| Members of the New Windsor Fire Department responded Sunday afternoon, August 9th, to a significant two-alarm residential structure fire in the 2500 block of Vance Drive in the Winfield community.
The incident, located in the Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department’s first-due response area, was dispatched shortly after 4:40 p.m. after the Carroll County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a fire on the rear deck of a multi-story single-family residence. The caller reported visible flames and advised that all occupants had safely evacuated the home.
Engine 101 and Brush 105 responded on the initial alarm assignment. As the incident escalated and additional resources were requested, Decon 30 responded as part of the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) dispatch, while Engine 102 responded on the tanker task force to support the extensive rural water-supply operation.
As the first units approached the scene, firefighters reported a large column of smoke visible from a distance. Upon arrival, crews encountered significant fire conditions, with smoke showing from all sides of the residence. The rapidly developing fire prompted incident commanders to request additional personnel, apparatus, and water-supply resources.
Fire conditions intensified during the initial stages of the incident, with fire extending through both floors of the residence and into the roof. Crews subsequently reported a partial roof collapse on the rear of the home and significant compromise of the second floor.
Due to the extent of the fire and deteriorating structural conditions, operations transitioned to a defensive strategy.
New Windsor’s Engine 101 crew was assigned to fire attack operations and deployed handlines around the residence. The crew initially operated on the rear of the structure before repositioning as fire conditions and tactical priorities changed. Multiple handlines and an elevated master stream were utilized as firefighters worked to contain the fire.
As the incident continued to develop, additional personnel and equipment were requested, including a second tanker task force. The incident was later upgraded to a second alarm to provide additional staffing for the extended operation.
Rural Water Supply Operations
Establishing and maintaining an adequate water supply was a significant component of the operation.
With no municipal hydrant immediately available to provide the volume of water necessary for the fire attack, crews established a tanker shuttle utilizing multiple water-supply locations. Tankers continuously transported water from established fill sites to the fireground, where the water was transferred to apparatus supplying handlines and the elevated master stream.
Despite the challenging fire conditions and water-supply demands, crews made steady progress. As the main body of fire was knocked down, operations transitioned to extinguishing remaining pockets of fire and conducting extensive overhaul.
The American Red Cross was requested to assist three adults and three dogs displaced by the fire. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.
Additional agencies assisted with utility control, traffic management, and scene safety. Route 27 was temporarily closed in the area to support emergency operations and the movement of apparatus involved in the water-supply operation.
By approximately 7:15 p.m., conditions had improved sufficiently for incident commanders to begin releasing second-alarm resources. Several companies remained at the scene for additional hours completing overhaul, extinguishing hot spots, assisting investigators, and restoring equipment.
The fire was reported extinguished later Sunday evening, concluding several hours of fireground operations.
The New Windsor Fire Department would like to extend its appreciation to the Irishtown Fire Company, whose members assisted with providing coverage for the New Windsor community while New Windsor personnel and apparatus operated at the fire.
This coverage ensured that resources remained available to respond to additional emergencies in the New Windsor area during the extended incident.
Most importantly, the New Windsor Fire Department's thoughts remain with the residents affected by the fire as they begin the recovery process. |
