More News

Eight county firefighters suffered minor injuries Sunday night while battling a house fire in College Heights Estates, according to Prince George's County fire officials.

The firefighters suffered minor burns, sprains, lacerations and exhaustion while extinguishing the blaze at 7016 Partridge Place in College Heights Estates near University Park, said county fire department spokesman Mark Brady. All eight were treated at local hospitals and released early Monday morning.

About 80 firefighters and medics reported to the scene shortly after 11 p.m., coming from areas including College Park, Hyattsville and Montgomery County. They put out much of the fire within the first hour but remained on the scene until Monday morning to ensure it had been fully extinguished.

The two-story house was home to a family of five — parents David and Emelia Furlong and their three children ages 6, 7 and 9 — all of whom were inside when the fire started. David Furlong was woken by a smoke alarm and helped his family escape to a neighbor's house where they called 911 at about 11 p.m.

"He gathered them up very quickly and escaped," Brady said. "There's no need to stay inside the home during a fire."

Officials believe the fire was accidental and likely started in the living room. Brady said investigators had not yet specified whether the cause was electrical.

The blaze caused about $700,000 in damage, Brady said, and the family is currently staying with a neighbor. He added that the home could eventually be salvaged, due in large part to its sturdy build.

"These homes ... are large and they're well constructed homes," he said. "While the interior of the house is totaled, it is capable of being rebuilt."

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church has set up a fund for the Furlong family, requesting monetary donations and gift cards. The church is located at 4902 Berwyn Road in College Park.

E-mail David Hill at dhill@gazette.net.