While a "Working House Fire" was occurring in Thurmont (Frederick County), Engine 81 was dispatched to transfer to Woodsboro, Frederick County Station 16. Enroute to the transfer, Engine 81, along with Engine/Tanker 84, Rescue Squad 8 and Medic 89 were dispatched to Frederick County Box 17-19 at 21:45 hours, for a reported "House Fire" at 10509 Renner Road in Johnsville.

All Station 8 units were responding within 2 minutes of dispatch. Frederick County Chief 17 (Libertytown) was first to arrive, advising nothing evident with a possible heat pump smoking. Engine 81 arrived moments later as Chief 17 upgraded the initial report with smoke in the house. The house had been evacuated prior to arrival. An 1 3/4" Attack Line was pulled into the garage with smoke conditions worsening as they proceeded to the basement using updated information from the homes occupants.

As other units arrived, "Renner Road Command" was established and assignments were given to the first Engine (Engine 81 - Basement Division), the second Engine (FC Engine 172 - Division 1) and the first due special service (Rescue Squad 8 - Basement Division/Utilities). All other units were advised to take a "Level 1 Staging" position.

Engine 81's crew advanced the line into the basement and extinguished what appeared to be a small fire in the C/D corner of the basement area. Upon opening up the ceiling, additional fire was found. Immediately, a second 1 3/4" Attack Line was stretched to the 'Delta' Side basement entrance while firefighters gained access through the bilco style doors. The area of the fire was near the electrical panel, directly beside of the exterior basement entrance. Crews were unable to secure the power since a majority of the breakers were melted or broken off. Crews continued, for more than an hour, to overhaul and search for more fire, while waiting for Potomac Edison to arrive and secure the power from the street.

After Potomac Edison arrived, they disconnected the power to the residence, allowing firefighters to remove the electrical panel from the wall, where they found the entire inside of the panel had burned. This was determined to be where the fire started, possibly due to an electrical short or grounding issue.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the basement, with damage from smoke, fire and overhaul operations to the basement and first floor over the fire. Ventilation fans were used to remove a majority of the smoke. About 45 firefighters responded to the call and no injuries reported. Units were released as the incident was brought under control and all units were able to return to service after about 2 hours.

Station 8 Units: E-81, E/T-84, RS-8, M-89, Chief 8

Other Units: FCE-172, FCTa-17, FCA-179, FC Chief 17 (Libertytown); E-52, L-5 (Taneytown); E-101 (New Windsor), FCE-152 (New Market); FCTa-9 (New Midway); FC Safety 900

Thanks to Winfield Engine 141 for covering the Union Bridge area.