November 17, 2016
In the early morning hours of November 17th, Fireboard started dropping tones for the reports of a working house fire at 23576 Hollywood Road. At 0234, Engine Companies 1, 7, 9, and 5 along with Truck 1, Tower 9, and Squad 5 were alerted for the call.
Shortly after dispatch, Engine-91 (Lt. Yount) responded with 4 volunteers. Shortly thereafter, Tower-9 (Assistant Chief Burroughs) responded with another 3 volunteers.
While en-route, Chief-1 arrived on-scene and confirmed the working fire with fire and smoke showing from side C (the rear of the house). Engine-11 arrived shortly after dropping a line for a split lay that was picked up by Engine-72 and taken to the dry hydrant. Engine-72's crew advanced a line into side A and Engine-11 made their way to the rear where the bulk of the fire was. Engine-74 arrived and supplied tank water as the dry hydrant was found to be not very effective. Chief-1 ensured extra tankers (E-74, E-14, E-63, and E-14) were dispatched as he was still en-route to the scene.
Engine-91 arrived on-scene establishing a supply line to the B/C Corner on a driveway outside the property fence. Engine-91 stretched a 1.75" hand line to the rear of the structure over the fence-line and proceeded to knock the bulk of the fire on side Charlie in the attached apartment area with Engine-11. This area was, unfortunately, found to be a total loss upon arrival. After knocking down the bulk of the fire, Engine-91 and 11 crews entered the structure through side Charlie and began to knock the fire inside the remaining portions of the structure.
Tower-9 arrived after Engine-52 and began to ventilate the structure in coordination with interior crews. Tower-9 also established exterior lighting and laddering of the building where necessary. The crew assisted with overhaul during active firefighting and after initial knockdown of the fire.
Engine-32 (Sgt. Woodburn)(4) was requested to the scene after being dispatched to fill in at Company-7 and assisted Tower-9 with ventilation and overhaul.
After about an hour after dispatch, the fire was marked under control. Crews performed extensive overhaul and assisted the Maryland State Fire Marshall. The road remained shut down until about 0700 until crews returned to service due to the work that had to be done in overhaul.
The fire is still under investigation by MSP State Fire Marshall.