10 Injured, Three Critically, in Maryland Apartment Fire

FREDERICK, Md. (WJLA) – At least 10 people were injured in an apartment fire in Frederick, Maryland early Monday.

The fire occurred around 2 a.m. in the 1400 block of Key Parkway, originating in the back of the apartment building on the first floor and spreading to the second and third floors, according to officials.

Most of the building occupants were able to evacuate before firefighters arrived on scene.

Mauricio Flores said he was forced to escape through his bedroom window.

“When I woke up, I looked toward the door and I saw a bright light,” he said. “I tried to open it but the fire was too big. I tried to go out that way but couldn’t. I escaped through my bedroom window.”

About 70 firefighters battled the blaze which spread rapidly, damaging six units and causing about $100,000 dollars in damages.

“Units went to work quickly and had an aggressive fire attack, which quickly got under control,” said battallion chief Rusty Hahn of the Frederick County Fire Marshall.

Unfortunately, the quick sttack was not quick enough to prevent several injuries. According to authorities, a mother and her two children are in critical condition, including an infant who suffered burns to his legs.

Still, firefighters on the scene said, considering how massive the fire was, occupants are lucky they got out alive – even though more than two dozen won’t be able to return home.

“This was a pretty significant fire,” said Hahn. “[Luckily] the fire alarms were sounding, so it helped aid them in the evacuation.”

Red Cross representatives said they are assisting about 12 families that have been displaced.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.