Working Apartment Fire at Gallery Place

October 4, 2003 1251hrs:

Units were alerted for an apartment building fire at 3008 Gallery Place. This was the same location over a year and a half ago that resulted in a 2-alarm working fire that engulfed the majority of the 3rd floor. While enroute, communications advised they were receiving numerous calls reporting smoke and bells ringing with a possible apartment on fire on the 1st floor. Engine 33, with Captain Ryan Pagel, arrived on scene with nothing showing but the building being evacuated. Engine 33's crew advanced a 400' 1-3/4" attack line into the building as the wagon driver hooked-up to the hydrant. Firefighters were met with moderate smoke conditions as they advanced the line down the 1st floor hallway. Upon locating the apartment, firefighters found heavy smoke conditions inside with near-zero visibility. The crew was able to quickly locate and extinguish the fire in the kitchen area. Engine 122 arrived on scene and advanced a 200' 2" backup attack line as Engine 33's crew began checking for extension. Engine 33, 122, and La Plata Truck 1 performed overhaul while the remaining units checked the remainder of the building and ventilated. The cause of the fire was determined to be grease cooking on the stove by Chief 3, Dan Stevens. The units cleared the scene within an hour of arrival and returned to quarters.

Responding Units: Engine 33, Engine 122, Engine 121, Hughesville Engine 22, Baden Engine 363, La Plata Truck 1, Brandywine Squad 40, Accokeek Tower 24, Ambulance 39, and Chief 3.