Last updated Sunday, April 20, 2008

APRIL 20, 2008 - Firefighters from the Laurel VFD, as well as other firefighters from Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery Counties, were dispatched to a reported townhouse in the 8000 block of Chery Lane. First arriving Engine 101 (Engine 810) arrived to find smoke showing from the rear of an end of the row townhouse in the 14800 block of Ashford Court. A working fire dispatch was sounded, and an interior fire attack began. The crew from E101 found a fire in the interior wall of the rear of the townhouse, which was reportedly under renovation. The blaze caused an estimated $30,000 worth of damage, and Prince George's County fire investigators have determined the cause of the fire to be electrical in nature.

See the photographs (by Ken Wilson, Laurel V.F.D.)

APRIL 19, 2008 - Firefighters at the LVFD were kept busy running fire calls, as 3 box alarms for various degrees of building fires were dispatched, as well as a street alarm, reporting an apartment fire in the area. Fortunately for the community, none of the incidents were severe in nature. One box alarm, in the 13800 block of Belle Chase Boulevard, was found to be a microwave oven on fire. The fire was contained by a dry chemical fire extinguisher. No cause or damage estimate is available.

The other two box alarms were found to be related to either food on the stove, or people grilling outside of their apartments.

The LVFD also advises area residents that Prince George's County law requires them to keep barbeques (or grilles) off apartment balconies, and to keep them a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the building.

APRIL 18, 2008 - Laurel firefighters were dispatched to the area of Old Gunpowder and Sandy Spring Roads in west Laurel for the report of "dark smoke coming up from behind the sports complex". While nothing was found at Sandy Spring Road and Old Gunpowder Road, a deep seated brush fire was located off of Minnick Road. With an estimated 6 acres involved in the fire, as well as the access issues, a second engine and later, a second brush truck, was requested to provide additional personnel and brush apparatus. 2 engines (E101 and E104), 2 chiefs (Chiefs 10 and 10B), and 2 brush trucks (Brush 715 and Howard Brush 6) operated on the incident. 13 firefighters from the LVFD operated on the fireground. Additional LVFD personnel staffed the third engine company at the firehouse.

APRIL 14, 2008 - Laurel firefighters were dispatched to the 900 block of Montrose Avenue, for the report of a car versus a house. Chief 10A arrived and found a car that had left the roadway, and crashed into the house. One person was trnasported to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Photographs by Jim Codespote

Photographs by Doug Walton

MARCH 29, 2008 - Shortly before 4:00 AM, firefighters from the LVFD, as well as other departments in Prince George's, Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arrundel counties were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the closet of a house in the 7800 block of Brooklyn Bridge Road. Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Lovell of the Laurel VFD found a man on the front porch, gesturing for him to assist him in removing his elderly mother, who is confined to a wheelchair. Neither occupant required any medical intervention, and no injuries were reported.

A total of twenty seven firefighters from four counties were required to control the fire, which caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to the house, and $100,000 in damage to the contents of the residence.

Read the press release.

On March 2, 2008, twelve members of the LVFD staffed two engines and the ambulance, and headed out to various parts of Laurel to canvas the area. The purpose of the canvas was to provide free smoke detectors and batteries, along with fire prevention pamphlets, to residents who need them.

Read the press release

Engine 101 in

February 23, 2008 - After a day of the annual recerts (HazMat, SCBA and EVOC), members spent a few hours racking supply and attack lines onto Engine 101, which was delivered on Valentine's Day. It is not yet known when the piece will be placed in service.

Engine 101 will carry 1200' of five inch supply line, as well as 1000' of three inch supply line.

Another fire in Laurel 2 engines and 2 chiefs from 10. Not bad for an afternoon fire.

February 21, 2008 - Firefighters were summoned to 9723 Muirkirk Road for a report of smoke in the building with an occupant's smoke detector sounding. Companies arrived to find a small living room fire in another unit of the building, which was quickly brought under control.

The fire has left the apartment uninhabitable, and caused $5,000 worth of damage. One occupant was displaced by the fire, which was caused by a malfunctioning radio. No injuries were reported. Click here to see a few more shots.

Engine on 49 box Fire goes to 3 alarms

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 – A three alarm building fire in the 14800 block of Bowie Road has left the building in ruins.

Firefighters were summoned to the fire at 1 o’clock this afternoon, initially reported in the 9600 block of Fort Meade Road, and encountered heavy smoke issuing from a building in the 14800 block of Bowie Road. An initial interior fire attack was mounted; however, due to the sheer volume of fire, firefighters were pulled from the building and a defensive exterior attack with large diameter hoses ensued. A collapse occurred shortly after the evacuation order was given.

In the end, a total of three alarms were required to control the blaze, which took over four hours to control. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Prince George’s County fire investigators.

See more pictures here and here.

L.V.F.D. Burns at M.F.R.I.

On January 26, 2008, the L.V.F.D. burned at M.F.R.I. The training evolutions that took place provided an opportunity for the newer members to gain experience, as well as for older members to reinforce their skills.

See more pictures here.

L.V.F.D. Trains Out Back

FEBRUARY 3, 2008 - With DJ Hull being on the cusp of being turned over as a new driver, the crew decided to do some pumps training. So, Engine 103, running as the pumper, was moved around back and the pumping began. The deck gun, as well as several hand lines, were pulled and pumped. See more pictures here.

First Due Building Fire - 2nd Alarm

January 8, 2008. At 4:22am, Engine 104 and units from the Laurel area were alerted for a reported fire on the balcony at 14007 Briston St. Engine 104 arrived first to find heavy fire showing on the top floor of a 3-story condo building. The crew stretched a 2-inch attack line and went to work on the third floor. The fire had already extended to the cockloft on arrival. Other arriving units pulled lines to the rear of the building and made access to the fire in the cockloft. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Engine on Second Alarm in Howard County
Transfer Crews Cover First Due Townhouse Fire

January 7, 2008. Engine 104 was alerted for a reported house fire at 10270 Stansfield Rd. in Scaggsville. Units were dispatch around 10:20pm and first arriving units found heavy fire coming from the rear of a two story single family dwelling. While Engine 104's crew was operating at this fire, Communications dispatched a call for smoke in a townhouse at 14800 Belle Ami Dr. With only the ambulance in the station and the transfer crew still enroute, LVFD volunteers loaded up A109 and responded to the fire two blocks away. Arriving on the scene, the crew found a fire in the rear second floor bedroom of the two story end-unit townhouse. Engine 311 (Beltsville) was the first arriving engine. The crews from E311 and A109 quickly extinguished the fire. Chief 10B (Pearcy) had command. Engine 104 and A109 cleared their calls at about the same time, around 11:30pm.

Annual Election Of Officers

January 7, 2008. Election of officers was held this evening at the LVFD annual meeting. See the results here.

Another Garden Apartment Fire

December 22, 2007. At 6:40am Engine 104 was alerted for a reported fire in an apartment building at 9528 Muirkirk Rd. First arriving units reported smoke showing from the three story garden apartment building. Engine 104 secured the first arriving engine's (E491) water supply and the crew went to work on the floor above the fire searching apartments and checking for extension. The fire was confined to a terrace level apartment with smoke filling the entire building. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Engine On Calverton 3 Alarm Building Fire

December 17, 2007. Engine 104 responded as the first due engine on the second alarm to 11212 Cherry Hill Rd. in Calverton Co.41. The first alarm was sounded just after 8:30am and quickly followed by the second and third alarms. Companies from Prince Georges, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties operated at the fire which caused major damage to a 3 story garden style apartment building. Due to heavy winds the fire moved quickly from the 2nd floor to the 3rd and then the cockloft area, crews were unable to control the fire on the initial interior attack and were forced to set up for exterior attack and protect exposures. Two MAYDAYS were alerted and crews were quickly accounted for. Two firefighters sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital. Photo by Ken Wilson, LVFD.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Engine Runs Montgomery County 2nd Alarm

December 16, 2007. At 6:30pm, Engine 104 was alerted mutual aid to Montgomery County for an apartment fire at 3926 Blackburn Lane (Burtonsville Co. 15). Burtonsville units were first to arrive and found a working fire on the 3rd floor of a 4 story garden style apartment building. Engine 104 arrived shortly after picking up Burtonsville's supply line. The crew from Engine 104 was assigned to the floor above the fire and found that the fire had extended there. The crew knocked down the fire in a 4th floor apartment (photo above) and then checked for further extension and performed overhaul. Engine 104 cleared in 2.5 hours. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

L.V.F.D. Wins Rescue Squad Of The Year

Laurel Volunteer Fire Department was awarded the Rescue Squad of the Year Award by Prince Georges County Fire & Rescue Association. LVFD was presented the award back in September at the annual county firemen's convention. Deputy Chief Brad Lovell, F/F Laura Cathcart, SGT Trey Kelso, Lt. Phil Clinard, F/T Nick Havrilla, F/F DJ Hull, F/F Kevin Lavezzo, F/F Michelle Norsworthy, and F/F Brad Lust responded to a motor vehicle crash on I95 near Sandy Spring Rd. Staffing Ambulance 109 and Engine 103, the crew arrived to find a full size pick-up truck overturned with two people trapped. The crew from Ambulance 109 (Kelso and Cathcart) began patient care while Engine 103's crew stabilized the vehicle and assisted the ambulance crew. Members from Company 10 provided patient care throughout the extrication with two members assisting the medics on the transport to Baltimore shock trauma. Also working on the scene were crews from Squad 14 (Berwyn Heights), EMS11, Engine 411 (Calverton), Medic 12 (College Park), Ambulance 419, Battalion Chief 6,and Maryland State Police Trooper 1. LVFD was awarded the Rescue Squad Of The Year for a job well done.

3 Ejected On I95 Crash

December 1, 2007. Engine 103 and the ambulance responed to a motor vehicle crash on the ramp from Rt.198 westbound to I95 Northbound. First arriving units reported at least three people ejected from an overturned vehicle. Companies quickly went to work to stablize the vehicle, perform patient care and transport. As a result, two priority 1 patients were transported to local trauma centers by helicopters while two priority 2 patients were transported by ground. Photo courtesy of Charles Johnson III ( CJ ) Burtonsville Co.15.

LVFD Escorts Santa Claus Through Annual Christmas Parade

December 1, 2007. Engine 102 was Santa's sleigh for the City Of Laurel's annual Christmas parade. The parade began at City Hall and worked its way down Montgomery Street, ending at the Laurel Armory. As a side note, this was the last run for Engine 102. As the oldest engine in our fleet, it was sold to help finance a new Seagrave engine. The new engine should be in service some time in January 08.

Kitchen fire on Snowden Oaks Place

November 19, 2007. Units from the Laurel area were alerted just before 1030pm for a reported kitchen on fire at 8448 Snowden Oaks Place in South Laurel. First arriving units found smoke and fire showing from the first floor of an end unit townhouse. Crews from Engines 102 and 104 assisted in extinguishment and overhaul. The fire was quickly knocked and units operated just over 1 hour. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Dryer Fire On Belle Ami Dr

November 17, 2007. Just before 1:30pm a box alarm was dispatched for a reported dryer on fire at 14814 Belle Ami Dr. Two blocks from the station, Engine 103 arrived first at the three story end unit townhouse. The crew from the wagon found moderate smoke in the house and quickly extinguished a fire in a clothes dryer. Crews on the assignment assisted with searches, ventilation and overhaul. No extension was found and the assignment was cleared in less than an hour. Photo courtesy of Charles Johnson III ( CJ ) Burtonsville Co.15.

Overturned On I95

October 20, 2007. Units from Company 10 were alerted at 1814 hours for a reported single car accident involving a vehicle rolled over on Interstate 95. Engine Company 10, along with A109, arrived on scene to find a Ford Mustang that had rolled three times on I95 southbound just south of the Howard County line. Firefighters from Company 10 quickly assessed the scene and determined that a female passenger was pinned between the car door and the ground. Communications was advised of the situation, and a helicopter and medic unit were requested to the scene. The engine crew assisted Rescue Engine 49 with the extrication, while A109 packaged the patient and removed her to the waiting MSP Trooper. A second patient, who was up and walking, was treated and transported to a regional trauma center by A319 and Howard County Medic 11. LVFD units on the call include Engine 10, A109, and Chief 10. Photo by Michelle Norseworthy.

Working Fire At Laurel BP Gas Station

October 15, 2007. Clearing a water emergency call on Laurel Lakes Ct, Engine 102 was alerted for fire coming from the BP Gas Station on Route 1 and Montgomery St. First arriving units found heavy fire coming from the office/store area of the building extending to the roof. The crew from Engine 102 pulled a second line from RE49 and attacked the fire in cockloft. The fire was quickly knocked down. The call was dispatched shortly after 1am with the crew from Engine 102, chief 10, 10a and 10b returning after 3am. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Engine 103 on Calverton Basement Fire

September 11, 2007. Engine 103 was alerted on the box alarm at 13008 Blairmore Street in Calverton (Co. 41). Engine 411 arrived on the scene with smoke showing from a single family single story house. Engine 411 advanced an attack line in the front door while Engine 311 brought a line to the rear basement door where they found fire showing. Engine 103's crew laid a secondary water supply and reported to the fire scene to assist in extinguishment. For additional photos, see Beltsville VFD website . Click here to listen to the fireground radio traffic. Above photo by CJ Burtonsville VFD.

Engine Runs Compactor Fire At Village Thrift Store

August 17, 2007. The box alarm was alerted to 9644 Fort Meade Road for a reported building fire at the Village Thrift Store. First arriving units found smoke showing from the store as a result of a large dumpster/compactor attached to the building on fire. Burtonsville Squad 15 used their winch to pull the dumpster away from the building for extinguishment. Units cleared in about an hour. Engine 102, Chief 10 and 10B operated at the scene.

Second Alarm Townhouse Fire in The Lakes

August 12, 2007. Units from Laurel and the surrounding area were alerted at 2:42pm for a townhouse on fire at 8231 North Lake Court. Chief 10A (Lovell) arrived first to find a three story end of the group townhouse with heavy fire showing from side A (front) and side D (right side), and heavy smoke showing from the rear. Engine 102 made an aggressive interior attack, knocking down the bulk of the fire on the first floor with a second line extinguishing fire on the second floor and cockloft. The residents of the townhouse were at home at the time of the fire, and escaped without injury. Chief 10 (Blankenship) had command. Company 10 units cleared just before 6:30pm.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Click here for a short video from the scene. Video by Brian Scherer (LVFD). (Note: Video is 4MB and require Quicktime player to view.)

Motor Vehicle Crash With Extrication

August 2, 2007. Just after 1am, units were alerted to a reported motor vehicle crash with rollover on the ramp from Rt198 West bound to I95 North. Engine 103 and Ambulance 109 arrived on the scene and found an adult trapped in an overturned pickup truck. Personnel from Company 10 began patient care and assisted Rescue Squad 14 (Berwyn Heights) with extrication of the patient. Maryland State Police helicopter transported the driver to the trauma center while Ambulance 109 transported a passenger. Photo by Dep. Chief Brad Lovell.

Motorcycle Crash Results in Flyout

July 26, 2007. Just after 7pm, units were alerted to a reported motor vehicle crash involving a motor cycle. Engine 103 and Ambulance 109 arrived on the scene and found an adult and a child lying in the intersection of Talbot Avenue (Rt. 198) and 8th Street. Both victims were riders on a motorcycle struck by a car. The child was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter (Trooper 8) while A109 transported the adult to a local trauma center. Photo by Jim Codespote.

Click here for more photos from the scene.

Drafting And Tanker Operations Drill

July 23, 2007. This month's company drill was on drafting and tanker operations. Chief George Brown and Deputy Chief Bruce Newcomer of Sandy Spring VFD (Montgomery Co. 4) brought their tanker to Laurel to lead the drill. The drill covered drafting operation with multiple drop tanks as well as procedures and practices for sustaining a continuous water supply with tankers. Thanks to Chief Brown, Chief Newcomer and the Sandy Spring VFD for an excellent class. Photo by Peter Matthews.

Click here for more photos of the drill.

3 Alarm Apartment Building Fire

July 22, 2007. Tower 10 was alerted just before 2am for a reported apartment building on fire at 14803 Bowie Road. First arriving units found a 3 story garden style apartment building with heavy smoke showing from the front and heavy fire from the rear. Tower 10's crew threw ladders and "opened up" on the fire floor and above the fire on the third floor. Due to heavy fire conditions, a second and a third alarm was called. The fire burned through the roof of 14803 with extension into the adjoining buildings. Photo by Charles Johnson III.

See Beltsville VFD for more photos, and WJLA (ABC7) for video coverage.

Second Alarm Mansion Fire on Route 1

July 19, 2007. Just before 7:30am, Tower 10 was alerted for a reported house fire at 203 Washington Blvd. (Route 1 south). First arriving units found a large 3 story house with heavy fire showing from the front. Built in the 1800's, the house was converted to offices, housing an insurance company. Tower 10's crew entered the rear of the building to ensure all occupants were out. The crew was quickly forced out by fire extending from the front of the building. The operation was changed to an exterior attack. Tower 10 commenced water tower operations on side A, knocking down a substantial amount of fire. Two crew members from Tower 10 were burned while attempting the search. Both were treated at the burn center for non-life threatening injuries. Photo by Steve Jones (City of Laurel).

See Beltsville VFD for more photos, and NBC4 for video coverage.

Laurel Celebrates Independence Day 2007

July 7, 2007. Laurel's annual Independence Day celebration kicked off today with a parade through the city. LVFD's Honor Guard led the company through the parade. From left to right, Lt. Phil Clinard, FF Theresa Hoglander, FF Dave Ballard, Sgt. Greg Masenheimer, and FF David Pierce. The celebration continued through out the day with a carnival at Laurel Lakes and a fireworks display. Thanks to Beltsville, Savage, Berwyn Heights, Maryland City, West Lanham Hills, and Burtonsville fire departments for assistance during the fireworks.

Click here for photo slideshow of the day's activities.

Click here for a photo slideshow of the parade (photos by Doug Walton)

Engine On Howard County Barn Fire

June 29, 2007. Just after midnight, Howard County departments were dispatched for a barn fire at 11788 Scaggsville Rd in Fulton. First arriving units found a large barn fully involved and requested a taskforce. Engine 104 was first due engine on the task force alarm. The barn was approximately 2000 feet from the main road and closest hydrants. Engine 104 pumped in relay down the long driveway leading to the fire. They were supplied by Howard County Rescue Squad 5, who deployed their portable pump and crane to draft from a nearby pond. Engine 104 cleared the call at 3am.

Click here for photo slideshow of the incident.

Maintenance Shed Burns On Bramble Lane

June 9, 2007. Shortly after 11:00 on June 9, 2007, Tower 10 was dispatched on the box alarm for the apartment fire 14000 block of Hunting Lane in Laurel. Tower 10, staffed with a compliment of 5 volunteers. arrived to find a small maintenance shed fully involved and almost on the ground. The Tower was assigned to gain entry to the attached block construction maintenance shed, which had fire coming through the roof. The fire was held to the original shed, with minimal extension to the adjoining structure.

Ambulance 109, staffed with 2 volunteers, was assigned as the working fire dispatch ambulance. Chief 10B (Codespote) was assigned to the exterior of the operation. Units operated for just over one hour.

Click here for incident photos by Doug Walton.

Working House Fire In West Laurel

May 18, 2007. At 10:30pm, LVFD and surrounding companies responded for a reported house on fire at 6100 Brooklyn Bridge Rd in West Laurel. First arriving units found a 2 story split foyer home nearly 100% involved in fire. Incident command quickly deemed the operation as exterior only. Crews pulled lines from Engine 104 to attack the fire on all four sides of the house. The fire was extinguished in about an hour. The house was owned by a near by church and housed an extensive library. Crews were able to save the majority of the books that were stored in a ground floor room. Click here for more photos by Jim Codespote.

L.V.F.D. Members Participate In Annual Main Street Festival

The annual Main Street Festival was held Saturday May 12th. Engines 102, 104 and Ambulance 109 along with Old Liz (1928 American LaFrance engine) made the trek down Main Street in the parade. After the parade, the crew set up a dunk tank at 6th and Main to raise funds and have some fun. Click here for photos of the event.

Truck Runs Anne Arundel Second Alarm

April 5, 2007. Just after 5am, Truck 10 was alerted to 3406 Hollycreek Dr. in the Russett area of Maryland City. Anne Arundel 911 received numerous calls for an apartment building fire. Click here for more information and photos by Doug Walton.

Two Alarm Fire At Bay And Surf Resturant

Shortly after 6 AM on Thursday, February 15, 2007, a box alarm was struck for a lot of black smoke coming from the Bay N Surf Restaurant in the 14000 block of Baltimore Avenue. First arriving Engine 102 found heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof. Chief 10 (acting chief Lovell) arrived shortly thereafter, and established the Baltimore Ave command. A second alarm was quickly requested. Click here for more information and photos.

First Due Vacant House Fire

Just before noon on February 11, 2007, Engine 104 was dispatched for an investigation of smoke in the area of Van Dusen Road & Sweitzer Lane. Shortly after the engine checked up on the air, Communications filled the box for the report of several buildings on fire at the Laurel Ready Mix concrete plant complex. Click here for more information and photos.

Tower On Howard County Vacant House Fire

In the mid afternoon of February 9, 2007, the station was pretty quiet. We had run one crash, which we were quickly cancelled from. Around 5:30 in the afternoon, Howard County sounded box alarm 6-6, in the area of the Phillips School, in the 8900 block of Whiskey Bottom Road. The first arriving engine from Savage arrived to find a 2 story, single family farmhouse with fire throughout the building. Click here for more information and photos.

Tower On Burtonsville 2nd Alarm House fire

In the mid afternoon of February 9, 2007, the station was pretty quiet. We had run one crash, which we were quickly cancelled from. Around 5:30 in the afternoon, Howard County sounded box alarm 6-6, in the area of the Phillips School, in the 8900 block of Whiskey Bottom Road. The first arriving engine from Savage arrived to find a 2 story, single family farmhouse with fire throughout the building. Click here for more information and photos.

Engine & Tower On Maryland City House Fire

At 11:22pm on January 28, 2007, units from Prince George’s and Howard Counties responded to assist Maryland City (Anne Arundel County) for a reported house on fire. First arriving units found heavy smoke showing and a working fire in the basement of single story home at 319 Old Line Avenue. Click here for more information and photos.

LVFD Takes The Polar Bear Plunge

On Saturday. January 27, 2007, several members participated in the 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge, to benefit the Special Olympics of Maryland. The group, while not officially recognized as a team, raised in excess of $600 for the Special Olympics. Click here for more information and photos.

Mulch Fire On Van Dusen Rd

January 20, 2007. LVFD units responded for an outside fire on Van Dusen Rd between Virginia Manor Rd. and Old Gunpowder Rd. Arriving on the scene, units found a very large pile of mulch on fire. Click here for more information and photos.