MOUNT AIRY, MD -- On Friday, Feb. 26, the Mount Airy Vol. Fire Co. was dispatched to the 400 block of
Twin Arch Road for a house fire. Reports indicated there was a possibility that people were trapped.While responding to the call, it was found that the call was actually in the 4000 block of
Twin Arch Road in CarrollCounty, just outside the town limits of MountAiry.Crews encountered a well involved two-story frame dwelling. The fire was being whipped by the high winds at that time.
It was determined that all persons were out of the house, but an interior attack was begun. After only several minutes, the fire, pushed by the high winds, drove the crews from the house and an exterior attack began.
There was a significant delay in getting power company personnel to the scene to disconnect the electric. This was problematic as the fire in the area of the incoming power for the home could not be extinguished due to the live electric lines.
Water for fire fighting was obtained from the last town fire hydrant on
Twin Arch Road which was only approximately 800 feet away.The use of exterior hose lines and a ladder pipe were sufficient to knock the fire down. Mop up and complete extinguishment was very difficult and nearly impossible due to the collapse of the house.Crews from Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties joined efforts to combat the blaze.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the victims of the fire. The four persons from the home were sheltered and checked for injuries by the Mt. Airy and Lisbon medic unit crews. All refused any medical treatment.
The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Units responded from Mount Airy, Lisbon, West Friendship, New Market, Green Valley, Winfield, Damascus, Clarksville, Ellicott City, Sykesville, Howard County DFRS, and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Howard County Police and Maryland State Police assisted with traffic diversion, and the CarrollCounty and HowardCounty road crews provided salt for the icy roads created by the fwater.
