A working basement fire challenged Gamber & Community Fire Co. units as well as neighboring fire companies on Wednesday afternoon. The house fire was dispatched at approximately 4:10 pm in the 3600 block of Oxwed Court off of Marianne Ct. and Klees Mill Road in Westminster.

First arriving Engine 131 from Gamber reported smoke from all sides of the dwelling and immediately called for additional supporting units.
Firefighters encountered fire in the basement which was extremely difficult to access. The stairs from the first floor to the basement were damaged by the flames and could not be used. Firefighters vented the roof as well as windows through the house due to the heavy smoke throughout.

The fire was knocked down within 40 minutes and declared under control by approximately 5:10 pm. Reese Medic 99 and Baltimore County Medic 415 assisted at the scene since Gamber's ambulance was on a call in Baltimore County. The two ambulances were used to allow firefighters to cool off and rehab. Gamber's ambulance returned to the fire scene later in the incident.

Fire crews remained at the property to overhaul the house and extinguish any hot spots. One resident was home at the time of the fire but he was not transported to the hospital. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

An engine from Upperco Volunteer Fire Co. filled in the Gamber station.

Earlier in the afternoon, Gamber units responded to five storm related calls. Units from Sykesville and Winfield were also very busy with storm related incidents including wires and trees down.

Updated news story link:

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-gamber-firearm-fire-20190808-ilhonygt6vcelpdregidqk2yae-story.html

Earlier news story link:

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-gamber-fire-oxwed-court-20190807-hqghdgpbsnekbeufxhfrmes3qu-story.html