| Just after 0400 hours (4:00 am) on Saturday February 23, units were dispatched for a house fire in the 6800 block of Buffalo Road. Engine 12 and Paramedic 18 were able to see fire upon leaving the station thus confirming a working fire. On arrival, Engine 12 determined the house was vacant and had been for quite some time and set-up for defensive operations due to the large volume of fire in a significant portion of the house. Chief 1 arrived and assumed command and along with Duty 14, set-up a plan for water supply and fire attack.
Hose streams were applied using Engine 12 and Tanker 1 until a water supply could be set-up at the hydrant system in town over 1000 feet away. Once the water supply was established, large volume hoselines were put in use to try and knock down the fire. This proved ineffective as the fire had taken control of a majority of the building and the hose streams could not reach the seat of the fire. After an extended period of crews opening up the boarded up windows and entrances to get better extinguishment there was no progress.
Command at this point made the determination to let the structure burn due to the safety concerns of crews operating close to the building and the inability to effectively extinguish the fire. At this point, crews monitored the area and made sure that the fire was contained to the structure and did not burn any electrical wires or brush around the building. Personnel were able to place hazard tape up and allow the remains to burn off.
The fire will continue to smolder for sometime until all the fuel is consumed and produce some smoke in the area. The fire company continues to monitor the fire and is confident that it is contained with no hazards outside of the taped off area.
Crews operated for approximately 3 hours at the scene. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office is currently investigating the incident for origin and cause. The house was totally destroyed. |
