Box 3-25. At 0249 hrs., Station 8 units were dispatched (3rd Engine/1st Tanker/Command Support) to assist Station 3 units on a house fire at 1329 Western Chapel Rd near Westminster. While units were enroute, "Carroll" advised that the caller said the fire was on the porch, but was burning to the inside of the house.

Chief 3-1 (Starry) arrived first to find a one and a half story log cabin dwelling with 50% involvement. Engines from Stations 3 and 10 were first on location and completed a "split lay" on the long driveway. Chief 3-1 established "Western Chapel Road Command" and requested a 'tanker task force' and a 'working fire dispatch'.

The engine crews coordinated a "Transitional Fire Attack" and entered the dwelling after a portion of the fire was knocked down from the exterior. With less than 2000 gallons of water between Engine 33 and Engine 101, the bulk of the interior fire was "Knocked" as other crews began to arrive. Water supply was quickly established as additional fire ground crews began to stretch additional lines, throw ladders and tend to the lone occupant of the residence, who was not injured. Since there was no room for additional apparatus near the structure, ground and roof ladders were carried from apparatus on the road, back the long driveway.

The fire proved to be very difficult to extinguish due to the type of construction. Though the majority of the fire was extinguished within 15 minutes, fire located in the ceiling/roof required extensive overhaul. Crews armed with chainsaws, hooks and other tools had to remove large portions of roof material to extinguish flames and 'hot spots'. This took more than a couple of hours to complete.

Damage to the home was extensive, including the structure, furnishings and personal belongings. Firefighters were able to salvage some personal items. At approximately 0630 hrs, crews began clearing from the scene.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting the investigation on this highly suspicious fire. No injuries were reported.

Station 8: E-81, E/T-82, CS-8, A-89

Other: Station 3, Station 10, Station 6, Station 9, Station 5, Station 14, Station 2, Station 13, Station 7

Photos: Captain C. Harris and Chief C. Green