Firefighters From 3 Counties Battle House Fire
HUNTINGTOWN - 1/22/2008
By Sean Rice, Managing Editor
A raging house fire kept volunteer firefighters from three Southern Maryland counties busy all night long.
The fire on Amber Lane in Huntingtown was reported near 12 a.m. today, and first-arriving firefighters found heavy fire in the first floor and basement of the home. Everyone was out of the house, though one person was treated on the scene for injuries.
After the first round of fire companies was dispatched, as second alarm was sounded, bringing the remaining Calvert County departments and crews from Charles and Anne Arundel counties.
At 12:38 a.m., the fire was burning too heavy for firefighters to save the structure, and all volunteers were ordered to exit the home and take up defensive positions outside.
It took several hours and more than 43,000 gallons of water to fully douse the flames.
As of 5:30 a.m. firefighters were finally clearing the scene. The house collapsed and was still smoldering and smoking. Firefighters planned to return in the daylight and continue drenching the house.
The thousands of gallons of water caused a hazard as it turned to a sheet of ice near the scene. State Highway salt and sand trucks were brought in to help with the ice.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate and the American Red Cross arrived to help the displaced family members and support the firefighters.
