Afternoon Shed Fire
 
By Captain Christopher Harris
March 31, 2015
 

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.

Units cleared the scene by 13:20hrs.

 
Units: E-81, RS-8, M-89 (Union Bridge), E/T-54, L-5 (Taneytown)