At approximately 8:20 PM on Thursday, April 20, Sykesville crews were alerted for the report of a fire in a house in the 7200 block of Jennifer Way in Sykesville.

In less than two minutes from dispatch, Engine 123, Tower 12, Engine 124, Rescue Squad 12 and Paramedic 127 responded with more than 20 volunteers and paid crew. Chief 12 (Ruch) and Chief 12-1 (Dennis) also responded, as did Brush 125 and Duty 12

Crews arrived on the scene to find smoke coming from the second floor of a two story duplex. Chief 12-1 assumed command. 1 3/4" hand lines were quickly deployed and the exterior of the building was laddered. After ventilating using windows, crews located the fire in a bedroom closet and extinguished the flames. While there was heat and smoke damage to the bedroom, the fire was contained to the closet with no extension.

The occupants of the home were able to evacuate safely, and there were no civilian injuries. One firefighter was treated on scene for a minor hand injury.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

Our thanks to our mutual aid crews from West Friendship, Winfield and Gamber for their assistance.

The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department is constantly seeking new volunteers to assist us in service to the community. Whether you're interested in firefighting, EMS, administrative/support work, or all of the above, we'd love to have you. Please see the link below for membership information.