Three-Alarm Apartment Fire Causes Extensive Damage

Frederick County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched at 2:48 p.m. Monday afternoon September 9, 2013, to the 800 block of Blakely Court in Frederick City for the report of an apartment fire. First arriving units encountered heavy fire conditions in a first floor apartment that extended up the exterior of the building to the second and third floors and roof. The Incident Commander quickly requested additional resources including a rapid intervention dispatch and second and third alarms. Firefighters will be returning to the neighborhood this evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. offering free smoke alarms, replacement batteries, and safety information to residents. Chief Denise Pouget of the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services stated, “I encourage everyone to become a partner in fire safety by making sure they have a functioning smoke alarm and escape plan.” The bulk of the fire was out at 5:00 p.m. and firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots, monitor conditions and conduct overhaul. Investigators were requested to the scene and the fire remains under investigation. Initial damage estimates are unavailable at this time. The fire caused extensive damage to six units and the American Red Cross offered assistance to residents displaced by the fire. One firefighter and one civilian were injured. The firefighter was transported to an area hospital; the civilian refused treatment and transport. For further information contact Community Services Liaison Doug Brown at 301-600-1905 or via e-mail at dbrown@frederickcountymd.gov.