Home»All Photographs»Fire Scene Photos»Baltimore County Incidents»Baltimore County - 2007 Incidents»2nd Alarm Townhouse Fire in Middle River, MD

Memorial Day 2007 turned dangerous for residents in Middle River, MD when a fire apparently caused by an accidental BBQ propane tank destroyed two townhomes on Kemsley Court. Firefighters on Baltimore County’s eastside were called shortly before 1 p.m. and Tower 209 (White Marsh Volunteers) reported heavy smoke visible from the White Marsh Mall, about 3 miles away. First-arriving Engine 12 laid several lines and crews attempted an aggressive attack. “Firefighters found heavy fire from the rear corner house and fire showing through the roof,” said BCoFD Batallion Chief Joe Fannon. “The fire was progressing pretty well when we first got on the scene.” The resident of the end-unit townhome was cooking on a rear deck when he noticed fire under the grill, Chief Fannon said. The fire quickly grew in intensity, fueled by the escaping propane, and consumed the rear deck and much of the townhome and an adjacent exposure. The propane tank exploded and was found about four houses away. Two firefighters were transported to area hospitals for evaluation of minor injuries, and the home’s resident was taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Crews were hampered by high heat and humidity and emergency medical personnel set up a rehab station near the command post.