Brush Task Force In Sykesville

 
By Lieutenant Charlie Green Jr
January 28, 2006
 

A wind-whipped brush fire quickly blew out of control in Eldersburg, Saturday afternoon, January 28.

Fire crews were first alerted around 2:30 for a possible brush fire in the area of Progress Way. A medic crew in the area reported a large column of dark smoke in the area. Sykesville's Brush 125 arrived on the scene with "Battalion Chief" Steve Pickett immediately requesting a brush task force, bringing extra resources to the scene.

The fire had burned up out of its area of origin in a low hollow near a retention pond and was beginning to race a cross a wide, open field. Crews using brush trucks, hoselines and rakes quickly jumped out in front of the fire to stop its progress, while others wet down the area of origin.

The crews worked quickly and efficiently to bring the fire under control in less than a half hour. After some extensive wetting-down of the area, the firefighters were able to clean up and head home.

There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Photos courtesy of Keith Parker and Angie Newton
News Story Provided By Firefighter Bill Rehkopf

 
Units: Gamber Brush 135, Brush 136, Engine 134, Engine-Tanker 133(Brush Task Force minus one brush)
 
Mutual Aid: Sykesville Brush 125, Ladder 12, Engine 123, Duty 12, Utility 12, Paramedic 128, Life Support 12;Winfield Brush 147