Box 8-6. Fire/Rescue units from Carroll and Frederick Counties were dispatch for a "Bedroom Fire" at 931 Francis Scott Key Highway in Keymar at 16:09 hrs. A second call to 911 advised that the fire had been knocked down with a fire extinguisher but were unable to determine if the fire had been completely extinguished.
Engine 81, Frederick Co. Engine/Tanker 94, Chief 8 (Green) and Chief 8-1 (Cartwright) arrived at 16:19 hrs and Chief 8 assumed "Keymar Command". FC Engine/Tanker 94's crew stretched a 1 3/4" hand line into the front door of the house and found only smoke and heat conditions existed, with no fire visible on the second floor. Ladder 5 positioned on 'Side A' and initially set-up ground ladders on all four sides of the house. Ladder 5 also set-up a Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan on 'Side A', while Rescue Squad 8's crew disabled the utilities (electric/water). A quick assessment by interior crews also found that there was no extension of fire into the structure.
After only a few minutes, the fire was placed "Under Control" and at 16:37 hrs, "Command" held Engine 81, FC Engine/Tanker 94 and Ladder 5 to complete salvage and overhaul operations.
Damage was contained to the second floor including heat and smoke damage. It was determined that a small electric space heater on top of a TV inside of a TV cabinet was the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. "Keymar Command" was terminated and all units were cleared from the scene at 17:03 hrs.
With temperatures remaining at or below 32 degrees (F), many people will use alternative space heating devices in their homes and businesses. We would like to remind everyone to turn these devices 'off' before leaving the space where you are using them. NEVER leave them 'on', unattended. Also, check your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. They can save your life and property by letting you know there is smoke in the area they are located. For more information concerning fire safety, checkout our 'Fire Prevention' page.
Units:
E81, RS8, E/T82, Chief 8, Chief 8-1
Mutual Aid:
FC E/T94 (New Midway), L5, E/T54, PM59 (Taneytown), FC E132 (Rocky Ridge), B105 (New Windsor): Other units from New Windsor, Harney, Graceham and Emmitsburg were dispatched but were cancelled enroute.
BOX 8-6. "Bedroom Fire". Photo: Lt. C. Harris
BOX 8-6. With the fire out, crews begin salvage/overhaul operations. Photo: Lt. C. Harris
BOX 8-6. 'Side B'. The windows on the second floor were opened to remove smoke and heat. No extension of fire into the structure was found. Photo: Lt. C. Harris
BOX 8-6. The heater was found burned/melted on top of the TV which was located in the TV cabinet. Photo: Lt. C. Harris
BOX 8-6. The TV cabinet was in this corner of the bedroom. High heat and smoke damage occurred to the bedroom walls and ceiling. Photo: Lt. C. Harris
