Home explosion rattles neighborhood in Essex

VIDEOS: A house explosion rattled a community Saturday night in Essex. The home on Crafton Road near Avenal Road caught on fire around 11 p.m. and exploded, shaking a neighborhood awake. "It rocked the whole neighborhood," said neighborhood resident Michael. BG&E, ATF, Baltimore County Police and Baltimore County Fire Department as well as White Marsh Volunteer Fire, responded to the fire. Upon their arrival, crews found the home engulfed in flames and requested a 2nd-alarm alert to be sent out. "Within minutes, there was heavy fire coming from the rear of this home and the home was destroyed," said Bureau Chief Travis Francis, from the Baltimore County Fire Department. The homeowner told WJZ that she and her children were not home when this happened.
WJZ-TV CBS 13 Baltimore

Firefighter hospitalized following a cabin fire in Harford County

PHOTO: A firefighter was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a house fire in Harford County on Saturday night. On April 20 around 9:44 p.m., crews responded to a house fire on 2017 Jennings Lane, Darlington, in Harford County. The home is one of approximately 350 'cabins' located along the banks of the Susquehanna River. The owner, Bryan S. Ullman, was at the cabin earlier in the day; however, he was not home when the fire was discovered. 50 firefighters worked together to extinguish the fire, and it took almost two hours to put out. One Darlington VFC firefighter sustained smoke inhalation and exhaustion. He was transported to Bayview Medical Center for evaluation. He was admitted and is listed in stable condition. The cabin is a complete loss, according to officials.
WBFF-TV FOX 45 Baltimore

Ocean City plans a new firehouse to help reduce response times

The Ocean City Fire Department's new firehouse on 65th Street and Coastal Highway is well underway. The new firehouse is anticipated to improve operational efficiency, reduce response times and offer enhanced training opportunities for firefighters. The modern facility is equipped with advanced safety features, including ventilated gear storage and a decontamination suite, aimed at mitigating health risks for firefighters. The Ocean City Fire Department aims to position the new station as a central hub for quick response and critical care, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Chief Richard Bowers of the Ocean City Fire Department, gave more insight into what this station will offer. Inside, there will be 12 bunk rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, expansive storage areas, the largest fitness room among Ocean City firehouses, and more.
WRDE-LD NBC 31 Salisbury

District Heights fire leaves multiple people without home

A Wednesday morning fire in District Heights has left eight people without a home. Crews with the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department responded to a three-story apartment complex building, located on Lorring Drive, off of Marlboro Pike, just before 9:30 a.m. after a report of a fire. Upon arrival at the location they found smoke showing from the building. In a 10:35 a.m. social media post by the fire department, they stated that the fire was put out and there were no injuries. Photos released also show multiple shattered windows. Prince George's County Emergency Management will be assisting the eight adults who have been displaced due to the blaze. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
WUSA-TV CBS 9 Washington, D.C.