On Jan 29 at 2021 hours, companies 4, 1, 5 and 2 along with BC1, M131 and SQD 1 as the first due specialty piece were alerted for the residential structure fire in the 22000 block of Maracossic Dr, in Company 4’s first due. Initial reports indicated the structure was fully involved and unoccupied at the time of dispatch. During the response, Squad 1 requested for Caroline to tone all county fire and surrounding areas for tankers as this would be a rural water operation. During this time, Engine 1 was assigned the task of Water Supply and was instructed to establish a draft site for the tanker shuttle.

Upon arrival, Squad 1 advised of a single story brick structure on a crawl space, fully involved with fire through the roof. Squad 1 advised they would be stretching a line and would be the primary attack piece with Wagon 1 being the next in pumper, they were assigned to supply the Squad. Captain 12 established the Maracossic Dr. Command, advising heavy fire from the Alpha, Charlie and Delta sides as well as the roof. The operation was marked as defensive at this time.

During the approximately 5 hour operation, crews faced temperatures in the upper teens to low 20’s and low gusty winds, making the operation difficult and unpredictable at times. With the help of multiple Caroline County departments, and our mutual aid partners, the fire was extinguished and no Fire Service injuries were reported.

Unfortunately, shortly into the response to this incident, a BGVFD member, that was on board Squad 1 that night was notified that this was his home. Thankfully his fiancé and 16 month old daughter were not home at the time of the fire, however their long time dog Beau perished in the fire. Though the circumstances were tough, this member did what he needed and was actively involved in extinguishing the fire along side his fellow fire service brothers. We ask that you keep this member and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they begin the rebuilding process of their home, as well as all of their belongings that were lost in the home as well.