Structure Alarm 8-2. At 12:22hrs, Stations 8 and 5 were dispatched for a small shed fire at 1075 Hapes Mill Road. While units were enroute, “Carroll” advised that an off-duty Battalion Chief from Frederick County was on-scene with a working fire and had requested a supply line to be laid back the lane. As Engine 81 approached, the off-duty Battalion Chief had re-contacted “Carroll” to advise that a supply line may not be necessary.
Upon arrival of Engine 81 at 12:34hrs, it was found that the shed was actually a large 'open side' pole barn with smoke showing. The off-duty Battalion Chief used a garden hose to slow the progression of fire until an Attack Line could be placed in-service. Captain 8 (Harris) established “Hapes Mill Road Command” and the crew from Engine 81 deployed an 1 ¾” Attack Line to quickly extinguish the fire. The incident was placed under control at 12:40hrs with crews working to overhaul. Engine/Tanker 54 arrived to provide additional water if need and their crew assisted with overhaul.
It was determined that the fire was started by a heat lamp used to warm chickens, that was too close to combustible materials. The total damage is estimated to be $11,000. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
Structure Alarm 8-2. Crews work to quickly extinguish the fire. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. Crews working to overhaul. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. A large amount of damage occurred to the structure, but the fire was extinguished quickly. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. Overhaul. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. This heat lamp was used to warm chickens in a pen. Large amounts of straw, used as bedding, appeared to have caught fire and extended into the structure. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. With no back-up available on the ladder, Sgt. M. Storey is given a garden hose to extinguish fire in the soffit area. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. Damage from the fire was extensive. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Structure Alarm 8-2. Crews from Stations 8 and 5, worked for about 40 minutes to insure the fire was completely extinguished. Photo: Capt. C. Harris