On August 18, 2010 PVFC Squad 322 was alerted to respond to a report of a single vehicle overturned with one patient reported trapped on the Inner-loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) prior to Route 40 (Rescue Box 4-62). The Squad was alerted because first-due Squad 354 from Arbutus VFC is out of service for repairs. BCoFD Engine 41 & Medic 4 (Catonsville career) arrived to find a pick-up truck with the roof caved in and the driver trapped because of a truck tire that broke off of a truck on the Outer-loop. The crew from BCoFD Truck 13 (Westview career) conducted a roof-removal assisted by BCoFD Engine 13. Squad 322 arrived and its crew stood by to assist with patient care and extrication but ultimately weren’t needed.

Shortly after 11 P.M. Wednesday August 11, PVFC Squad 322 was alerted for a 10-50 PI Rescue at Reisterstown Road & Groff Lane in Owings Mills (Rescue Box 31-1). Responding crews anticipated a significant incident when the 911 caller's comments reported a vehicle flipped over with the patients pinned, possibly dead. BCoFD Engine and Medic 19 (Garrison career) arrived to find one vehicle into the Exxon sign with two trapped, both alive and conscious. Squad 322 arrived next and began stabilizing the right-side-up vehicle, which was made difficult due to the positioning of the car on bushes. Upon further investigation, crews found that the high speed impact had thrown the two unbelted occupants of the vehicle on top of each other, wedged between the driver seat and driver side of the car and both partially ejected. The force of the crash had partially separated the driver side of the vehicle from both the roof and floor of the car. The male passenger was pinned in a near-standing position with his head in the opening between the roof line and the roof on the driver side. After covering the patients with the rescue blanket, the Squad crew carefully spread the driver door away from what remained of the B-post and cut the Nader bolt while ensuring the patients remained stable. At this point, the male passenger was able to be removed from the vehicle. Once the door was further displaced by cutting the top hinge, rescuers discovered the foot of the female driver was pinned pinned underneath of the vehicle in the gap between the running board and the floor of the car. The running board was carefully cut away between the A-post and B-post to gain access to the patient's leg. Once the running board was removed, rescuers found that the driver's lower leg was not pinned beneath the car and a lifting operation would not be necessary. At this point, the driver was removed and turned over to EMS personnel. BCoFD Truck 18 (Randallstown career) assisted the Squad crew throughout the operation and both patients were extricated in about 10 minutes after the Squad's arrival. MSP Trooper 3 flew the driver of the vehicle to Shock Trauma while the passenger was taken to a local trauma center by BCoFD Medic 14 (Brooklandville career). Engine 19 handled the landing site at Owings Mills Elementary. During this incident, the normally first-due Engine 311 & Truck 313 (Owings Mills volunteers) were operating at Rosewood on a stubborn rekindle from a previous fire Sunday morning.

Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company members provided an interesting Public Safety Fire Education lesson on August 8 at the firehouse, working with Cultural Care Au Pair, an international program which matches host families with young children and au pairs from 25 different countries. Local Cultural Care Au Pair coordinator Ellen Moss joined PVFC members Dennis Gentzel and Terry Sapp at the training for au pairs who are natives of Germany, Sweden, Thailand and Venezuela. The first portion of the day was committed to home fire escape plans and smoke detectors. PVFC Firefighter/EMT Dennis Gentzel, a life member of PVFC since 1981, is a Fire Programs Specialist with the National Fire Academy. FF/EMT Gentzel gave an overview of smoke detectors, home fire safety planning and discussed ways to engage children in fire safety lessons using popular children’s folk tales. Gentzel reviewed “Get Out/Stay Out” and explained the different ways that the au pairs could help the children in their care design an escape plan for their families. Terry Sapp, PVFC member since 1997, is the Coordinator of Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Baltimore County Department of Health. EMT/FF Sapp brought the au pairs into the firehouse kitchen to illustrate the dangers posed to children if left unsupervised. In addition to fire safety, EMT Sapp reviewed safe storage of household chemicals and cleaning products, appliance safety, and proper dishwasher loading techniques to avoid injuries to small children. The au pairs also received instruction on how to assemble a 72-hour emergency survival kit for their households, as well as a 24-hour “Go-Bag” if faced with the need to evacuate with their families during a disaster. All participants received complimentary materials from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and Baltimore County Department of Health. The day ended with a tour of the firehouse and Pikesville’s fire and medical apparatus.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Sunday, August 8, PVFC Tower 323 and Squad 322 were dispatched along with other Baltimore County westside fire units to a reported building fire at the Rosewood complex in Owings Mills (Fire Box 31-5). BCoFD Engine 19 (Garrison career) arrived first to find heavy fire coming from a vacant multi-story building and ordered crews to use exterior operations only. Tower 323 was the first arriving truck and flowed water via the bucket for more than two hours, supplied by BCoFD Engine 2 (Pikesville career). Engine 19 also supplied water for laddderpipe operations on side Charlie with BCoFD Truck 18 (Randallstown career). The Rosewood complex has been the scene of several suspicious vacant building fires in recent years.

On Sunday July 25, a crew from Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company took Squad 322 over the Bay Bridge to join volunteer firefighters from across the state at Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department's 2nd Annual Auto Extrication Competition. All companies involved gathered at Queen Anne’s County Station 1 where they were able to enjoy the top-of-the-line facilities, especially the air conditioning on a hot and humid day. The competition, slated to begin at 4pm, was delayed due to the hurricane-like storm that blew across the bay, producing torrential sideways downpours, high winds, and one incredible lightning show. Once the storm blew through, all competitors proceeded to Kent Island High School at the carnival grounds to prepare for the rescue competition. Here, Pikesville's crew was able to meet its challenge - a tinted out retired Maryland State Police Crown Vic, built like a tank. Crews were informed that they would be judged on a variety of factors including speed, teamwork, smoothness, command presence, planning, safety and organization. Pikesville's crew was tasked with removing all four doors and the roof before completing a dash roll. Overall, the operation ran smoothly - If a problem arose with Plan A, Plans B and C were ready to go. After everyone had completed their rescue scenarios, the judges convened to tally up their scores. Congratulations to Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company whose Rescue 351 crew placed first and Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company whose Rescue 751 crew placed second. Pikesville VFC proudly took home 3rd place in their first attempt at this competition, and is looking forward to improving next year. Other companies involved included Grasonville, St. Leonard, St. Michael, Crumpton, Riviera Beach and Smyrna (DE). A special thanks to the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this excellent event and for providing an extra set of turnout gear. Thanks also to Bruce Secrist with Fire In The Hole Photography for the great photos. http://www.fithp.net/

Early Monday morning while Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company crews were resting up from Sunday’s 2-alarm fire in Lutherville, their sleep was interrupted for a report of a building fire in Randallstown (Fire Box 18-1).  Baltimore County Fire Department Medic 18 (Randallstown career) notified dispatch of smoke coming from a building in the area of Liberty Road and Brenbrook Drive, across the street from their station.  Upon further investigation, Station 18 units found a fire inside a store in a vacant strip shopping center and requested a full box assignment, bringing additional units including PVFC Squad 322 and Tower 323. Upon arrival the Squad positioned on Side Alpha while the Tower followed Engine 2's split lay to Side Charlie.  With moderate smoke conditions throughout the large structure, a few minutes passed before crews located the fire in two rooms attached to a hallway adjacent to the main floor area of the store.  The Squad crew equipped with hooks assisted engine companies locating the fire and opening up.  The Tower crew threw three ladders to the rear of the building and split in two teams; one assisted interior crews searching and checking for fire extension and the other working with BCoFD Truck 18 to open up the roof.  Once the fire was extinguished, the Squad utilized positive pressure ventilation and provided lights for the remaining interior operations and investigation.  Pikesville VFC units operated nearly 90 minutes before returning home.

In the early evening hours of Sunday, July 11, Baltimore County Fire Department Central Division units were alerted to a possible building fire at 1412 Railroad Avenue at Bond Lumber in Lutherville, the scene of several previous fires.   Responding units reported heavy smoke was showing from a distance and Lutherville VFC Engine 307 arrived with a large structure well-involved and requested a working fire assignment, bringing Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Tower 323 and other units.  Upon arrival, the Tower was able to dodge supply hose down Railroad Avenue and position next to BCoFD Truck 1 in case a third elevated master stream was needed and the crew was assigned to Side Charlie to assist Lutherville's crews as needed.  Command soon requested a 2nd alarm, bringing Pikesville VFC Engine 321 and other units to the scene.  Once master stream operations were ceased, the Tower crew with a partner saw and long hooks entered the building with Lutherville crews to try to gain access to the remaining hot spots.  Due to the extensive collapse, it was determined that heavy equipment would be needed to reach the remaining fire.  Crews operated for a few hours mostly in defensive mode due to early partial structural collapse and exploding propane tanks.

Photos by a PVFC member

Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, July 5, Baltimore County westside units were alerted for a reported rollover motor vehicle crash on Interstate 795 between exits 1 & 4 (Local Box 2-50). While units were en route, Baltimore County Fire Dispatch advised units callers to 911 were now reporting a person was trapped in the vehicle, and the call was upgraded to a rescue, bringing PVFC Squad 322 and additional units to the scene. Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Company Truck 313 arrived on the Interstate north of Exit 4 / Owings Mills Boulevard reporting a two vehicle MVA with a Chevrolet SUV that rolled over, with the driver trapped (Rescue Box 31-50). Command reported the patient was a Priority 1 trauma and requested a Maryland State Police Trooper for medevac. Firefighters extricated the driver and Squad 322's crew assisted with patient care, with BCoFD Medic 2 (Pikesville career) triaging and preparing the patient for transport to Shock Trauma.

Around 6 a.m. Saturday July 3, PVFC Squad 322 was among Baltimore County westside units alerted for Fire Box 3-18, reporting an apartment building on fire in the area of Tudsbury Road and Scarsborough Circle.  Baltimore County 911 was receiving multiple calls and dispatch advised responding units the address of the building on fire was reported to be 2803 Diamond Ridge Road.  BCoFD Engine 3 (Woodlawn career) arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the top floor of a 4-story garden-style apartment building, with extension into the floor below.   Command requested a Working Fire Dispatch, alerting PVFC Tower 323 and other units, followed quickly by BC22 requesting a second alarm.  Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were able to contain it to the building of origin. Approximately 30 residents either self-evacuated or were assisted from the building by firefighters. Officials said 16 apartments were damaged by the fire and the American Red Cross Central Maryland Chapter was on scene assisting displaced individuals. One Baltimore City firefighter, on the scene for mutual aid, fell about 20 feet from a ground ladder and was transported to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, reportedly with non-life threatening injuries. The fire is under investigation by the BCoFD Fire Investigation Division.

Wednesday, June 23 had Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company crews busy with a morning apartment fire, followed by multiple accident calls later in the day.

Just before 9 a.m. PVFC Engine 321 and Tower 323 responded with other Baltimore County westside units to Fire Box 18-14 for a report of a rear porch on fire at 4615 Old Court Road on the Randallstown/Pikesville line. First arriving units reported nothing showing on side Alpha, Tower 323 arrived moments later on side Charlie with heavy smoke showing from the balcony and eves of a third floor apartment. The Tower crew threw multiple ground ladders while BCoFD Truck 18 (Randallstown career) conducted a search and started removing the contents on fire from the balcony while awaiting an attack line. The fire was quickly knocked down and crews from Truck 18 and BCoFD Engines 4 (Catonsville career)  & 19 (Garrison career) stayed on location for ventilation and awaiting the Fire Investigation Division.  At the time of the fire BCoFD Engines 2, 3, and 18 were all out of service.
 
PVFC crews ran more than a dozen calls throughout the day, including a call at 10:21 a.m. to  box 14-13, a motor vehicle crash reported in the area of Greenspring Avenue & Interstate 695. PVFC Engine 321 and Tower 323 arrived to find one vehicle into a utility pole which was leaning over the roadway with other poles and lines leaning dangerously low. Baltimore County Police shut down Greenspring Avenue between the Beltway and Woodvalley Road while awaiting BGE. The driver of the vehicle refused EMS services.
 

Pikesville VFC Engine 321 and Tower 323 were alerted on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 22 with other westside Baltimore County fire units for a reported apartment fire in the 6500 block of Liberty Road (Fire Box 3-14).  As units were responding, Fire Dispatch advised numerous calls were coming in to 911 reporting a fire. BCoFD Engine 3 (Woodlawn career) arrived firstwith a multi-story dwelling divided up into apartments, advising heavy fire showing from the B/C sides. Engine 331 (Woodlawn Volunteers) split laid from Engine 3 to the hydrant. BCoFD Truck 18 (Randallstown career) & Tower 323 arrived within seconds of each other; the truck/tower crews conducted a primary search, vented the roof, threw multiple ground ladders and opened up the walls to expose additional fire. Engine 321’s crew covered the water supply and assisted in the basement with fire attack. Units operated on the scene for a little more than two hours.

Photos by a PVFC member.

PVFC Tower 323 responded with other Baltimore County westside units to an electrical fire Monday afternoon June 21 in the Pikesville Library / Senior Center complex on Reisterstown Road. BCoFD Engine 2 (Pikesville career) first ran the response as an engine-only response, and when crews encountered moderate smoke conditions in an occupied building requested the full fire box assignment. Firefighters found an electrical fire in the ceiling area, the Tower crew was assigned to work on the building’s roof.

Photos courtesy www.JewishByte.info

PVFC Engine 321 was dispatched with Baltimore County Fire Department central battalion units on Sunday, June 13 around 3 p.m. for the report of a house fire in the area of Robert E. Lee Park.   BCoFD Engine 14 (Brooklandville career) arrived on Lake Avenue near the Baltimore City line  and advised there was nothing evident and they didn’t have access into the park with fire apparatus due to construction on the main bridge off of Hollins Lane & Lakeside Drive. Engine 321 arrived next on Falls Road near the lightrail station and began searching for access into the park assisted by BCoFD Brush 14. It was determined that the only access to the house  reported to be on fire would have to be made by traveling down the Light Rail tracks heading towards the Lutherville lightrail station. With the assistance of MTA Police, fire department units were able to board a lightrail train, moving the passengers to the second car, and filling the train car with personnel, extinguishers, tools, and rehab equipment due to the heat. After traveling one-half mile, cutting through a fence, and taking a hike through the wooded area, all first alarm units arrived to find a 2.5 story vacant dwelling with fire in the basement extending to the upper floors via the walls. Crews operated for hours to get the fire under control before passing the scene to BCoFD Fire Investigation Division. ATV’s responded from companies 11, 50, 44, 53, and 48 but weren’t utilized.

Wednesday evening June 2 would prove to be a busy late evening for the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company as crews responded to two fire calls after 11 p.m.  Shortly after 11 p.m., PVFC Engine 321 and Squad 322 responded with other Baltimore County westside units to a reported barn fire in the area of Greenspring Valley Road and Old Valley Road in Stevenson.  BCoFD Engine 19 (Garrison career) arrrived with a fully involved dumpster in a difficult to access area, and the PVFC crews assisted while Station 19 and Chestnut Ridge Volunteer firefigfighters extinguished the fire.  As this incident was nearing an end, around 11:30 p.m. BCoFD Dispatch toned units for Fire Box 33-9, in the area of Flannery Lane and Pembroke Avenue, for a reported house fire.  IV335 (Woodlawn volunteers) arrived with smoke showing from a house at 5611 Pembroke Avenue, and when firefighters made entry they reported a basement fire. As firefighters made an aggressive attack and began venting operations, flames jumped through the roof of the house. Cleared from the 19 box, Squad 322 responded on this fire call and the crew assisted with scene lighting and opening up the walls and ceilings of the house so engine crews could hit the fire.

Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Squad 322 and Engine 321 were dispatched shortly before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2 along with Baltimore County Fire Department Central Battalion & Baltimore City  Fire Department units for a reported crash with someone trapped on Interstate 83 in Brooklandville. BCoFD Engine 14 (Brooklandville career) & Baltimore City Medic 45 arrived on I-83 Northbound between Northern Parkway & Ruxton Road.to find a Ford SUV up on the guardrail with the driver trapped. The Squad arrived moments later and began to stabilize the vehicle assisted by BCoFD Truck 1 (Towson career). Units spread the passenger door down and flapped the roof to gain access to the patient, who was transported to an area hospital.