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| By Janet Grimm - WCFRA |
| First arriving units faced with 30" flames |
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| By Janet Grimm - WCFRA |
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| By Janet Grimm - WCFRA |
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| By Janet Grimm - WCFRA |
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High winds were firefighters' worst enemy Saturday night as a fire destroyed a Washington County home. Just before 20:30 on May 8th, the Washington County 9-1-1 lines started ringing off the hook. Callers were reporting a house fire in the 13200 Blk of Independence Road in the western section of the county. Box 4-10 was struck and companies were dispatched for the reported dwelling fire.
Clear Spring Engine 42 arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy fire on side Charlie . Command was established and after a quick scene size up, it was reported that there was heavy fire in division 2 on sides B and C. Three 1 3/4 inch and one 2 1/2 inch attack lines were put into service as crews began making an aggressive defensive attack on the fire. Water supply is a problem in this rural area and a tanker task force was called for by command to assist with water supply. A water supply was established at Independence Rd. at the Conocheague Creek with tankers shuttling water from that location almost a mile away.
The fire was reported under control at approx. 22:00 hrs and crews began an interior attack to knock down hot spots inside the residence.
Over 60 firefighters from 14 companies fought high winds in a loosing battle to save the structure. While property lose was estimated at over $ 400,000.00, no injuries were reported.
At approximately 23:30 the fire was reported out and salvage/overhaul was completed. With this, units began to pack up as command advised Communications that units could go in service when ready and command was terminated. Tanker 4 and Special Unit 4 remained on scene to watch for a rekindle through out the night.
The State Fire Marshal has listed the cause of the fire as “Improper disposal of smoking materials”.
Washington County companies responding were; Clear Spring, Williamsport, Maugansville, Halfway, Longmeadow, Hancock, Funkstown, Fairplay, The Emergency Air Unit, Community Rescue Service , Wash. Co Special Operations, Wash. Co Rehab Unit along with Franklin County Co’s 9 & 3
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