Home»BALTIMORE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT»INCIDENTS»2015 Fires and Incidents»2-Alarms 921-23 Desoto Rd. 4-15-15

Around 1500 hours on April 15, 2015 units were dispatched to a dwelling fire in the Morrell Park section of southwest Baltimore. As companies approached the scene a large column of heavy smoke was showing in the sky. The fire was several blocks from the station of Squad 47 and when they arrived at the scene they found a 2 ½ story frame duplex house with heavy smoke and fire throughout the entire building. Heavy fire was starting to melt the siding on exposure B, only about 15’ away.
Companies started an interior attack but quickly found their way hampered by piles of junk scattered about the front porch entrance. They concentrated on protecting the exposures on both sides by knocking down the heavy fire. Acting Battalion Chief 3, Joe Jarboe, Captain of Engine 55, arrived and took command and requested a working fire assignment followed quickly by a second alarm.
Units set up ladder pipes in the front from both sides along with large handlines. There was a collapse in the roof and a noticeable bulge appeared on side D. Companies set up a collapse zone around the house. About 30 minutes later a special call was requested for two more engines and a ladder truck. Shortly thereafter the right side of the house collapsed. Firefighters continued to pour water onto the fire until it was pretty well contained about an hour and a half later.
After it was declared under control companies maintained a fire watch throughout the night. The house was torn down the next day by Public Works.
Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause. No one was at home at the time of the fire. The occupants were notified at their workplace by neighbors and returned home to see their house completely destroyed. Their pet dog was lost in the fire.