BARN FIRE AT WESTMINSTER RESCUE MISSION

On April 6th, 2012 at 21:44 hours Station 2 amongst other stations were dispatched for a building fire at the Westminster Rescue Mission. Truck 2 responded quickly with four volunteers, followed closely behind by Engine Tanker 24, also with four volunteers. Upon units responding, dispatch advised they were receiving multiple calls and a Carroll County Sheriff was on scene with a building fire reported fully involved. Chief 3-1 called enroute, was advised of the information and requested a Tanker Task Force. Chief 3-1 arrived at approximately 21:50 hrs and reported a fully involved barn fire and requested the 2nd alarm. Later on, Command (Chief 3-1) requested a second Tanker Task Force. During the blaze firefighters had several exposures they had to protect as well as keeping the wind fed fire under control. Fire companies from Carroll, York, and Baltimore Counties were dispatched to the call to help fight the fire. Although Hampstead units cleared the call around 00:45 hrs, the fire wasn't fully extinguished until approximately 01:40 hrs. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshalls Office.