Continue Investigation After WestminsterMan Injured

The Monongah Fire Department was alerted fora first-due structure fire. Engine 101 responded and arrived to find nothing apparent from the outside of the structure. Upon making entry into the home, the crew found smoke coming from the first floorof the residence and found a fire in a dryer; crews cut powerto the dryer. To keep damage minimal crews from MFD and Valley Engine 125 used a watercan to extinguish and removed the dryerto the outside. While that was taking place, MFD placed a thermal camera in service checking forextension in walls and dryerpipe vent to the outside. MFD and Valley crew then started venting the structure until all smoke was removed. Thanks to Valley VolunteerFire Department, Farmington VolunteerFire Department and Boothsville VolunteerFire Department.

- Photo courtesy of Monongah FD

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating a fire that injured a Westminsterman while making homemade fireworks. At around 1000 on April 22, 2023, WestminsterFire Department responded to the 300 block of Parisian Way fora house fire. ADeputy State Fire Marshal was in the area and arrived just before the firefighters. He located the 68-year-old owner, who was severely burned and told the investigatorhe was making homemade fireworks. The fire department arrived shortly after, and they were able to contain the fire within the garage of the home. Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the injured man to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he was listed in stable condition. No one else was inside the home at the time of the fire.

Investigators requested the assistance of Bomb Technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, along with Certified Explosive Specialists with ATF, in rendering the residence safe, evidence collection, and processing the scene. Bom b Technicians, with the assistance of the Carroll County HazMat Team, rendered all of the devices found safe and properly disposed of any of the remaining products. Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Roads Operations are credited with maintaining a safe perimeterand keeping the area clearof vehiculartraffic while investigators worked throughout the evening.

- Credit Office Maryland State Fire Marshal