Firefighters say a blaze at a decades-old Maryland tavern in a Washington, D.C. suburb has caused damage costing roughly $500,000.
Pete Piringer with Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service tells WTTG-TV it appears the flames at Hank Dietle’s Tavern in Rockville were caused accidentally. Dozens of firefighters worked several hours overnight to control the blaze after it had been reported early Wednesday.
Hank Dietle’s opened in the 1950s after a fire destroyed the establishment that preceded it at the same location. The tavern featured live music and drinks.
Piringer says discarded smoking materials likely started the fire.
Information from: WTTG-TV
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Insurance Broker Stocks Sink as AI App Sparks Disruption Fears 
Jury Finds Johnson & Johnson Liable for Cancer in Latest Talc Trial 
Viewpoint: Runoff Specialists Have Evolved Into Key Strategic Partners for Insurers 
AIG’s Zaffino: Outcomes From AI Use Went From ‘Aspirational’ to ‘Beyond Expectations’ 
