"Double" General Alarm Brush Fire

 
By Chief Jonathan Riffe
October 23, 2007
 

Tuesday October 23, 2007, the Huntingtown Volunteers received an unusual phone call from Communications advising if a Brush truck and Jeep crew was available. 90 minutes away in the tiny town of Newburg, MD (a few miles from King George, VA), firefighters were battling a general alarm brush fire with agencies from two states and several counties. At 1332 hours, Brush 6 (Smith, R) and Jeep 6 (Fitzgerald) were alerted to 12200 Block of Nyce Manor Place, in Newburg to assist units already on the scene. The 2nd general alarm had just been alerted. Close to 100 personnel and 53 units operated on the scene. Approximately 1 million gallons of water were dumped on this stubborn fire before bringing it under control. Huntingtown units returned to service at 1724 hours. Pictures courtesy of: http://www.nvrsfd.com

With these two units on the scene, several other crews remained in quarters. Around 1600 hours, Chief 6 (Riffe), Engine 61 (Lt Randleman), Squad 6 (Bowen, D), Tanker 6 (Cox, C), and Ambulance 69 (Stewart) were alerted to Smoky Road for the possible stove fire. Huntingtown units arrived to find a small fire in the oven which was quickly extinguished. Within 5 minutes, the box was held to Engine 61 and Squad 6 only.