2-Alarm Fire Causes Residents To Evacuate Greenbelt Apartments

(Updated at 3:37 p.m.): GREENBELT, MD — Firefighters are on the scene of a two-alarm fire in an apartment building in Greenbelt Friday afternoon, officials said.

The blaze was reported around 1 p.m. at the Franklin Square Apartments, formerly known as Springhill Lake Apartments, at 9004 Breezwood Terrace.

Firefighters evacuated the building as heavy flames and smoke overcome the area.

Prince George's County Fire Department Chief Spokesperson Mark Brady said the bulk of the fire is out as of around 1:45 p.m. There are no injuries reported at this time.

At least 11 apartments in the building will be displaced. Evacuated residents can report to Community Center for assistance, Brady said.

Brady said residents told members of the media that they smelled gas in the same building Thursday.

"Prince George's Fire Department investigated on Thursday and attributed odor to a lawnmower found in a 1st floor apartment. The cause and origin of today’s fire is under investigation," Brady said.

The Red Cross will assist displaced residents.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

(Photo: screen grab of Brady's video, photos from Montgomery County Fire & Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer)