At approximately 2230 hours (1030 pm) July 24th, units from the MAVFC and Lisbon VFD were dispatched for a detached garage fire in the 2400 block of Flag Marsh Road. MAVFC apparatus responded quickly with combined volunteer and career staffing and while enroute, were advised by Carroll County 911 dispatchers that the fire was extending to the residential home and they were filling out the house fire assignment for additional units to respond. Units arrived shortly thereafter to find a detached garage fully involved with fire approximately 20 feet from the house.

Chief 1 established incident command while the crew from Engine 12 stretched hand lines for extinguishment and the crew from Truck 1 assisted with ensuring the fire had not made it into the house. Tanker 1 worked with the driver of Engine 12 to establish a water supply and Howard Engine 41 arrived and deployed an additional handline to help with fire attack. CCDFEMS Ops 101 assisted command and EMS set-up to provide care as necessary. Water supplies were also designated for tankers due to the rural setting of this incident.

Crews began an aggressive attack knocking down the bulk of the fire quickly and preventing any extension to the house.

While initial operations were occurring, crews identified what they thought were live electrical lines arcing. Shortly after that determination, a MAYDAY was initiated by crews who observed a firefighter go down while operating in the area of the electrical arcing. Multiple crews went into action quickly and seamlessly to assist the firefighter and remove them from the area for evaluation by EMS and clear the MAYDAY. It was later determined that there were no live electrical lines, but significant sparks and arcing occurred when hose streams hit combustible metal during fire attack.

Once the MAYDAY was cleared, crews continued extinguishment efforts, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist. Crews operated for approximately 3 hours, and the origin and cause investigation was completed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

We are happy to report that the firefighter taken to the hospital is okay and we are proud of all the personnel who operated on this incident.