House Fire on Buffalo Road

 
By PIO Doug Alexander
March 8, 2026
 

On March 7 at 2039 hours (8:39 pm), MAVFC and surrounding area companies were dispatched to the 5300 block of Buffalo Road for a house fire. First arriving Chief 1 immediately established command and had E12 crew take a handline into the house to begin extinguishment. A quick knock down was put on the fire, however there was a significant amount of overhaul due to the house being a log cabin with balloon construction and many coverings and additions made to the structure. Frederick E172 crew brought in a second hose line to the rear of the house, T1 crew laddered the roof with the aerial and also provided ground ladders around the outside of the house. A ventilation hole needed to be cut in the roof which was handled off of the aerial ladder of T1. The fire was controlled within 25 minutes of arrival of the first units.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Units were at the scene for approximately 2 1/2 hours. The incident was investigated by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's office and determined to be accidental in nature. The Red Cross is assisting the residents with shelter. Damage to the house was significant and rendered the house uninhabitable. No dollar estimate is available at this time.
Units from Carroll, Frederick, and Howard counties responded to the call with 15 units and approximately 40 personnel.

 
Units: Engine 12, Truck 1, Chief 1, Chief 1-2, U1, M19, Canteen
 
Mutual Aid: FE172, FTT17, E142, TT14, HE41, RE101, HTT4, FRS15