Smoke Reported on the 3rd Floor
of the Waldorf Holiday Inn

October 8, 2003 2241hrs:

Waldorf firefighters responded to the Holiday Inn on St Patricks Drive for reported smoke on the 3rd floor. Engine 33 and Truck 3 arrived on the scene minutes later with no fire or smoke showing, however the hotel was being evacuated. Firefighters entered the lobby area and found light smoke conditions inside. Due to the hotel having two different wings, responding units were instructed to stage in the parking lot until the actual location of the fire could be determined. Chief 3, Dan Stevens, arrived on scene and established the Command while Chief 3B, DJ Mills assumed the Interior. Crews from Engine 33, Engine 122, and Truck 3 proceeded to the 3rd floor of the first wing and found moderate smoke conditions on the entire floor. As crews began a room-by-room search, Truck 3's crew proceeded to the roof to check on the air handlers. The source of the smoke was quickly identified as a malfunctioning air handler and shutdown. Electric PPV fans were used to ventilate the building and occupants were able to return to their rooms within 30 minutes. Units cleared the scene at 2323 hours and returned to quarters.

Responding Units: Engine 33, Engine 32, Truck 3, Engine 122, Bryans Road Engine 112, Baden Engine 363, La Plata Truck 1, Brandywine Squad 40, Accokeek Tower 24, Ambulance 399, Ambulance 128, and Chief 3.