Gamber & Community Fire Co. and neighboring fire departments were alerted for a house fire at 5:00 am on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Units arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing. It was located in the 3900 block of Robin Hood Way just off of Klees Mills Road. After sizing up the residence, a two-story dwelling, firefighters declared a working fire.

Sykesville Freedom District Fire Dept. Chief 12, Ed Ruch Jr. took command of the incident. During the initial attack on the fire, a firefighter fell through a hole in the dining room floor and declared a Mayday. The rapid intervention team was immediately assigned to assist in his extrication but he managed to pull himself from the hole without injury. Additionally, a second alarm was requested.

Two residents were home at the time but escaped without injury. They were assessed by EMS on the scene. The fire was declared under control shortly afterwards and units remained on the scene putting out hot spots, ventilating smoke, and conducting overhaul.

Engine 33 from Westminster initially set up as the water source engine at the underground water tanks behind the Gamber station. When the incident no longer needed water from the tanks, the engine then moved to fill in the Gamber station.

Fire Marshals from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were on the scene investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

UPDATE

Units were alerted for a chimney fire at the same address at approximately 10:23 am on Wednesday. The caller reported black smoke coming from the chimney. Gamber, Sykesville, Reese, and Winfield were alerted. The cause was residual fuel in the furnace that reignited. The fire was under control and extinguished within an hour.