Residential House Fire in Gamber and Community Fire Department's First Due Area

Members of the New Windsor Fire Department responded Thursday afternoon to assist the Gamber & Community Fire Company with a working residential structure fire in the 2700 block of Old Washington Road.

Shortly after 1:00 p.m., fire and emergency medical units were dispatched for a reported house fire involving a single-family residence. Initial reports to emergency dispatchers indicated that occupants could potentially still be inside the home, prompting an expanded fire and rescue response.

The New Windsor Fire Department responded with Brush 105 and Engine 101, providing a total of six personnel throughout the incident.

Brush 105 responded on the initial alarm with two personnel — one New Windsor volunteer member and one Carroll County Department of Fire and EMS (DFEMS) employee. The unit was assigned to support the water-supply operation for firefighters working at the residence.

Arriving crews encountered significant fire conditions within the split-foyer home. As firefighters began an aggressive interior attack, crews simultaneously conducted searches for occupants and worked to contain the advancing fire. By approximately 1:23 p.m., the primary search of the first floor was reported negative and the bulk of the fire had been knocked down.

Because the incident occurred in an area without a municipal fire hydrant system, establishing and maintaining an adequate water supply was a critical component of the operation. Brush 105 established a water-supply point near Jim Bowers Road and Nicodemus Road. When crews encountered insufficient stream flow at that location, an additional water source was established at Carroll Community College to support the ongoing fireground operation.

As the incident progressed, a Rapid Intervention Dispatch was requested to bring additional personnel and resources to the scene. Engine 101 responded on the Rapid Intervention Dispatch with four New Windsor volunteer members. Upon arrival, the Engine 101 crew was assigned to the basement division, where members assisted with extinguishment and overhaul operations, conducted a secondary search, and secured utilities within the residence.

Despite the initial reports of potentially trapped occupants, incident command subsequently confirmed that all residents were accounted for. Crews continued working throughout the structure, opening walls and ceilings and extinguishing remaining pockets of fire while completing searches and extensive overhaul.

At approximately 1:49 p.m., incident command reported the fire extinguished. Firefighters remained on the scene for an extended period completing overhaul and ensuring hidden fire had not spread into additional areas of the residence. Utility representatives, the Fire Marshal, and a building inspector were also requested to the scene. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to two residents affected by the fire.

New Windsor personnel remained committed to the incident as operations transitioned from active fire suppression to overhaul and cleanup. Both Engine 101 and Brush 105 remained on the fireground as other resources began being released.

In total, the New Windsor Fire Department provided six personnel — five volunteer members and one DFEMS employee — to the incident.

Thursday's response continues what has been a busy week for members of the New Windsor Fire Department, with department personnel responding to multiple working residential fires throughout Carroll County. These incidents highlight the continued commitment of our volunteer members and career partners who work together to provide fire and emergency services to New Windsor and our neighboring communities.