Co. 14 Alerted for Working House Fire With a Subject Trapped

On April 10th, 2008 at approx. 05:20 hours, Charles County Communications alerted Company 14, along with many other companies, for the 10000 Block of Butler Road for a reported working house fire, one subject trapped. 143 and PA-148 A/O/S with a house fully involved, as reported by the CCSO shortly before Fire/EMS Arrival. Several subjects were standing in the front yard. Chief 14 arrived on scene and held the Butler Road command, as well as Chief 10 on the scene with Operations, Chief 1-A with safety and Chief 1-B held water supply. 143 advised it was confirmed by family members that one subject was missing, and units made entry into the structure to attempt to locate the missing subject. However, due to the heavy involvement of fire in the structure, a quick search was made of sides B, C and D with negative results. PA-148 assesed the patients, finding there was a total of 4 patients, and Chief 14 requested an additional 3 EMS units. This brought A-149, A-69, A-519, A-158, PA-28, PA-167 and A-109 on the call. It was determined that 2 children were thrown from the 2nd story window by the mother, to the hands of the awaiting grandmother on the ground, as they were trapped upstairs as well. The mother then also jumped. All patients were transported to area hospitals, with the exception of one being transported to an area Trauma Center in Fredericksburg, VA. A helicopter was requested for the one who was transported to the Trauma Center, but all were down due to the heavy fog conditions. The fire was brought under control by units on the scene in approx. 45 minutes. The victim was then located on the first floor of the residence, where the scene was secured until of the arrival of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. Units remained on scene for approx. 7 hours to assist with the FM'S.

***Many thanks to all the members of the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Dept, CCEMS, and all of the departments that responded to this tragic incident. Thank you to the Seventh District Co. 5 from St. Mary's County and Cobb Island Co.6 for filling in at our station for a large part of the incident, and also assisting on scene. A job well done by all personnel***

***Also, our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of the victim***

We are currently working on donations of supplies/money needed, and more information will soon follow.

Per a quote from the State Fire Marshal's Office on the Baltimore Sun's website, Family members were awaken by a working smoke alarm. Due to the smoke alarms, except for the handicapped victim, all other occupants survived. The damage of the residence was estimated at about $100,000.