Reported Smoke in the
St Charles Towne Center

July 4, 2003 0813hrs:

Units from Waldorf responded to the St Charles Towne Center for a report of smoke in the Old Navy store. Engine 32, Truck 3, and Chief 3B, arrived on the scene at the lower level entrance next to Kohl's Department store with no fire or smoke showing from the structure. Chief 3B, DJ Mills, established the St Charles Towne Center Command as crews from Engine 32 and Truck 3 proceeded into the mall to the Old Navy store. Engine 122 took position at the upper level entrance near the Post Office to supply the fire department connection while the remaining units where instructed to stage on Mall Circle and await instructions. When the crews from Engine 32 and Truck 3 entered Old Navy, a haze of smoke and a strong burning smell was found inside. As the crews began searching for the source of the smoke inside the store, Command ordered Truck 1 to the roof to check the numerous air handling units and exhaust fans. After an extensive search of the entire store and main body of the mall with the thermal imager, no source of the smell or smoke was located. The haze inside the Old Navy store disapated completely and did not return. Chief 3 placed the units in staging in service as crews from Company's 3, 12, and 1 continued to search throughout the mall. Nothing was found even after the air handling units were placed back in operation. Chief 3 released the remaining units shortly after.

Units Responding: Engine 32,Engine 122, Baden Engine 363, Bryans RoadEngine 112, Truck 3, La Plata Truck 1, Accokeek Tower 24, Brandywine Squad 40, Ambulance 399, Utility 3 (Chief3b), and Chief 3