PGFD Firefighters Battle Cottage City House Fire

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

No sooner had the "ink dried" on the press release describing a busy Valentines weekend when firefighters fought yet another house fire.  At about 9:45 am dispatchers at the Public Safety Communications alerted firefighters to a house fire in Cottage City.  Along with the address of the fire, dispatchers stated multiple 911 calls were received reporting a house fire and that a person and a dog were trapped in the basement.

Firefighters from the Bunker Hill Fire/EMS Station 855 were the first to arrive at the 1 1/2 story single family home in the 3800 block of 37th Avenue reporting fire showing from the rear of the house and heavy smoke from the front.  The bulk of the fire was located in the rear portion of the house, including a detached shed which were well involved with fire.  As firefighters battled to knock the fire down other firefighters were searching the structure for anyone still inside despite the intense heat and blinding smoke.  Firefighters also extended hose lines to protect the houses on either side of the burning home from the radiant heat.

Both occupants had escaped the home safely prior to the fire departments arrival, however, a dog was found deceased inside the home.

Preliminary investigation indicates that it appears the fire started in or around the detached shed in the backyard with the fire extending into the house.  The fire extended throughout the interior of the house and attic.  Fire damage is significant if not total.  No injuries have been reported.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Fire loss estimates are still being tabulated.

The two displaced residents will be receiving assistance from the Office of Emergency Management Citizen Services Unit will be staying with friends.

Images provided courtesy of PGFD Deputy Fire Chief Ben Barksdale

The backyard with detached shed and rear of house.

The 1 1/2 story Cottage City home sustained significant fire damage.