpine View Apartments early Saturday. Investigators believe the fire started in the second-floor bedroom of resident Timothy Moran. Moran died of burns and smoke inhalation, police said.
Montgomery County fire department spokesman Pete Piringer says firefighters rescued at least four people from the building. Two firefighters had to jump out a second-floor window to safety when the third floor collapsed the second.
Fire Captain Dwayne Dutrow, Firefighter James Heikka and Firefighter Mark Mechlin were all taken to Washington Hospital following the incident.
Dutrow is listed in serious, but stable condition with burns to his arms, legs, face and hands. He also has internal injuries and orthopedic injuries.
Heikka is also in serious condition with burns to his arms and legs. He also suffered facial lacerations.
Mechlin, who was the last to be pulled from the fire, is said to be in good condition with minor burns to his legs.
Piringer says at least 20 families were forced to flee their apartments in the three-story building in the 12800 block of Twinbrook Parkway.
Fire investigators believe the cause of the blaze to be accidental, although they have yet to pinpoint the exact reason.
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