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Flames tore through a home in the 12600 block of Ailanthus Drive near Old Forge Road in Hagerstown at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, prompting a response from first responders in multiple agencies in the area.
Upon arrival, a spokesperson for the Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company said that crews found flames visible through the roof of the property and were advised by neighbors that the residents were not home at the time the fire broke out.
“Command then transitioned operation to a defensive attack of (the) 3,700-square-foot brick structure with fire through the roof and partial collapse in the rear,” officials said. “Utilities and a propane tank were secured (and) Potomac Edison was requested to pull the meter.”
Officials noted that water supply was difficult due to a lack of public water in the area and a limited ability to turn tankers around on the narrow roadway.
Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were sent in to evaluate the stability of the structure and worked to extinguish any hot spots and preserve what hadn’t been damaged during the fire, according to the department.
While extinguishing the last of the flames, portions of the floor became unstable and crews were pulled out of the home, officials noted, with command at the scene terminated shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 23.
A pair of parakeets were rescued during the fire and were taken to neighbors for temporary safekeeping until the homeowners return.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, but both refused transport or immediate medical attention.
It is unclear what caused the fire.
The fire remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
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