Home»BALTIMORE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT»INCIDENTS»2015 Fires and Incidents»2-Alarms 4102 Ethland Ave. 2-24-15

One person died in a house fire in the Forest Park section of northwest Baltimore on February 24, 2015. Around 1830 hours Fifth Battalion companies were dispatched to a dwelling fire at 4102 Ethland Avenue. Truck 12 was first to arrive and Lieutenant Tom Skinner reported fire showing from a 2-story frame dwelling and made it a working fire. A few minutes later he asked for the second alarm.
There were initial reports that someone may have been trapped inside. Battalion Chief 5, Captain Chris Hutson from Engine 52, arrived and took command. Companies attempted to enter the building but heavy smoke and fire along with extreme hoarding conditions prevented crews from getting too far inside the house. Crews were withdrawn and set up exterior operations. Heavy fire was throughout the entire house and eventually broke through the roof. Snow and icy conditions from two recent storms also made it extremely difficult navigating around the scene and hampered firefighting efforts.
Companies continued to pour water on the fire with handlines and ladder pipes for about 2 ½ hours until the fire was knocked down enough for firefighters to enter the house. It was at that time when they entered and found a deceased male in the first floor front room. He was removed and taken to the Medical Examiners Office for identification and determine the cause of death.
The fire was declared under control in about three hours. Fire Investigation and Police Arson detectives were on the scene to determine the cause. The owner of the house got out safely and stated that the dead man may have been one of her tenants. No other injuries were reported. There was minor damage to the two houses on either side of the fire.