Fire in Frederick County
 
By Captain Christopher Harris
January 3, 2015
 

Frederick County Box 17-36. At 0155 hrs, Station 8 units were dispatched for a house fire at 12924 Molasses Road (Playland Farm). First arriving Chief 8-1 (Cartwright) reported heavy fire from the roof on Side ‘A’ and as he completed his radio transmission, the roof of part of the structure collapsed. The nearly 6,000 square foot house consisted of several additions.

Engine 81 arrived first, but became stuck in mud at the entrance. Arriving moments later, FC Engine 172 laid a supply line to Side ‘A’. Two (2) attack lines were quickly placed in-service, making an aggressive "Defensive Attack", as FC Tanker 17 arrived and positioned beside FC Engine 172, providing the initial supply of water. As additional crews arrived, a “Blitzfire” was positioned by Engine 81’s crew on Side ‘C’, as well as a “Heavy Attack Line” (2”) by Engine/Tanker 82’s crew near the same location.

FC Quint 11 and CC Ladder 5 positioned behind FC 172 and began elevated master stream operations after a water supply was established. Crews were able to stop the progression of fire quickly, but had many hours of salvage and overhaul operations to complete.

Command was established by Frederick County personnel and the fire was reported by Command, to be “OUT” at around 0700 hrs. There were two (2) occupants in the home at the time and were able to evacuate before the arrival of fire services. There were no injuries to any of the occupants, but one dog perished.

During the fire, Engine 43 (Manchester) transferred to Station 8 and at around 0715 hrs, were dispatched on Box 10-9, for a report of a house fire in the area of Route 31 and Marston Rd (Near New Windsor). That incident turned out to be heavy smoke from a chimney and units were quickly cleared from that incident.

All Station 8 units returned to the station by 0800 hrs. Thanks to Station 4 for covering our station during the incident.

 
Units: Engine 81, Engine/Tanker 82, Chief 8-1