A 5-alarm fire spread through a waterfront community in the Annapolis Neck Peninsula of Anne Arundel County and officials are praising firefighters who were able to save a series of homes hat ere threatened in the wind-driven fire. Firefighters were called to the Oyster Harbor community of Anne Arundel County at approximately 10:25 pm on 12/07/08 for a report of a dwelling fire at 3304 Shore Dr.
When firefighters arrived on location, they found a two-story single family dwelling completely engulfed in flames with significant winds spreading the fire to two additional homes at 3302 and 3300 Shore Drive. In addition, three homes across the street sustained damage from melting siding and were in imminent danger of burning. Firefighters positioned themselves between the homes that were already on fire and those that were in danger of burning and focused their attention on saving those homes that could be saved. At one point during the height of the fire, flames spread across a street, burned through fire hoses, and damaged a fire engine but crews remained in position and kept the fire from spreading.
Fire Chief John Robert Ray praised the efforts of crews at the scene. “This was a tremendously serious fire. Without question, we could have lost up to six homes this evening were it not for the extraordinary efforts of firefighters who placed themselves in exceptional danger to save three homes. Although three homes were lost in this complex and challenging incident, I am proud of all of the responders and thank the jurisdictions who worked tirelessly under cold and dangerous conditions to bring this fire under control. I want to stress that a prompt response and the summoning of additional alarms kept this fire from becoming more devastating.”
No civilians were injured despite several homes being occupied when the fire started. Two Anne Arundel County firefighters, a 29 year old male and 25 year old male, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Neither is expected to be admitted. Firefighters from Annapolis, Queen Anne County, Calvert County and the USNA Fire Department assisted.
The fire was contained by 00:22 minutes and declared under control at 1:22 am. Fire investigators will return to the scene later today to begin their evaluation although a preliminary cause many not be determined due to the fire’s intensity. An initial damage estimate for the incident including all homes, personal property and vehicles affected in the fire has been set at two million dollars.
A family of four (2 adults and 2 children) were displaced from 3304 Shore Drive. An adult male was displaced from 3302 Shore Drive and the occupants of 3300 Shore Drive were not at home at the time of the fire. The Red Cross was offered to the families but all declined assistance.
Fire officials remind all residents of the incredible dangers associated with fire and stress three key strategies to safeguard your life: Functioning smoke alarms for early warning; a fire escape plan that includes a meeting place outside the home; and consideration of installing residential sprinklers when building a new home.
