COME GROW WITH US

FOREST HILL STATION

RENOVATION PROJECT

JULY 18 - TOWNHOUSE FIRE – BOX 409

At 01:53hrs Co.’s 4, 3, and 8 were alerted for an apartment fire in the Box Hill development in the 2800blk of Meredith Court.  Responding units were advised of a bedroom fire in the townhouse. T431 arrived first with a working fire on 2^nd floor. T431 made a quick knockdown of fire containing it to a rear bedroom with smoke and heat damage throughout 2^nd floor. E315 assisted with ladders and overhaul and E312’s crew was assigned RIT. Suppression units cleared at 04:12hrs.

Units at scene by order of arrival:  T431, E412, E315, E312, E814, FM 42, HCSO   Command: Chief 4 (Pennington)   E215 transferred to Co.4

JULY 17 - BUILDING FIRE AT DEVON SELF STORAGE- BOX 816

At 1255 hrs Co.’s 8, 4, Sta. 12 (APG-Edgewood), and Balt Co. 48 were alerted for a building fire at Devon Self-Storage located at 1306 Pulaski Hwy in Edgewood.  The HCSO was on the scene and reported smoke coming from a storage unit. E814 arrived first with fire showing from two units.  Co.8 units made good stop containing the fire to the two units but heat & smoke damage affected approximately 8 exposure units. E315 was alerted for RIT and once on scene assisted with overhaul. MSFMO was requested to the scene for cause investigation.

Co.3  times:

Alert:                 1302:26

Respond:          1303:06

Arrive:               1313:38

Clear:                1401:15

JULY 11 - ROUTE 23 RESCUE

On July 11^th the BAVFC was dispatched to Route 23 and Grafton Shop Road for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Engine 314 from the Forest Hill substation arrived soon after dispatch and upgraded the assignment to a rescue. Crews from Engine 314 and Rescue 351 removed the roof to gain access to the patient. One patient was transported to Bayview Trauma and two other patients were taken to UCMC with minor injuries.

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

JULY 11 - TOWNHOUSE FIRE – BOX 412

At 15:46:09 hrs the Abingdon VFC and Bel Air VFC were dispatched into Box 412 at 104 Spruce Wood Court in the Laurel Woods subdivision in Abingdon for a report of smoke coming from a townhouse. Additional calls to 911 advised of smoke coming out of the doors of 102 Spruce Wood Court with smoke now coming into surrounding units.

Deputy Chief 3 from Bel Air called enroute first at 15:48:38 followed by Engine 315 at 15:49:27hrs. Engine 315 was first to arrive at 15:56:49hrs reporting a middle of the group townhouse with heavy smoke showing. Engine 312 arrived next at 15:57:01hrs. As crews went to work they confirmed the fire to be located in the basement and first floor area. Approximately 10 minutes into operations an explosion in the basement was reported. During this time the crew from Engine 315 was operating on the 2^nd floor when they encountered severe heat conditions and transmitted a “mayday” call for further assistance. With no other immediate options personnel escaped onto a preplaced ladder via a 2^nd floor window. Fortunately they sustained no serious injuries however all three were transported via Paramedic 393 to UCMC for evaluation. All personnel have returned to full operational status.  

At 16:32:22 the fire was reported contained as firefighters limited the fire spread to the unit of origin with no fire extension to either adjacent townhouse. There was one occupant home at the time of the fire who escaped unharmed. Last units cleared at 19:09:34hrs. Damage is estimated at over $150,000.

Units on Scene: T431, E414, A494, U471, CH4-2, R451, E412, E314, E315, E312, DCH3, TW331, CH3-9, P393, U372, E1311, E1211, E814, E815, (Level to Bel Air – engine transfer),  HCSO, BGE, MSFMO

TOWER 332: 1989-2008

On June 11^th, 2008 Tower 332 was officially placed out of service, ending a near 19 year career with the BAVFC. This unit ran as 1^st due Truck from 6/18/1989 thru 11/30/2002.  Since November of 2002 it has been operating 2^nd due truck behind Tower 331. Now it will continue its’ proud service to the citizens of Harrington, DE.

HISTORY OF TOWER 332

JUNE 8 - FOREST HILL AUTO FIRE

Engines 315 and 314 work this midmorning auto fire at Klein Plaza Drive and Myers Drive in Forest Hill. An application of foam and dry chemical was utilized when the fuel tank ruptured and became involved.

Photo Courtesy: Lt. Gary Kadolph, BAVFC

JUNE 9 - 10-50 RESCUE - BOX 321 - FOUNTAIN GLEN DRIVE

At 15:35hrs the BAVFC was alerted for its fourth EMS call in a row. This time it was for a 10-50PI rescue on Fountain Glen Drive at Brunswick Drive. Co.3 units were on the scene within 5 minutes of alert (15:40hrs) and confirmed rescue with one vehicle off the residential roadway and into a tree. The lone occupant was quickly extricated by removing the driver’s door. With assistance of A192 the Category ‘A” patient was flown to Shock Trauma via MSP aviation. Last units cleared at 16:12hrs.

Units on Scene (in order of arrival) DC 3, R351, E313, E314 (@ landing site- Fountain Green ES), A192

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

JUNE 3 - BEL AIR BYPASS RESCUE

In the late morning of June 3rd the BAVFC was dispatched to the area of the 6.3 mile marker on the Bel Air Bypass for 10-50PI rescue. Units arrived to find two vehicles involved in a high speed "t-bone" style collision with the occupant of the passenger car entrapped and in critical condition. Both drivers were flown to Shock Trauma via two helicopters for treatment of serious injuries.

Photos Courtesy: Bel Air VFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

JUNE 1 - CHEMICAL SPILL AT MARINER HEALTH AT FOREST HILL

At 15:25:06hrs the Bel Air VFC and the Harford County Hazardous Materials Response Team were called to Mariner Health of Forest Hill located at 109 Forest Valley Drive after employees reported a spill of several gallons of bleach inside the structure. Both Tower 331 and Rescue 351 (total staffing of 11) arrived at 15:30:46hrs and began their investigation. Crews discovered that bleach cleaner and an unknown second cleaner had been accidentally mixed after the laundry room slop sink drain became clogged. The combination of these two chemicals generated a noxious gas. The facility was immediately evacuated by staffers at the direction of the fire department as the extent of the product spread was assessed.

The situation was mitigated by both ventilation of all floors and the complete removal of the slop sink from the structure. A total of four people were taken to the hospital for treatment; two maintenance workers for respiratory distress, one nurse for chest pain, and one nurse for generalized illness. There were no medical interventions necessary for any of the patients.

Approximately 25 firefighters from Bel Air worked the incident in addition to apparatus and personnel from the Harford County HazMat Team. An engine from Abingdon was transferred to the Bel Air main station to assist the 25 standby personnel with other calls for service. EMS units from Darlington and Fallston were placed in standby mode in their own quarters as well. Last units cleared at 17:55:52hrs.

Units on Scene: R351, E314, TW331, TW332, P391, P392, P393, CH3-1, DCH3,
HazMat 1, HazMat 2, and HazMat 3

MAY 25 - DWELLING FIRE ON SMITH LANE

This incident was initially dispatched at 04:13:46hrs as an alarm of fire as a caller on Terra Bella Court off of Watervale Road reported seeing something on fire but was unsure as to what it was.  Chief 13-2 arrived at 742 Smith Lane (Box 347) and reported a single family home fully involved and on the ground. A total of 4 engines, tower and medic from Bel Air and 1 engine, tanker, rescue and special unit from Fallston responded to the one alarm fire. There were no injuries and there was no one home at the time of the fire. Last units cleared the scene at 07:23:39hrs. The cause is currently under investigation.

Units on Scene: E311, E312, E313, E315, TW331, P391, CH3-1, CH3, CH13-2, E1312, R1351, SU1381, K1321

Photos Courtesy: Lt. Pat Carlton, BAVFC

MAY 22 - RESCUE ON ROUTE 24

At 13:29:05hrs the BAVFC was dispatched for a reported single vehicle accident w/ multiple roll-overs and entrapment on the Emmorton Bypass SB (MD Rt.24) approximately ¼ mile south of Ring Factory Road.  Units arrived at 13:31:04 to find that the vehicle in question had come to rest on its roof in extremely thick brush and trees making access extremely difficult.  Crews had to use a chain saw to cut a path for access. Once they reached the vehicle they box cribbed the car under the roof and forced the passenger door for access.  One female transported to Shock Trauma via MSP Trooper 1. Extrication was complete at 13:53:20hrs and last units cleared at 14:11:59hrs.

MAY 15 ^- 1050PI RESCUE ON CONOWINGO ROAD

In the early morning hours the BAVFC was dispatched to the intersection of Conowingo Road and the East West Highway for a reported motor vehicle accident with rescue. Arriving units found one male subject trapped in his pickup truck. The door was popped and the lone occupant was transported to UCMC for minor injuries.

Units on Scene: R351, P392, E314

Photos Courtesy: Bill Wynne, BAVFC

MAY 15 - 10-50PI RESCUE - CONOWINGO AND HICKORY BYPASS

Just before 9:30AM Bel Air VFC units were clearing from a call for a gas leak inside on Linwood Avenue when they were alerted for a 10-50PI rescue near the Wawa at Conowingo Road and the Bel Air Bypass. Units arrived to find a three vehicle accident with one male subject entrapped. BAVFC personnel quickly removed the driver’s door to facilitate patient extrication. One patient was transported to Bayview while the others involved refused transport.

Units on Scene: R351, E314, P391, P393

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC and Matt Button, AEGIS Newspaper (Photos may not reproduced without the express consent of the individual and organization listed)

MAY 14 - 10-50PI - PROSPECT MILL ROAD

At 15:33hrs the BAVFC was alerted for its third EMS call which was for a 10-50PI on Prospect Mill Road and Route 543. Units arrived to find a pickup truck on top of a passenger car. The occupants of the minivan were taken to Upper Chesapeake for treatment of minor injuries. Surprisingly enough there was no rescue or any other injuries.

Units on Scene: R351, P391, P392

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion with out the express consent of the BAVFC)

MAY 11 - DWELLING FIRE – WEATHERBY COURT

For now the third time in four years the BAVFC has responded to a working fire on Mother’s Day. At 20:45:36hrs units were dispatched to the 700blk of Weatherby Court in the Greenridge II development for a reported dwelling fire. Additional information given to the first responding units advised the caller said that something was on fire in their house, nothing more. As units were enroute additional calls to 911 and information from first responders on the scene reported a two and a half story single family dwelling with a well involved attached garage. Engine 311 arrived at 20:51:11hrs and ,with assistance of other rapidly arriving firefighters, went to work holding the fire from extending from the garage into the living area, protecting exposures of the next door dwelling, search and rescue for a missing occupant, and fire extinguishment. At one point all four of Engine 311’s pre-connected handlines plus one from Engine 312 were in service. Firefighters contained the fire damage to the attached garage, the two vehicles outside, and the attic space and roof in the main body of the dwelling. Total damage is estimated at close to $200,000.

A total of 50 personnel operating 6 engines, one tower and a medic unit placed the fire under control within 20 minutes. There were no reported injuries to civilians or fire department personnel. The occupants were home at the time of the fire and there were working smoke alarms present. There were no fire sprinklers found as they are not yet required by law in single family dwellings. Last units cleared the scene at 23:34:06hrs as the Red Cross and Harford County Building Inspector assisted the family with relocation and future occupancy assessment.

Units on Scene (Arrival order): E311, Ch3-1, E312, TW331, P391, E313, E412, CH4, E315, E111, U370,

Incident Commander: Chief 3 (Eyre)

Photos Courtesy: Charlie Walls, BAVFC

MAY 1 - BUILDING FIRE – BEL AIR NURSING HOME

At 22:24hrs the BAVFC was alerted for a reported building fire with rescue at Mariner Health of Bel Air located at 410 East MacPhail Road off of South Main Street (aka: Bel Air Convalescent Center). Engine 311 and crew of 8 responded within one minute of dispatch and were advised of numerous calls reporting a fire in the kitchen with possible extension to one of the rooms. Deputy Chief 3 arrived at 22:26hrs and reported smoke in the lobby and main corridor with staff relocating patients. At this time Command was established and two additional trucks and BGE were requested to be added to the box assignment. EMS personnel were assigned to assist the facility staff with relocating patients and sheltering in place. Tower 331 was assigned roof and E311 was assigned basement and other rapidly arriving units were assigned to investigate areas for cause on Division 1.

As patients were moved to unaffected areas of the facility fire crews were able to determine that a heating unit in room 101 had been on fire and was currently smoldering. BGE also stated that the building was experiencing electrical problems. The power was shut down to the unit and sectional PPV (positive pressure ventilation) was started to evacuate the smoke and odor.  There were no injuries reported to patients, staff, or fire department personnel.

Units at scene (order of arrival):  DC 3, P393, E311, TW331, CHF 3-1, E312, TW332, E313, E315, CH 3, E314, T431(stage), T831(stage)   Command:  Chief 3 (Eyre)

Photos Courtesy: Charlie Walls, BAVFC

Media Inquires: Contact Rich Gardiner, 410-977-0587

4/27 - 10-50 RESCUE – ROUTE 1 AND WHITAKER MILL ROAD

Within five (5) minutes of dispatch Bel Air VFC personnel were on scene of this 10-50PI rescue beginning extrication efforts for one male subject involved in a rollover accident. Crews quickly stabilized the SUV and made interior access. The patient was stabilized, removed out the passenger door and transported by land to Bayview.

Units on Scene: DCH3, P393, R351, E315 (Command: Snyder)

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

APRIL 20 - DWELLING FIRE – HIGH PLAIN DRIVE

An early Sunday morning fire (4/20, 0520hrs) caused approximately $10,000 damage (contents) to a dwelling in the 700 blk of High Plain Drive off of Tollgate Road in Bel Air. It took 30 firefighters from Bel Air, Fallston and Abingdon less than 10 minutes to place the fire under control. There were no injuries reported by the occupants or fire department personnel. The cause has been determined to be electrical in nature. Last units cleared the incident at 0712hrs.

This was one of several serious incidents that occurred over the weekend for Bel Air VFC personnel. A Friday evening (4/18) two vehicle accident required extensive extrication and sent one male subject to Shock Trauma in Baltimore for treatment of serious injuries after his vehicle and another struck each other at the intersection of Bel Air Road and Tollgate Road.   In another accident on early Sunday morning one subject was transported to Shock Trauma for injuries related to an accident that occurred in the 700blk of Churchville Road.

Units on Scene (Fire Box 341): E311, TW331, E312, P393, E315, CH4, E1311, TRK431, E411, FM48, U371

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files MAY NOT be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

APRIL 18 - SHRUBBERY FIRE WITH EXTENSION

A midday alert for shrubbery on fire with extension to a dwelling brought Bel Air personnel to a home in the 800blk of Leeswood Road off of Henderson Road. Engine 311 arrived with a small fire and reduced the assignment to the units list below to handle the incident. Damage was contained to the house soffit, front yard and several bushes. A hot motor on trimmers was determined to be the cause of the fire. 

Units on Scene: E311, CH3-1, DC 3, B342

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)

APRIL 6 - NORTH FOUNTAIN GREEN ROAD HOUSE FIRE – BOX 322

Approximately 40 firefighters from three departments, Bel Air, Darlington and Jarrettsville, battled this early morning arson fire on Route 543. The call was initially dispatched as two full assignments due to fire dispatch receiving very different information on the location of the incident. E311 arrived first at 0350hrs and found a well involved rancher style dwelling located in the 1300blk of North Fountain Green Road directly across from Prospect Mill Road. Damage estimates are approximately $150,000. There were no injuries and the home was vacant. It took approximately 20 minutes to place the fire under control.

Alert:                 0342

Arrive:               0350

Clear:                0738

Units at scene (arrival order):  Chf 3-1, E311, E313, T331, E312, E315, E911, A391, E714, B342, U371 (AUX), and FM 44. E1311 to Co.3 hse 1

Photos Courtesy: BAVFC (Photo/video/audio files may not be reproduced in any fashion without the express consent of the BAVFC)