| Shortly after 12:10 p.m., the New Windsor Fire Department and mutual aid companies were dispatched to the 3900 block of Hawks Hill Road for a reported barn fire. A large column of smoke was visible as units responded, prompting a tanker task force request.
New Windsor Fire Department Chief Steve Kreimer was first on scene, confirming a 100 x 60 foot machinery shop and hay barn fully involved and establishing Hawks Hill Road Command. Engine 101 arrived shortly after and began fire attack, but due to advanced fire conditions a second alarm was struck, bringing in additional units from across Carroll and Frederick Counties.
Crews faced immediate challenges as the fire spread to a second barn and threatened several silos, including one containing 15,000 pounds of corn. Chief Kreimer was joined by Battalion Chief Nickey (CCDFEMS) to form the incident command team. Assistant Chief Brad Kreimer assumed command of the Bravo Side, while Deputy Chief Supko (CCDFEMS) served as Incident Scene Safety Officer. By 12:48 p.m., a partial collapse was reported, and crews worked defensively to contain the fire. Tanker shuttles were used to support incident operations and help maintain the large water supply needed for this incident.
At the height of the response, more than 70 firefighters were engaged, with units responding from New Windsor, Union Bridge, Westminster, Libertytown (Frederick County), Winfield, Pleasant Valley, Reese, Taneytown, Woodsboro (Frederick County), Mount Airy, Manchester, Gamber, Rocky Ridge (Frederick County), Hampstead, and Walkersville (Frederick County).
The fire was brought under control at 3:01 p.m. after ladder pipes darkened down the remaining fire. Crews continued extensive overhaul and silo cooling operations into the late afternoon.
No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. Both barns and their contents were a total loss, but firefighters successfully protected nearby silos and additional farm structures. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause |
