10 November 2023- Units from the Hagerstown Fire Department (HFD) responded to a significant fire on Sunday, November 5 at approximately 10:23pm at 719 Largo Avenue in the city’s east end. Units arrived in a little over three minutes to find fire showing from the front windows and extending into the attic space. Two adult occupants who had been alerted to the fire by a working smoke detector in the residence had self-evacuated to the back yard just prior to HFD’s arrival. Both were extricated from the fenced in yard, evaluated, treated and transported to Meritus Medical Center by units from Community Rescue Service.
Yesterday, the same HFD units who responded on Sunday conducted an “After the Fire” survey to check the entire neighborhood to reinforce best fire prevention and survivability actions for all residents. They also volunteered to enter resident’s homes to verify working smoke detectors and water supplies for their sprinkler systems. 59 of 100 residences were checked and important safety information was distributed to the remaining residences.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
HFD reminds everyone that a working smoke detector is a critical first line of defense when it comes to surviving a fire. In the event of a fire, HFD stresses that you should immediately evacuate any fire area, close all doors behind you, notify 9-1-1 as quickly as possible, and do not go back inside for any reason.
For additional information or questions regarding smoke detectors, please call the Hagerstown Fire Department at 301-791-2544.
