Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Update - Home damaged in early morning Westminster fire, no one injured




November 25, 2015 S. Wayne Carter Jr. Carroll County Times

More than 50 firefighters from 10 companies in four counties were needed to get an early Wednesday morning fire under control in Westminster.

No injuries were reported, and it's unclear if anyone was home at the time of the blaze, according to an emailed report from Westminster Vol. Fire Company spokesman Kevin Dayhoff…


The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which appears to have originated in the carport of the one-story, single family home in the 500 block of Old Baltimore Road off Malcolm Drive, according to Dayhoff. The fire quickly spread to the adjacent house and a nearby vehicle and equipment trailer.

Firefighters received the call around 1:33 a.m., were on the scene by 1:37 a.m. and had the fire under control within an hour, according to Dayhoff.

About 50 firefighters from Westminster, Reese, Pleasant Valley, Gamber, Hampstead and Sykesville companies were dispatched in addition to firefighters from Reisterstown and Glyndon in Baltimore County, a unit from York County and an air support unit from Howard County, according to Dayhoff.

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Please be fire-safe out there for the holidays. As we were wrapping-up operations from the Old Baltimore Road fire, many of us exchanged our goodbyes and “Happy Holidays,” and in the dry dark humor of firefighters, many folks remarked how much it is a drag to see each other in the middle of the night.

After-all, face it, when we see each other in the middle of the night it is often as a result of a fire, traffic accident, illness or family tragedy. One firefighter told the truth, “Oh this is the season when we will see a lot of each other.” Sadly it is true. Although more research is needed, it always seems that fires and accidents increase in number during the holiday season. Be safe out there.

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Update: 3:25 p.m., Nov. 25, 2015

No injuries were reported. There were “two individuals at home when the fire started,” according to DSFM Bruce D. Bouch, director of public education and media affairs with the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

According to a recent release by the fire marshal’s office, the cause of the fire was “Accidental due to ashes being placed in a plastic bag and put next to the shed.”

“During the winter months and the holiday season, it is especially important to dispose of all fireplace, cooking grill and wood stove ashes safely in a fireproof container away from the house and certainly away from anything combustible. Pour some water on the ashes – be fire safe to protect your property and your family,” said Dayhoff

“It is important to note that the folks who were home at the time of this fire got out safely because they had a working smoke alarm and the alarm alerted them that there was a fire... Take this opportunity to check your smoke alarm before friends and family visit for the holidays,” said Dayhoff

Firefighters and first responders see a little too much of each other during the holiday season. The fire marshal’s office and the Westminster fire department take this opportunity to remind you to not have first responders over to your house this holiday season as uninvited guests.

“Although we are very friendly, this time of the year, we are way too serious to attend your holiday get-together in the event of a fire. Ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire would occur… The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. And if you are going to be careless, have extra food available in case 50 firefighters need to stop by in the middle of the night to come tromping through your house. Happy holidays from your local Carroll County fire department of the fire marshal’s office.

Westminster fire department chaplain and public information officer Kevin E. Dayhoff

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