On Wednesday, February 4th at 1628 hours (4:28 pm), Box Alarm 01-15 was dispatched for a house fire in the 1000 block of Village Oaks Drive which is within the town limits. The initial 911 caller reported smoke in the garage.

Engine 12 responded quickly with MAVFC Volunteers and Carroll County DFEMS career personnel. Montgomery County Chief 717B arrived on the scene first with smoke showing from a one-story, single-family house. The rapid intervention dispatch was started, and all occupants were accounted for outside the residence. Engine 12 secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and quickly deployed a handline for extinguishment.

Truck 1 arrived shortly thereafter and began placing ladders on the building for egress and checking the basement for fire. Crews found a basement fire that had extended into the first floor and was also traveling through the walls. A coordinated attack with hose lines on each floor quickly extinguished the visible fire. Searches were negative confirming the report of all occupants exiting the home prior to the fire department arrival. Crews encountered significant snow and ice buildup from recent weather but were able to navigate the conditions quickly to begin and carry out operations.

Crews from Rescue 1, Montgomery Engine 713, Frederick Engine 153 and Squad 15 along with Howard Engine 41 arrived on-scene, established continuous water supply and assisted on the interior and exterior with opening up to ensure no fire extension. Frederick Engine 251 established rapid intervention preparations and EMS crews stood by for any medical emergencies.

When the fire was confirmed out, crews performed salvage and overhaul operations while the Frederick County Office of the Fire Marshal completed an origin and cause investigation. No Damage estimates were available yet however, significant fire damage was done to the basement and some first-floor area with smoke damage throughout the entire structure.

Residents were taken care of on the scene and the Town of Mount Airy Water and Streets personnel assisted crews. Personnel operated for approximately two hours on the incident. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.