| Westminster, MD – September 28, 2025 – Firefighters from across Carroll County and neighboring jurisdictions battled a massive barn fire Sunday afternoon in the 200 block of Bell Road near Westminster. The blaze consumed a large three-story bank barn and prompted a significant multi-agency response.
The first 911 calls were received just after 1:00 p.m., reporting heavy fire and smoke coming from the barn, with animals believed to be inside. When the first units arrived, they were met with heavy flames already showing throughout the structure. Due to the size of the fire and the extent of the involvement, crews immediately took a defensive posture, attacking the fire from the exterior to protect nearby exposures and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
The extent of barn involvement and size, estimated to be roughly 100 feet by 50 feet, required fire crews to quickly deployed large deck guns and blitz lines to knock down the bulk of the flames while additional teams stretched hand lines to target hot spots and protect nearby outbuildings. The firefighting effort was made more challenging by flying embers, which ignited several small spot fires in surrounding fields. Brush units were dispatched to control these fires and prevent them from spreading.
Complicating the response was a water main break on nearby Royer Road. This required tankers to shuttle water to the scene and the rapid establishment of a nearby fill site to maintain a continuous water supply. Despite these challenges, crews worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
The New Windsor Fire Department responded to the incident with Engine 101 and Engine 102, providing fire suppression and water supply support. Units from multiple departments across Carroll County and surrounding areas also responded, demonstrating a strong regional effort to contain the blaze.
As the fire intensified, the structure became increasingly unstable, with the outer walls beginning to bow outward. Command staff ensured that all personnel remained outside the building, focusing exclusively on exterior suppression for safety. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to fully extinguish the fire and conduct extensive overhaul operations.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined at this time. |
