| August 12, 2026 — The New Windsor Fire Department responded Wednesday evening to a building fire on East Main Street involving a three-story structure containing both commercial and residential units.
The incident was dispatched shortly after 5:40 p.m. in the unit block of East Main Street. Initial reports indicated fire on the roof of the building. Callers also reported people still inside and one person on the roof as firefighters were responding.
Upon arrival, crews saw smoke coming from the rear roof of the middle building in the row, with one occupant found on the roof. Due to the conditions and reports of occupants inside, the incident was upgraded to a building fire with rescue, which brought additional fire and emergency medical resources to the scene.
The New Windsor Fire Department responded with Engine 101, Engine 102, and Medic 109, providing a total of ten personnel for the incident.
Engine 101 responded with four personnel, including three New Windsor volunteers and one DFEMS employee. This crew was assigned to the fire area and worked on opening up and overhauling the roof and walls in the affected apartment. They located and put out the remaining fire while checking for any hidden extension.
Engine 102 responded with four New Windsor volunteer members. This crew supported fireground operations by conducting secondary searches of the building, securing utilities, and assisting with ventilation.
Medic 109 responded with two DFEMS employees and assisted with firefighter rehabilitation.
Firefighters worked to evacuate residents while crews operated inside the building and on the roof. As the operation grew, more resources were requested, including a fire task force and advanced life support units.
Crews brought the main body of fire under control. By approximately 6:09 p.m., firefighters reported the roof fire had been knocked down, though significant smoke remained in the attic area. Command soon reported the fire under control as crews continued checking for any hidden fire.
Primary and secondary searches were conducted throughout the building, and no occupants were found inside. By around 6:24 p.m., command reported all visible fire was extinguished while crews continued to check for remaining hot spots and ventilated the structure.
Due to the size of the incident and the number of personnel involved, a canteen was requested to provide rehabilitation support for about 70 emergency responders. Utility crews were also requested, and electrical power to the affected building was secured during firefighting operations.
After ventilation, crews conducted atmospheric monitoring on all three floors, with command reporting negative readings. As the response shifted from active firefighting to overhaul and investigation, command began releasing units that were no longer needed on scene.
The American Red Cross was requested to assist six adults affected by the incident, and a building inspector was called to evaluate the structure that evening. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was on scene investigating the origin and cause of the fire. |
