Box 3-25. At around 2215 hrs., Station 3 (Westminster) was dispatched to investigate a fire in the woods in the 1300 block of Western Chapel Road. While enroute, Carroll County EOC upgraded the assignment to a Box Alarm for a House Fire at 1325 Western Chapel Road, the scene of a fire that had occurred on December 23, 2014. As units arrived, it was confirmed that there was a "Working Fire" at the location and that fire was "Through-the-Roof". Brush 35 requested the "Tanker Task Force".
Engine 101 (New Windsor) was the first engine to arrive and laid supply line up the steep driveway. Captain 3 assumed "Western Chapel Command" and requested the "Working Fire Dispatch". An initial interior attack was made by the crew from Engine 101, but they were quickly pulled out and a defensive operation was established.
A water supply system was also quickly established by Chief 10. Engine 102 supplied the fire ground from portable tanks within 15 minutes, while Brush 105 and Special Unit 6 established drafting sites for filling tankers. Station 8 crews assisted with fire ground operations and water supply operations during the incident. A Maryland State Fire Marshal was also called to the scene to investigate the incident.
About 60 firefighters were on scene and the fire was placed under control in about 2 hours. The house was scheduled for demolition, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries reported.
Westminster (E-33, B-35, U-3, Chief 3, Chief 3-1, PM-37); New Windsor (E-101, E-102, B-105, U-10-1); Union Bridge (E-81, ET-82, CS-8); Pleasant Valley (E-63, TT-6); Gamber (ET-133); Manchester (ET-44); Taneytown (L-5); Maryland State Fire Marshals Office; Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Box 3-25. Fire in the woods. Site of previous house fire in December 2014. Photo: Facebook (Carroll Fire Wire)
Box 3-25. The aftermath of the 2nd fire. Photo: Facebook (Carroll Fire Wire)
Box 3-25. Photo: Tanker operations. Capt. C. Harris
Box 3-25. Photo: Portable tank operations. Capt. C. Harris