“The safety and welfare of our residents is a top priority for the County. We know firsthand the devastation a fire in an apartment building can have on residents, families and our whole community,” said Councilmember Stewart. “This bill ensures our Fire and Rescue personnel have the equipment they need to assist people in evacuating smoke-filled buildings during a fire. Here in Montgomery County, we are leading the nation in fire safety.” 

Smoke escape hoods are heat-resistant hoods with filters designed to protect the eyes, face, and lungs from toxic smoke and gasses during a fire emergency. Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death during a building fire, and extended inhalation of toxic smoke and chemicals can cause sustained and life-altering injuries to survivors.

This lifesaving tool has been recently introduced into the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) toolbox, making Montgomery County one of the first jurisdictions in the country to use this device. MCFRS acquired a limited number of smoke escape hoods due to the generous donation of the family of Melanie Diaz, who died in the Silver Spring Arrive apartment fire in 2023. 

Bill 43-26, Fire Safety - Smoke Escape Hoods in Multifamily Residential Rental Buildings, would set a minimum number of hoods at five percent of the building's occupancy. The legislation would also authorize the director of the Department of Permitting Services to increase the number of hoods required, if needed, not to exceed 10 percent of a building’s occupancy. 

Council President Natali Fani-González, Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Shebra Evans, Dawn Luedtke, Kristin Mink, and Laurie-Anne Sayles are cosponsors. A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6. 

View the staff report for more details.