A helping hand for fire victims

Firefighters and community groups are helping families who were uprooted after a Christmas Eve fire swept through their Prince George's County apartment building.

Residents from 15 apartments were displaced as a result of the Suitland area fire.

Firefighters salvaged Christmas presents from the damaged units, Prince George’s fire spokesman Mark Brady said. Prince George's County Toys for Tots arrived with new toys. And the American Red Cross helped the families find a place to stay.

The three-alarm fire erupted Thursday afternoon in a three-story garden-style apartment building at 6388 Maxwell Drive in the Suitland area.

A 27-year-old firefighter suffered burns and was hospitalized, Brady said. He was listed in good condition late Thursday.

The cause of the fire was not determined immediately. Officials estimate damage to the building at $1 million.

The apartment complex management is coordinating donations of toys or personal items for the families. Anyone who wants to help can call Wayne Tyler, manager, at 202-390-3016 or Ed Hampton, assistant manager at 301-899-8800.
-- Maria Glod