Box 6-7. 13:23 hours; Stations 6, 5, 3 and 10 were dispatched for a “House Fire” at 2610 Baumgardner Road near Pleasant Valley. As units responded, “Carroll” (CCECC ) advised that a firefighter was on the scene with heavy fire and was requesting a 2nd Alarm. Engine 81 was dispatched to cover units that had failed to respond on the initial alarm. Moments later, the Rapid Intervention Dispatch was alerted, followed by the 2nd Alarm dispatch and soon after, the “Tanker Task Force” was alerted, of which Engine/Tanker 84 responded.

As units arrived, they found heavy fire showing from a 2 story/single family dwelling. Also burning, was a small shed next to the dwelling. “Baumgardner Command” was established and crews began deploying handlines and heavy attack lines to fight fire in the Defensive Mode. Quick assessment revealed that the floors had already burned through and had collapsed.

A water supply was established at a nearby open water source which allowed crews to continuously fight fire with no interruption of the water to the fireground during the entire incident. Engine 81’s crew were first assigned to ‘RIT’, but after it was determined that no interior firefighting would be conducted, they were reassigned to relieve the initial fire attack crews on the ‘Delta’ and ‘Charlie’ sides of the house and to complete the extinguishment of fire in the shed, along with Engine 101’s crew.

Engine 81’s crew then assisted with debris removal and overhaul for nearly 3 hours, while Engine/Tanker 84 continued to assist with water delivery to the scene during the entire incident. Engine 81 and Engine/Tanker 84 cleared the scene at 17:28 hours.

No injuries were reported, but the home and shed were a complete loss. Red Cross was on-scene to assist the home owners as well. The fire is under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office (MSFMO).

Thanks to Frederick County Engine 132 (Rocky Ridge) for covering the Union Bridge area during the incident.

Units/Departments: Stations 6, 5, 3, 10, 8, 9, 11, AC20, 2 and 4; CCSO, MSFMO, BG&E