On Tuesday, February 20, at 2232 hours (10:32 PM), the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding companies were dispatched to the Mount Airy Apartments (200 block of Watersville Road) for a report of a building fire.

Chief 1 arrived first on scene to find a two- story apartment building with nothing evident from the exterior and established command. Upon investigation, Engine 12 reported smoke on the second floor and pulled a handline, and further found a kitchen fire that had been kept in check by the homeowner with a fire extinguisher. Engine 12 and Truck 1, staffed by career and volunteer personnel, hit hot spots and opened up the surrounding area to check for further extension. The fire was contained to the kitchen cabinets.

The origin of the fire was in the kitchen and the cause was determined to be accidental from improper handling of cooking materials. The incident was handled by the MAVFC units. Crews operated for approximately 30 minutes before returning to service.