Dryer Fire in Taneytown
 
By Captain Christopher Harris
April 18, 2016
 

Box Alarm 5-1. At 1332 hrs, Stations 5, 11, 8, Adams Co. 20, Frederick Co. Tower 6 and Command Support 8 were dispatched for a Building Fire, "Smoke coming from a basement window". The first unit on scene was Medic 58 confirming smoke from the basement of a two story apartment building.

Engine 81 arrived and took the "3rd Engine" assignment, laying a supply line from a second hydrant, to the rear of the structure (Side C). Handlines were stretched from Engine/Tanker 54 to the "Side C" basement access to extinguish the fire.

Engine 81's crew assisted with ventilation (PPV fan and Air Monitoring) to the structure, as crews from Stations 5, 11 and AC20 extinguished and checked for extension. Crews removed the dryer from the basement and ventilation continued for nearly 45 minutes; to clear smoke from the 4 apartments located in the building.

There were no injuries reported. The fire and subsequent damage was held to the room of origin. Maryland State Fire Marshals were on location to investigate the incident.

Engine 81 and Command Support 8 cleared the scene at 1437 hrs.

Units On-Scene: E/T-54, M-58, U-5, Chief 5 (Taneytown), E-111 (Harney), E-81, CS-8 (Union Bridge), AC E-202 (Littlestown), TW-3, Chief 3-1 (Westminster), AC TW-1 (Gettysburg), MSFMO FM-36, Taneytown Police.