Apartment Fire at Gallery Place

October 11, 0318 hours
reported by Lt./PIO Jeff Duer

In the very early hours, volunteers were woken for the automatic fire alarm at 3002 Gallery Place. Shortly thereafter, communications started receiving calls for smoke on the third floor of the same building and upgraded the assignment. Engine 31 and Duty 3 (Lt. Duer) arrived and found smoke showing from the upper floor of the 3-story garden apartment building. E-31's crew under direction of Lt. Lundin found moderate smoke conditions on the third floor, with a working fire in the end apartment. E-31's crew placed the standpipe pack in service, locating the fire in the kitchen area of the apartment. The sprinkler system had activated and thus kept the fire from spreading. Chief 3B (Mills) arrived on scene and established command having E-122 assist E-31's crew, Truck 1 (La Plata) reported to the fire apartment for a secondary search and to check for extension. Squad 2 (Hughesville) secured the utilities. Command (Chief 3 Stevens) then held it with the units on the scene for overhaul. The cause of the fire was found to be unattended cooking. The fire was contained to the kitchen, with extensive water damage from the sprinkler head down to the terrace level. There were no reported injuries.

Units: E31, E122, PGFD RE 40, E361, TRK 25, Charles County Trk. 1, Sqd. 2, Amb. 38. Chief 3, 3B, and Duty 3.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's office conducted the investigation. The American Red Cross Charles County Chapter assisted the displaced occupants.