Fire Erupts in Middle School
Under Construction on Davis Road

June 16, 0930 hrs

On Friday June 16th at approximately 0930 hours, an alarm was received for a working fire at the new Davis Middle School on Davis Road. The building is currently under construction. First arriving units found a working fire on the roof of the two story structure. Engine 31 laid dual lines into the construction area and Rescue Engine 121 picked up the lines at the hydrant. Initial command was under Chief 12-B John Stewart who arrived shortly after. Chief Stewart noticed that despite the working fire on the roof, numerous construction workers were still working on the second floor of the structure. Both Engine crews then worked on evacuating the workers from the building and while doing so, noticed a bow in the roof. At this point evacuation tones were hit, and the operations went to and exterior attack. At the height of the fire, three ladder pipes were set up with two operating. Chief 12A J. R. Hayden arrived and took over command, and Chief 12B John Stewart took over water supply, as there were concerns about the amount of water needed. A tanker shuttle was set up but the fire was knocked down before it went into operation. The preliminary investigation by the State Fire Marshal points to an accidental fire caused by welders in the roof area. The estimated loss is $250,000 and there were no injuries.

Waldorf Units responding:
Engine 31, Rescue Engine 121, Engine 122, Tanker 12, Utility 12, Paramedic Ambulance 129, Truck 3, Rescue Squad 3, Ambulance 37, Chief 3

Mutual Aid Companies Responding:

Accokeek Tower 24, La Plata Engine 11, Tanker 1, Chief 1, Bryans Road Truck 11, Tanker 11, Potomac Heights Rescue Squad 7, Tanker 7, P.G. County Station 47 Engine 472, Marbury Tanker 8, and the Charles County Sheriff's Department and Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.

Bel Alton Engine 101, filled in at Waldorf 3, and Newburg Engine 141 filled in for Waldorf Station 12. Last units cleared at 1130 hours.