| On New Years Eve, a cold front was blowing into the Southern Maryland area with sustained winds of 30 MPH, and at one point reaching 50+ MPH. Around 0130, the Leonardtown Volunteers were alerted to the reported trailer on fire. Firefighters responded to find three trailers well involved, and requested additional units bringing Hollywood, both Bay District stations and Water Supply 5. At 0150, the Fightin' Four was alerted to fill the pumper tanker at Bay District station 3. The crew filled in at station 3 for a little over an hour and a half and ran no calls.
Around 1110, Company 4, Company 6. Company 49 and the Coast Guard was alerted for water rescue box 4, for a boat in distress in the Potomac River. With winds routinely going above 30 MPH, Boat 6 advised that they could not venture into the high seas and choppy waters. MSU-4 and Boat 4 responded to the area and attempted to make a launch. However, due to choppy waters, the launch was deemed unsafe and Boat 4 was held off.
Before clearing the previous box, another water rescue box was alerted in the St. Jeromes Creek. MSU-4 and Boat 4 arrived and assisted in helping the boater.
After clearing the two previous boat calls, shortly before 1300, units were backing into quarters and were alerted for a brush fire at the intersection of Three Notch Road and St. Jeromes Neck Road. Jeep 4, Brush 4 and Tanker 4 all responded at the inital dispatch. Further information provided by dispatch indicated that the fire was spreading rapidly and was being carried by high winds. Units arrived, and with the assistance of Engines 43 and 44 extinguished the brush fire. Brush units from companies 3 and 9 were alerted, but however were returned to service due to the quick knock by initial units.
As units were being restored in quarters, another box alarm was struck for the brush fire in the area of Fresh Pond Neck Road. Captain 4 (Mercure) was in the area and advised fireboard that a large column of smoke could be seen in the area. Captain 4 arrived on scene and advised of roughly one and a half acres well off with extension to atleast one electrical pole. Jeep 4, Brush 4, Tanker 4, Engine 43 and Engine 44 all responded. Foam was utilized to help combat the brush fire, and after fifteen minutes, the fire was deemed under control. Units on scene mopped up and returned to service.
At 1655, Bay District Stations 3 & 9 were alerted for the trailer fire on Hermanville Road, in Hermanville. Fireboard advised units that the caller said her trailer was filling with smoke and that she seemed excited. Chief 3 was first on scene at 1658 and advised fireboard that there was fire in the trailer, and to dispatch the working fire response. At 1659, Companies 4 and 5 (Water Supply 5) were alerted to respond to the scene. Engine 44 (Chief Raley) went out with 6 at the time of dispatch. Engine 43 (Capt. Raley) responded within 30 seconds with a full crew of 6. Both units arrived on scene and provided manpower. Units were released from the scene within fifteen minutes.
All in all, the Fightin' Four responded to six calls for service on the last day of 2008. The station was staffed by atleast one crew all day. The auxiliary provided food and refreshments for the crews that manned the station. The entire county was affected by the high winds that blew into the area, with every company running atleast five calls for the day.
Photos courtesy of John Douglass. |
