Hughesville Fire and EMS was alerted to a “Working House Fire” on May 1, 2004 at about 8 p.m. at 4570 Young Road near Malcolm. MSP Trooper 7 was in the area enroute to a medivac in Waldorf and reported having a large two story single home with heavy fire conditions.

Engine 22 arrived to find a 2 story dwelling with heavy fire conditions throughout the 1st and 2nd floors and fire venting through the roof. Engine 22 deployed 2 1 3/4″ hand lines and E361 picked up the dual laid supply lines. Tanker 2 established the “Water Supply Division” and Lt. Thomas established the “Young Road Command.” Shortly thereafter, Chief 2 arrived and assumed Command and assigned Lt. Thomas the “Operations Division.” Chief 40 (from Squad 40) assumed Safety Officer duties.

All operations were confined to the exterior by operating four hand lines. A 300 lbs. propane cylinder vented and ignited on side “D.” One hand line was dedicated to cooling the tank as it burned off (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

All of the water from the Young Road and Truman Manor Lane tanks were completely depleted. A private contractor was contacted to respond and re-fill the tanks immediately.

After about 1 1/2 hours of constant 1000 gallons per minute water flow, the fire was deemed under control. The flow of water in this non-hydrant area was never lost. There was no overhaul performed due to the extensive damage to the structure and the high risk of collapse.

Units from Hughesville and Benedict continued to make periodic checks on the smoldering debris. No injuries, accidents or equipment loss was recorded by any company on the scene. The house suffered a total loss which is estimated at about $600,000.00. Denstville’s Ambulance 158 treated and released the 66 year old female owner for hypertension.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, SMECO, Red Cross and Ladies Auxiliary all responded and performed their respective duties. All units were in service and cleared the scene at about midnight.