At 1243 hours, the 0504 Fire Box was dispatched for the reported house fire at 454 Battery Drive. As units were marking up, Harford County DES advised they received a report of a fire in the house, the a report of a child inside, & they were upgrading to the Fire Rescue Box. Chief 5-1 was first on scene, at 1244, with smoke showing from the two story end of the group, requested the Working Fire Dispatch and, shortly after, reported all occupants were out of the house. Engine 513 was next on scene, at 1247, and stretched to the second floor rear, where they found fire in the bedroom. Engine 512 was next on scene shortly after, stretching a second line, with Engine 514 to follow, throwing ladders to side-A & conducting a primary search. Tower 5 (1st Truck), on scene at 1251, set up on side-A, while remaining crews checked the exposure for extension. SHCo crews remained on scene until 1500 hours, before going ready.
Other units on scene: Engine 511, Engine 515, Quint 5, Utility 572, Deputy Chief 5, Chief 5-2, Safety Officer 5, Engine 214 (RIT), Engine 211, Medic 591, Ambulance 593, Paramedic 1; Engine 113 covered Division 1
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire was a child playing with a lighter. A total of four adults, six children & one pet were displaced as a result. Full Report
As a reminder, please teach your children the importance of fire safety. You can find important tips here.
