At 1837 on December 30th, Company 2 and surrounding companies were alerted for the house fire in the area of 100 Solomons Island Road.

Upon arrival, Chief 2 Alpha found an abandoned house in the woods with fire throughout. Engine 21’s crew worked on advancing the 400’ attack line up the steeply inclined hill next to the house. 21’s crew was met with heavy fire pushing out of the basement and well as the first floor.

Due to the Balloon frame construction of the house, the fire spread very quickly. Due to the challenge of getting to the fire ground with extremely cold conditions, the fire task force was established to bring in additional manpower to help and relieve first arriving units.

Once the fire was brought under control 30 minutes later, extensive overhaul operations began. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. Crews operated for 4 and a half hours before clearing around 2300 hours.