Photos/Story by
ROBERT L. WHEELAND

Hagerstown, MD -- At 2032 hours on Saturday, July 16th, Longmeadow Box 27-1 was struck for a building fire near the Creekside Inn on Security Road. Box 27-1 brought crews from Longmeadow, Funkstown, the Hagerstown Fire Deptartment and Community Rescue Service.

First arriving units found heavy fire through the roof involving most of the old Hagerstown Paint and Glass building. A second-alarm was requested by Lieutenant 27 bringing crews from Leitersburg, Maugansville, HFD Engine 1, the Washington County Air Unit and the Washington County Rehab Unit.

An expedited primary search began in uninvolved parts of the building before crews were removed due to concerns with the buildings structural integrity. At this same time, a Rapid Intervention Team was established and fire ground operations transitioned to a defensive mode.

Truck 27 ladder-piped the building, while deck guns on Engine 27-1 and HFD Engines 1 and 3 were placed in service. Several hand-lines were also in operation.

The Maryland State Fire Marshals Office investigated the incident and determined the cause to be arson. It is unknown if this fire is connected with an abandoned house fire four days earlier on Needy's Lane. The house was located approximately 500 yards from the warehouse and was fully involved upon arrival.