On Sunday morning at 7:55a.m. Winfield and surrounding fire departments were alerted for a reported house fire in the 700 Block of Buckhorn Road. While units were responding to the scene a large column of black smoke could be scene for several miles and a tanker task force was requested. Winfield's Engine 141 arrived to a single family split foyer style house with fire through the roof. Duty 14 arrived and Lt. 14-3 (Legore) established the command. Due to the heavy fire conditions a defensive attack was ordered. Crews from Engine 141 & Engine 124 advanced hose lines to knock the fire on the exterior to bring the fire under control. Water supply fill sites were established at two of Winfield's bridge mounted dry fire hydrants (Freter Road & Route 97 stream crossings) to support a tanker shuttle.

Units remained on the scene for several hours performing overhaul and extinguishing hot spots.

The home was not occupied at the time of the fire. Two Howard County Firefighters were transported to Howard County General Hospital for heat exhaustion.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.