20080209 Westminster Fire Department Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

Westminster Fire Department Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

From our Frontpage, Josh Evans Author:

Westminster Battles Dwelling Fire With 1 Civilian Trapped

February 09, 2008-On the early morning of February 9, 2008 at 4:15 a.m., the Westminster Fire Department was alerted for an apartment fire at 352 Colonial Ave with possibly 1 civilian trapped. Upon arrival, Firefighters found a 2 story duplex with heavy smoke showing. As the crew from Engine 32 began to setup their attack line, members of the crew could hear the victim screaming inside. The crew quickly went to work and encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions in the basement of the dwelling. The pipeman of 32's crew found the victim lying next to a dryer in the basement, unconscious. Reese's engine crew quicky came to assist with removing the victim and quickly transferred him over to the medic crew that was standing by. Tower 3's crew quickly laddered the building and Truck 2's crew performed vertical ventilation by cutting a hole in the roof. As more units arrived from Pleasent Valley and New Windsor, they extended more hoselines into the building, knocking fire on the first and second floors.

Approximately 30 minutes into the incident a second alarm was requested by the Incident Commander. After about 1 hour, the fire was deemed under control. The fire was contained to the intial dwelling with smoke and water damage to the adjoining structure. The Red Cross also responded out to assist the 2 families who were displaced. At this time it is estimated that approximately 150,000 dollars in damage was done.

2 Civilians were treated at scene. One was transported for unknown injuries to Carroll Hospital Center and the gentleman who was rescued from the basement apartment was flown to the Burn Center at Bayview Hospital in Baltimore, Md. The patient was in critical condition but did regain consciousness before being loaded into the helicopter. Also one Westminster Firefighter did suffer minor burns to his wrist.

The Westminster Fire Department would like to thank all companies who assisted on the fire. They were Reese, Pleasent Valley, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Hampstead, Manchester, Gamber, Lineboro, Sykesville, Taneytown, and Winfield. We would also like to thank Lineboro and Sykesville for filling in our station. We apologize if we missed any stations.

We would also like to recognize the Westminster crews for their valiant effort on the 2 alarm fire. Engine 32's crew was Engineer Kevin Shiloh, Firefighter/Officer Bryan Van Fossen, Firefighter Todd Whitson, Firefighter Brendan Stevens, and Firefighter Ryan Groft. Tower 3's crew was Engineer Mike Glass, Lieutenant Kevin Utz (Incident Commander), and Firefighter Jeff Ausherman. Chief Jeff Alexander and PIO's Bob Cumberland and Robin Stansbury were also on scene. Also, a great job done by Paramedics Sarah Webster, Patricia Neal, Scott Clendaniel, and EMT Megan Riecke.

A JOB WELL DONE BY ALL!