ORLEANS, W.Va. -- A Berkeley Springs, W.Va., volunteer firefighter suffered first-degree burns to his face and back while fighting a fire early Thursday at an unoccupied residence on Mann Road, according to Orleans Volunteer Fire Chief John Clingerman.
The injured firefighter was taken by Flintstone Volunteer Fire Department ambulance to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment of burns that covered 4 percent of his body. He was expected to be kept in the hospital overnight for observation, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.
The predawn fire extensively damaged a two-story dwelling at 13916 Mann Road that is owned by Kenneth Bowman.
"We could see a huge glow in the sky as we left the station. I knew the address and the property included an old barn with several exposures so I started a second alarm to get additional assistance," said Clingerman after the five-hour fire operation that involved nearly three dozen volunteer firefighters.
The 45-by-45-foot dwelling was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived and laid dual lines to begin the fire suppression. The firefighting operation, led by Orleans Assistant Chief Randy Pyles, took nearly an hour to control the blaze.
A large barn and other buildings on the property were protected by firefighters and were not damaged.
Deputy Fire Marshal Kris Nieberlein reported the fire loss was estimated at $150,000 to the residence and $50,000 to its contents.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the fire marshal's office.
The fire began in the basement area and was discovered by a passerby.
The Allegany County 911 center was informed of the incident at 4:14 a.m.
Orleans firefighters were assisted by volunteer fire departments from Hancock, Needmore, Flintstone and Berkeley Springs, according to the fire marshal's office.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
