Family escapes early morning fire that damaged Silver Spring home; teen charged with arson

SILVER SPRING, md. - A 19-year-old faces arson charges after an early morning fire that damaged a home in Montgomery County.

The fire happened around 2:30 a.m. in the 16000 block of Sea Island Court in Silver Spring.

Officials say a smoke alarm alerted the family to the fire. They delayed their call to emergency crews while they tried to put out the blaze themselves.

Eventually a second alarm was called and more than 70 firefighters responded.

Frigid temperatures made the fire extremely difficult to extinguish. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

An unidentified 19-year-old was charged with one count of first degree arson and three counts of reckless endangerment in connection with the fire. Authorities estimate damages at more than $350,000.