Chimney Fire Extends Into House

Frederick County Box 17-3. At 2015 hours, Station 8 units were dispatched for a chimney fire with possible extension at 9608 Fountain School Road. First arriving FC Engine 171 advised nothing showing as they proceeded back the farm lane, however, as they positioned on the Charlie/Delta corner, they updated the initial report to fire on the roof on Side Charlie. FC Tanker 17 proceeded back the lane as a 'nurse tanker' until water supply could be established and FC Engine 172 laid a supply line to the rear of FC Engine 171. FC Chief 17 arrived and assumed "Fountain School Command".

FC Engine 153 arrived as the supply engine at the end of the lane and "Command" began giving assignments as units arrived. FC Engine 171 crew quickly deployed and advanced an attack line into Side Charlie and up to the attic. Once there, they extinguished a small fire between the chimney and roof within seconds.

Engine 81 and Engine/Tanker 82 crews reported to the fire ground and Engine 81 crew was assigned to Division 2 to check for extension with FC Engine 153 crew. Assistant Chief 8-1 (Cartwright) was assigned as "Safety" and his crew remained outside in personnel staging.

Using a thermal imaging camera, Division 2 crews cleared the second floor with no extension. The Attic and Roof Division crew's removed some of the metal roofing around the chimney to complete the overhaul and used another thermal imaging camera to insure there were no remaining 'hot spots'.

Units were soon placed in-service after the fire was determined completely extinguished and hose lines were repacked. There were no injuries and the homeowners were permitted to remain in the house.

Station 8 was back in-service at 2132 hrs. Thanks to Engine/Tanker 54 (Taneytown) for transferring to Station 8.