On Thursday morning at 10:18am units from Sykesville, Winfield, Lisbon, Glenwood, and West Friendship were alerted for a reported house fire in the 7400 Block of Old Washington Road. While initial units were responding to the scene additional information was provided indicating this was a working house fire and the Tanker Task Force and Rapid Intervention Dispatch were requested. A large column of smoke could be seen from several miles away.

First arriving units found heavy fire showing from both floors of the two-story single family house. Due to the well advanced fire conditions it would have been too difficult and unsafe for an interior fire attack so a defensive operation was declared. It was also apparent the house was unoccupied and under renovation. Crews worked to protect the two adjacent exposures which were both large sheds along with cooling two propane tanks located directly behind the house.

Since this area of Woodbine does not have fire hydrants a rural water supply shuttle needed to be established. Two water supply sites were set up; the underground tank along Route 97 just south of Hoods Mill Road (provided 5,000 gallons) and the Patapsco River at the Carroll County/Howard County line (provided 26,500 gallons) for a total of 31,500 gallons used during fire suppression efforts.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.